Rakahanga

Rakahanga is one of the most remote atolls in the northern Cook Islands, distinguished by its unique, nearly square-shaped lagoon. The atoll consists of two large islands and several smaller motus that almost entirely enclose the shallow, turquoise waters. With no airport and very limited access for larger vessels due to the lack of wide reef passes, Rakahanga has remained one of the most authentic and undisturbed Polynesian communities. The traditional lifestyle of its inhabitants revolves around coconut cultivation and the production of copra, which remains the primary economic activity. The lagoon itself is a pristine sanctuary for marine life, offering exceptional biodiversity that has been protected by the island's isolation. Reaching Rakahanga involves a multi-day sea voyage from Rarotonga, rewarding travelers with a rare glimpse into a tranquil world defined by the rhythms of the ocean and ancient customs.

Nearby cities

Nikao

Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.

Avarua

Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.

Matavera

Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.

Ngatangiia

Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.

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Tauhunu

Tauhunu is the largest settlement on Manihiki Atoll.

Omoka

Omoka is the principal village of Penrhyn Atoll, the northernmost inhabited island of the Cook Islands.

Wale

Wale is one of the three villages on the remote island of Pukapuka.

Palmerston Settlement

William Marsters settled Palmerston in 1863 with his three wives.

Vaipae

Vaipae is a large village on the island of Aitutaki, often referred to as 'Hollywood'.

Arutanga

Arutanga is the main settlement and primary port of Aitutaki island.

Takaue

Takaue is the only inhabited village on the island of Mitiaro.

Areora

Areora is one of the five main villages on the island of Atiu.

History & landmarks

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Manihiki

This northern atoll is world-famous for black pearl farming.

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Penrhyn (Tongareva)

Penrhyn is the largest and northernmost atoll in the Cook Islands.

Suwarrow Island

Suwarrow was discovered in 1814 by a Russian ship and later made famous by Tom Neale.

Pukapuka

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

Palmerston

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

Atiu

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

Anatakitaki Cave

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

Mitiaro

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

Nature

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Penrhyn Shark Sanctuary

The massive Penrhyn lagoon is a safe haven for numerous shark species.

Suwarrow National Park

This uninhabited atoll is the first national park and a major bird sanctuary.

Pukapuka Lagoon Reserve

Pukapuka is known for its traditional conservation system protecting fish and birds.

Palmerston Seabird Colony

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

Maungapu

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

Aitutaki Giant Clam Reserve

In the Aitutaki lagoon, endangered giant clams are farmed and protected.

Aitutaki Lagoon

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

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Atiu Bird Sanctuary

Atiu Island is famous for its caves where the rare Kopeka bird nests.

More places

Rakahanga Landing Site

Explorer Pedro Fernández de Quirós landed at this site in 1606 as the first European.

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Manihiki Pearl Farms

Manihiki is the center of the Cook Islands' black pearl industry, representing one of the country's most significant export products.

Omoka Church

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

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Penrhyn Marine Resources

The Penrhyn atoll in the north utilizes its vast lagoon for the sustainable extraction of mother-of-pearl and seafood.

Suwarrow

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

Aitutaki Airport

This airport, built during World War II, is the logistical lifeline for the tourism sector on Aitutaki.

Arutanga CICC Church

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

Arutanga Church

The Arutanga Church on Aitutaki was completed in 1828.