What to do and see in Cook Islands, Cook Islands: The Best Free Things to do

July 12, 2021 Lean Nau

If you're sitting at your desk having Robinson Crusoe daydreams, the Cook Islands might be a great vacation place for you. It doesn't get much more remote or more beautiful—what with the perfect beaches, deep jungle and coral lagoons. Each of the 15 islands seems more breathtaking than the last.
Restaurants in Cook Islands

1. Moturakau

Cook Islands
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Moturakau

This deserted island was the location used for the British TV series Shipwrecked, where 16 people were left on an uninhabited island to fend for themselves.

Reviewed By MiBri53 - Germany, null

Situated in the lagoon of Aitutaki and just about 15 minutes by boat from One Foot Island Motu Rakau is just the right place for a stop and a little walk through the dense forest. Watch out for nesting bird. One side of the islet shows coral beach rock, the other beautiful sand beach.

2. Aitutaki Lagoon

Amuri Cook Islands +682 31 269 http://www.jomelbartolome.com
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,070 reviews

Aitutaki Lagoon

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. Bergman & Sons

Avarua Cook Islands +682 21 902
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Bergman & Sons

You'll find in this store the largest collection of natural and cultured pearls on the Cook Islands, in the form of rings, earrings, strands and loose pearls.

4. O'otu Beach

Cook Islands
Excellent
77%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 94 reviews

O'otu Beach

Reviewed By dollysdaughter2014 - Lake Cathie, Australia

Just so many beautiful spots to swim or snorkle, spoilt for choice, safe for beginners like me with snorkelling.

5. Tivaevae Collectables

Nikao, Rarotonga Op. Meteorological station Cook Islands +682 24 688 [email protected] http://www.tivaevaecollectables.com
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Tivaevae Collectables

Designer traditional pacific fabric art for your home. We are proud to keep the art of Tivaevae alive with both traditional hand embroidered Tivaevae, machine made or cut and tacked Tivaevae for you to hand sew yourself. Plus many other pacific inspired gifts for you to take home.

Reviewed By 808allie

I wanted a reminder of the absolute joy of our visit to Rarotonga, and the dress I purchased here is the perfect momento as it not only has the design, colors and uniqueness of the Cook Islands, but I know it is made with the spirit of joy and kindness. Kathrine was so helpful with my purchase, and the earrings I bought are also so lovely and unique, I will always feel as if I am back on my perfect holiday when I wear - or even just look at - these items. Can't wait to go back!

6. Te Rua Manga (The Needle)

Cook Islands
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 291 reviews

Te Rua Manga (The Needle)

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!

7. Muri Lagoon

Cook Islands +682 27 349
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 877 reviews

Muri Lagoon

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

8. Punanga Nui

Avarua Cook Islands +682 79 781 http://www.punanganuiculturalmarket.co.ck
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 462 reviews

Punanga Nui

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;-))

9. Cook Island Christian Church (CICC)

Avarua Cook Islands +682 26 070 http://www.cicc.net.ck/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 353 reviews

Cook Island Christian Church (CICC)

Sunday services are filled with hymns sung in the Maori language at this island church which dates back to 1853. The local graveyard is noted for some famous inhabitants including American author Robert Dean Frisbie.

Reviewed By 670kates - Byron Bay, Australia

What a wonderful experience to sit among a congregation of warm loving people sharing their faith with everyone so joyously. Very proud of their identity and faith, the service is presented in the local language with occasional references to the many visitors. Church is not a tourist attraction as far as I am concerned and all should be respectful of this tradition. Make sure you donate to the collection generously.

10. Perfumes of Rarotonga Avarua

Tutakimoa Rd Cook's Corner, Avarua Cook Islands +682 25 238 [email protected] http://www.perfumes.co.ck/
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Perfumes of Rarotonga Avarua

Rarotonga is so lucky to be surrounded by the most beautiful flowers in the world. The scents, starting at sunrise, and never ending have to be smelt to be believed. We make here the most delicate of perfumes, complimentary body cosmetics, candles. Finally our local fruit liqueurs bring flavor as well as scents to the palate.Our Factory in Panama welcomes you and shows you how our various products are made, whilst in the Cook's Corner we have our famous Fudge Factory! Try an ice cream with chocolate fudge sauce!

Reviewed By ELLAI_11 - Salt Lake City, United States

We visited this store twice. Purchased most of our souvenirs there. It is conveniently located: in Avarua and right at the bus terminal. The two ladies that helped us were very nice, friendly and very willing to help us pick our items. On our second visit, they greeted us like we were long time friends. If you go there, try their fudge( so many flavors).

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