The Cook Islands offer a variety of discoveries: churches with historical ties on Rarotonga, dense rainforests and coffee on Atiu, a market on Aitutaki and a traditional island name on Mauke. There are also clear contrasts between activities on the water and on land. When planning a trip, you can explore the islands based on the themes that interest you most.
History on Rarotonga, getting to Aitutaki
Cook Islands Christian Churches (CICC) are spread across Rarotonga. Their history is connected to the London Missionary Society (LMS) and to community members who helped spread the Christian faith on Rarotonga. The churches therefore have both a geographical and a historical dimension: they are spread across the island and are also connected to this history.
The flight to Aitutaki, north of Rarotonga, is said to take 50 minutes. If you are making specific travel plans, check the latest flight times.
Lagoons, jungle and culture
Marine experiences in the Cook Islands include glass-bottom boat trips through lagoons; outdoor experiences include hikes through the jungle. These are different ways to experience the surroundings: a trip across the lagoon by water or a hike through the jungle on land. When choosing, you can take into account the clear difference between a boat trip and an activity on foot.
Cultural events in the Cook Islands feature drumming and dance performances. Alongside nature and outdoor experiences, cultural performances therefore offer a distinct area of interest. When planning your trip, you can choose between a lagoon cruise, a jungle hike, and music and dance at cultural events.
Visiting the market on Aitutaki
The Orongo Park Night Market on Aitutaki is said to take place every second Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Offerings include local island dishes, cold drinks, fresh coconuts, sweets and clothing; a Cook Islands string band also performs live. If you would like to visit the market, check the latest dates in advance.
Atiu: Rainforest and Arabica coffee
Atiu has dense rainforests and coastal scrubland. Another local feature is Arabica coffee: it is organically grown, hand-harvested and dried on Atiu. The island’s landscape and a specifically described growing and processing method are both part of what there is to discover. If you are considering a plantation visit, check the arrangements beforehand, as they may vary.
A name for Mauke
An island name offers another way in: Mauke’s traditional name is Akatokamanava, meaning “where my heart rests.” This linguistic meaning provides a different emphasis from the churches on Rarotonga, the landscape and coffee on Atiu, or the activities on the water. It adds a cultural discovery, expressible in just a few words, to the picture of the Cook Islands.
Discover more destinations: Arorangi, Titikaveka, Muri, Avarua, Oneroa Village, Ivirua Village, Takitumu District, Arutanga, Atiu, Rarotonga, Nukatere, Matavera District.
