Top Things to do in Southern Cook Islands
Top Hotels in Southern Cook Islands
Countries
10 Things to do in Southern Cook Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Southern Cook Islands, Cook Islands including One Foot Island, Aitutaki Lagoon, Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Muri Lagoon, Punanga Nui, Maire Nui Botanical Gardens, Koteka Winery, Black Rock Beach, Aroa Marine Reserve, Te Ara- Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise.
Restaurants in Southern Cook Islands
1. One Foot Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,063 reviews
This tiny island in Aitutaki's beautiful lagoon contains a post office and a single cabin that can be rented by visitors. Most visitors just come for the day to experience the tranquil location and to snorkel in the lagoon.
Reviewed By sandy6662016 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Our lagoon cruise excellent tour guide described the history and legends behind One Foot Island and how it got its unique name. Quite beautiful and a magical place for sure. Got our passports officially stamped with a unique One Foot Island visa stamp. A novel addition to a pretty full passport.
2. Aitutaki Lagoon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,070 reviews
These waters are home to a large number of fish, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Reviewed By TavellingTony000 - Sydney, Australia
Paradise is the best word to describe this natural wonder. I was in awe of its vast space and beauty, Book in one of the lagoon cruses, it will be your highlight of any trip to the Cook Islands.
3. Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
This tall, rocky pinnacle can be spotted from several locations on the island and is a favorite challenge for those who enjoy a good climb.
Reviewed By Bree1991 - Newcastle, Australia
We trekked from the Pāpua waterfall up to the needle and back. Quite a challenging but beautiful walk. Extremely slippery in some sections and I did slip over a couple of times going down hill. Stunning stream trickling for most of the walk. Give yourself plenty of time and take lots of water. Barry the rooster greeted us up the top! Nice swim in the waterfall at the end of the walk. Definitely don’t do as I did and wear and white singlet. It soon turns muddy and brown!
4. Muri Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
One of the island's most beautiful locations, this lagoon and beach is a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Reviewed By Kinkoona - Sydney, Australia
One of the many excellent aquatic locations on the island - but a “must do”. Lagoon itself is excellent as a beach and swim spot - it also has access to hiring things such as paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling gear. Koka and Captain Tama day trips also leave from here and there is a few spots on the beach to get a drink/food. It is also a close walk to main road of Muri for supplies or food. No sunset at end of day but the views are excellent
5. Punanga Nui
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Saturday is the best time to visit this outdoor market where you can purchase fruits, vegetables, bedding and clothing.
Reviewed By 341neilm - New Zealand, null
Keep in mind this market happens TWICE a week. Saturday morning is much bigger, has all kinds of food and cultural performances. Thursday night is much smaller, but great food to tie you over till Saturday. Support local produce, donate to SPCA (the have an op shop there) and participate in local show which gives away a free tour (you will need to demonstrate your dancing abilities;-))
6. Maire Nui Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Located on the south coast of the island, these gardens contain many local plants and flowers that are not only beautiful but have medicinal uses.
Reviewed By iang428 - Queenstown, New Zealand
A $5 donation gives access to beautiful gardens, a superb cafe, and beauty and peace that is without peer on Rarotonga. The staff, especially the owner, are very inviting and pleased to discuss the history of the gardens, the plants, and the future. Watch your plate or else the quick roosters and hens will dash in for a bite.
7. Koteka Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By 714miriamh
Easy to find, just follow the directions on the road for the vanilla. Roll up to his house, knock on door and he will come out and take you into his outdoor room where all the vanilla and vodka making is. Make sure your up for a cpl shots lol as this dude will give you taste tester of all his vodka and chocolates nom nom. Awesome dude, vodka, chocolate and dont forget the vanilla beans. Also dont forget to donate to the local team he fundraisers for. Take cash!
8. Black Rock Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Black Rock beach is historically and culturally important to the people of Rarotonga. Facing north-west, and receiving all day sun, the lagoon area is a popular aqua-playground. The prominent black rocks serve as diving platforms into the rock pools below. Black Rock is also the home of Rarotonga's only golf course, as well as the tennis centre and beach volleyball courts.
Reviewed By Herbies1 - New Plymouth, New Zealand
Great place for swimming, snorkeling or taking a walk. Its an easy stroll along the beach from The Edgewater or even further. There is a car park at the top which after a few visits wondered why there were always cars parked there - now we know. Its also a great place to watch the planes come in as well.
9. Aroa Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By tauranga123
Aroa marine reserve is the best snorkeling I have done. Our 8 year old son loved it also with fish a couple of metres of shore. Types of fish seen included butterfly fish, angelfish, giant tevelly, Sargent Majors as well as a morey eel. Snorkeling is great for young kids at low tide as water is shallow almost to outer reef, thoroughly recommend.
10. Te Ara- Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
We are a cultural business incubator and market in the Cook Islands and to bring together the community. Te Ara features a fantastic visual display about the story of the Cook Islands from pre-colonial times, independence in 1965, through to the present day. It also houses a quality gift shop and cafe selling only locally produced crafts and food
Reviewed By grantt880 - Wellington, New Zealand
the best soy latte and ginger crunch on the island, friendly and amazing customer service. worth the drive from Avarua
