Flight time.
Close to home. Raro is just a 3-hour flight from Auckland – that means less time travelling and more time unwinding.
COOK ISLANDS. Where Every Moment is Magic.
Kia Orana! A holiday to the Cook Islands is the perfect island escape. Relaxation, romance, family fun and adventure… you can have it all in this tropical paradise. There is so much to see and do, yet the islands remain unspoilt, you won’t find traffic lights or a McDonald's and there are no buildings higher than a coconut tree! Just a short 3 to 4-hour flight away from New Zealand, Rarotonga feels like a world of its own – with some of the happiest people, pristine beaches, immersive cultural experiences, and world-class resorts awaiting your discovery.
Chat to our Pacific travel specialists and together, let’s plan your magical Cook Islands escape today.
Best time to go.
May to October, is dry season and generally considered the best time to visit. However, even during the wet season (November to April), the rain showers are usually short-lived, and the islands remain lush and green.
Time difference.
Despite being a 3 hour flight away, New Zealand is 22 hours ahead of Raro (GMT -10).
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Our favourite things to do in the Cook Islands
An Island night to remember!
Get ready for a night that’s all about culture, food, and fun at Te Vara Nui Village!
Swim with turtles
Zip around underwater on a sea scooter safari with Ariki Adventures. Your first encounter with a sea turtle in the wild is something you’ll remember forever.
Aitutaki’s ultimate must-do!
This is a must do when in Aitutaki.
Get off-road in Raro
All aboard for an adventure you won’t soon forget! Take on the most thrilling road trip inland of Rarotonga!
Hop on a lagoon cruise
Don’t miss a fantastic day out exploring Muri Lagoon.
Try Paddleboard Yoga
Ready for a unique twist on your typical yoga routine?
Enjoy the local nightlife
Rarotonga’s got the vibe! Dance, drink, and enjoy a good time at one of Raro's lively bars and clubs!
Catch of the day
Fish and feast, an angler’s delight!
Our Cook Islands travel blogs
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"So relaxed and happy to fine deals and comparisons"
Debbie"She sorted everything for us very quickly, gave us lots of options to choose from. Couldn’t have asked for better service, thanks Gaylene"
Ray"Lisa took notice of what we asked for, from this she was able to give us options and ways to reduce the cost if we wanted of our trip."
Raewyn
Nicky de Clifford
House of Travel Merivale
Having spent the last 25 years in the Travel Industry I can safely say "I love my job".
Getting to put together dream holidays is very rewarding and it's great to see so many more Kiwis getting out to see this amazing world of ours...
Nicky
Leanne Newton
House of Travel Upper Riccarton
Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel.
It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people.
It brings back that feeling I had when I first travelled overseas, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience something so meaningful and life changing with my daughter.
Leanne
Josephine Perera
House of Travel Masterton
Having been with House of Travel for 13 years I really enjoy how even after all this time every day is different. I can still find new destinations to learn about and expand on my knowledge through travel I have booked. Hearing about how my client’s travels went and what they experienced is always a highlight!
I encourage clients to keep in touch throughout their trip as I love receiving a photo now and then to see where their adventures are taking them. To me it's not just a holiday or a travel experience we are booking, it's memories we are helping create that will last you a lifetime.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.
So don't wait, get in touch to plan your next big adventure today!
Megan McKay
House of Travel Hornby
I have a passion for all things travel and cannot wait to help ensure you have the best experience possible!
Megan
Pacific Islands deals 3
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to visit the Cook Islands?
There’s never a bad time to visit this island paradise that embodies a warm tropical climate all year round, but the popular time to travel is between late April to October. Busiest time to be on the island is school holidays – book early to avoid disappointment.
What is the currency in the Cook Islands
The unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar. The Cook Islands also issue their own banknotes and unique coins so remember to change your local notes before you leave.
Where to go on holiday in the Cook Islands?
If you're planning a holiday in the Cook Islands, explore our Cook Islands travel guide to make the most of your time on these beautiful islands. Discover top spots like Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and the lesser-known gems like Atiu and Mangaia.
How to find the best holiday package to the Cook Islands?
We've got that covered for you! Our Cook Island specialists have handpicked and curated the best Cook Island deals for you so you can make the most of your island holiday. Visit our Cook Island deals section on our website or sign up to get the hottest deals sent straight to your email.
Is The Cook Islands in the same time zone as NZST?
Cook Islands are 22 or 23 hours behind New Zealand (depending on daylight savings in New Zealand). Do your calculation before arrival eg. when you fly from New Zealand you arrive Cook Islands the day before.
What power voltage and power outlet plugs do they use in the Cook Islands?
Electricity voltage is 240 AC/50 cycle, the same three pin plugs as used in New Zealand and Australia. Some hotels have outlets for 110-volt AC electric razors.
Where to stay in the Cook Islands?
Choosing where to stay in the Cook Islands can be tough with so many options. For luxury resorts and pristine beaches, Rarotonga is perfect. Take the family to The Edgewater Resort & Spa or Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Aitutaki offers stunning lagoons and secluded resorts from budget to luxury, while Atiu is an eco-lovers paradise, great for nature lovers with its lush landscapes and caves.
What should I pack for my trip to the Cook Islands?
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, swimwear, sunscreen, jandals, a hat, insect repellent and sunglasses. If visiting during the cooler months (May to October), we recommend including a light jacket for cooler evenings. Please note, Cook Islands is a very modest society and you should dress and behave so as not to offend.
Do I need travel insurance for the Cook Islands?
Absolutely, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to the Cook Islands. We provide a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to the Cook Islands. Find more information here.
Do I need to hire a car to get around in the Cook Islands?
Recommend hiring a car to offer flexibility and convenience if you plan to explore at your own pace. NZ full drivers license is valid in the Cook Islands. Just remember not to park under a coconut tree. If hiring a scooter, please note helmets are mandatory. If you hold a motorcycle license this will be valid in the Cook Islands, if not you will need to obtain a Cook Islands visitor license.
How can I get around the Cook Islands without a car?
There are two public buses on the island of Rarotonga, one which runs clockwise and the other runs anti-clockwise. The bus will stop anywhere on the main road, just wave and smile and the bus will pick you up. For exploring more of the back roads of Rarotonga, and to see historical sites and check out the scenery, we recommend you hire a car for at least a part of your holiday or there is the option of booking a tour.
What are some family-friendly activities in the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands are the ultimate family holiday destination with activities like Captain Tamas Lagoon Cruizes where the whole family is entertained by Captain Tama’s crew, snorkelling and lunch included, visit the Punanga Nui Market, exploring traditional Cook Island villages and enjoying the beautiful beaches. Resorts often offer kids' clubs and family-friendly excursions.
What is there to do in Cook Islands?
There are so many things to do! Indulge like a local and try the traditional dishes of the Cook Islands, Enjoy an island night cultural show, Relax, unwind and release all that tension with a massage or spa treatment or Jump on a lagoon cruise on the world’s most beautiful lagoon in Aitutaki, you’ll be mesmerised by the natural beauty that surrounds you.
What is the telecommunications network in the Cook Islands?
Vodafone Cook Islands is the current mobile provider for telecommunications services in the country. 4G+ mobile data is available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. With 4G now available on the remaining outer islands. There are WiFi hotspots at prime locations spread across all islands.
