Cook Islands is a travel destination in Polynesia. Its capital is Avarua. June and August are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Cook Islands
Aitutaki Lagoon (natural) — Triangular turquoise lagoon ringed by 15 motus — widely considered one of the world's most beautiful lagoons for snorkelling and sailing.
Cross-Island Track (natural) — Jungle trek across Rarotonga passing the island's interior peaks — dense rainforest, hidden valleys, and panoramas over both coasts.
Muri Beach (beach) — Calm lagoon beach on Rarotonga's east coast — kayaking to four offshore motus, paddleboarding, and vivid stargazing at night.
Ara Metua (landmark) — Over 1,000-year-old coral-slab road crossing Rarotonga's interior — one of the Pacific's oldest surviving paved routes.
Te Vara Nui Village (landmark) — Living cultural show — traditional Cook Islands dance, fire performance, and overwater bure dinner reflecting Polynesian tradition.
Tauranga Bay (beach) — Secluded Rarotonga beach — raw and rocky, visited mainly by locals; colourful reef fish visible in the shallows.
Palmerston Atoll (natural) — Remote coral atoll inhabited solely by descendants of one British sailor, William Marsters — fish-rich lagoon and untouched reefs.
Avana Harbour (landmark) — Ancient canoe landing on Rarotonga's east coast — from here Polynesian voyagers set off to discover New Zealand centuries ago.
Takitumu Conservation Area (natural) — Rainforest reserve protecting the endangered Rarotonga flycatcher (Kakerori) — guided night walks and birdwatching at dawn.
Avarua Town (city) — Rarotonga's relaxed capital — colonial CICC church (1853), lively Saturday market, and the Cook Islands Library and Museum.