Attractions in Cook Islands

Atiu

Atiu is a 'makatea' island with a volcanic rock core surrounded by a ring of uplifted fossilized coral limestone.

Mangaia

Mangaia is the southernmost and second largest island in the group.

Mitiaro

This low island has two large brackish water lakes in its center, surrounded by fossilized coral limestone walls.

Rarotonga

The most populous island of the Cook Islands is of volcanic origin and surrounded by a coral reef.

Palmerston

A true coral atoll consisting of a chain of sandy motus enclosing a shallow lagoon.

Pukapuka

A remote atoll with three islands, known for its pristine nature and unique culture.

Rakahanga

An almost completely enclosed atoll surrounding a calm lagoon.

Anatakitaki Cave

Anatakitaki Cave served as a historic refuge for the people of Atiu.

Palace

Pa Ariki's Palace

The current seat of Pa Ariki, one of the paramount chiefs of Rarotonga.

Te Vara Nui Village

A cultural landmark that showcases traditional Polynesian life and legends through architecture and staged performances.

Punanga Nui Market

The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the commercial heart of Rarotonga, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods.

Ruins

Te-Kai-Nuku Marae

Te-Kai-Nuku is a significant ceremonial site on Mangaia Island.

Ruins

Marae Arai-te-tonga

Marae Arai-te-tonga is the most important sacred site on Rarotonga.

Monument

Beachcomber Building

This 1845 building was originally constructed as a mission school from coral stone.

Monument

Seven Canoes Monument

This monument at Avana Harbour commemorates the start of the Vaka migration to New Zealand.

Arutanga CICC Church

The oldest Christian church in the Cook Islands is located on Aitutaki.

Monument

Wreck of the SS Maitai

The wreck of the steamship SS Maitai has rested on the Avarua reef since 1916.

CICC Avarua

The Avarua Christian Church was built in 1853 from coral limestone.

Ngatangiia CICC Church

Located near the historic Avana Harbour, this church is a central monument of Christian missions in the Ngatangiia district.

Omoka Church

The church in Omoka is the historic heart of remote Penrhyn Island.

Nature

Lake

Aitutaki Lagoon

This vast, shallow lagoon is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and numerous small sand islands.

Park

Suwarrow

Suwarrow is a remote coral atoll designated as a national park.

Park

Maire Nui Botanical Gardens

A 7-acre garden in Titikaveka showcasing the tropical flora of the Cook Islands.

Lake

Muri Lagoon

This shallow section of the Rarotonga lagoon houses four small islands.

Wildlife

Manuae

An uninhabited twin atoll that represents a significant marine protected area.

Wildlife

Palmerston Seabird Colony

Remote Palmerston Atoll hosts massive colonies of sooty terns and other seabirds.

Te Manga

Te Manga is the highest peak on the island of Rarotonga and the entire Cook Islands.

Ikurangi

Ikurangi towers over the capital Avarua and is one of Rarotonga's most prominent landmarks due to its rugged profile.

Rangimotia

Rangimotia is the highest point on the island of Mangaia, offering panoramic views over the central volcanic highlands.

Te Kou

Te Kou is the second highest elevation on Rarotonga, featuring a broad summit plateau with unique high-altitude flora.

Maungatea

Maungatea is a prominent peak on Rarotonga located west of the Cross-Island Track, dominating the Avatiu Valley.

Mountain

Orovaru

Orovaru is a mountain ridge in western Rarotonga, known for its dramatic rock faces and views over the western coastline.

Te Atukura

Te Atukura is a significant peak in the rugged interior of Rarotonga, forming part of the Te Manga mountain massif.

Maungapu

Maungapu is the highest point on the otherwise low-lying Aitutaki atoll, reaching 124 meters in elevation.

Mountain

Raemaru

Raemaru is a distinctive flat-topped mountain on Rarotonga, known for its plateau summit and steep rock faces.

Cities & Architecture

Museum

National Museum of the Cook Islands

The museum displays an extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical sea charts.

Museum

Library and Museum Society

This volunteer-run institution preserves a significant collection of Pacific literature and historical artifacts in Avarua.

More highlights

forest

Mauke Biodiversity Forest

On the garden island of Mauke, rare pandanus trees and endemic orchids grow.

university

Takamoa Theological College

Founded in 1839, Takamoa College is the oldest theological school in the South Pacific.