Cook Islands

With an idyllic climate, endless adventure and pure relaxation, these pristine islands are the perfect escape.

The Cook Islands lies halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, boasting an idyllic climate, endless adventure and pure relaxation. The very centre of Polynesia, the fifteen islands are scattered over 2 million square kilometres with the Rarotonga and Aitutaki providing the most accessible sights and activities.


Rarotonga is just 32 km in circumference, so you can drive around the whole island in 40 minutes. With a wide range of scenery, activities, accommodation, restaurants and cafes, no matter where you are or what you want to do, the whole island is your playground. A 50-minute flight north is Aitutaki with its triangular-shaped reef surrounding a bright turquoise lagoon containing 15 small islets.

For the adventurous, the undeveloped outer Cook Islands have a remote, unspoiled appeal so please ask us for tailored suggestions if this appeals to you. Seven sister islands are in the rest of the southern group and six more lie to the north. Some are accessible by local flights, all are accessible by boat occasionally. Off the beaten track, and spread over 700,000 square miles of the South Pacific Ocean, their uniqueness and timelessness are their own reward.



As modern Pacific people, high-spirited Cook Islanders are a cosmopolitan blend of western influence and ancient Polynesian heritage.

Polynesians arrived in Rarotonga around 800 AD, sailing from Tupua’i, now French Polynesia. The Maori migrations to New Zealand began from Rarotonga as early as the 5th century AD. Closely linked in culture and language to the Maori in New Zealand, the Maohi of French Polynesia, the Rapanui of Easter Island and the Kanaka Maoli of Hawaii – about 87% of Cook Islanders are Polynesian Cook Island Maori.


Cook Islands & Society Islands
Cook Islands & Society Islands

This 11-night odyssey showcases the region’s incredible diversity of scenery, from Aitutaki’s low-lying islands to the jagged peaks and deep…

Duration: 12 Days
Ship: Paul Gauguin
Next Departure Date: Contact us