Cook Islands sightseeing holidays and packages with Beautiful Pacific, the most knowledgeable South Pacific travel specialist based in the islands with great value sightseeing holiday packages.
The Cook Islands is rather limited in its scope of sightseeing as the only two islands with tourist accommodation (Rarotonga and Aitutaki) are both very small. Wherever you choose to stay the sights are never more than 20 minutes drive away and all tour operators offer Complementary pick-up's from all accommodations.
Sightseeing tours of Rarotonga include several tour companies exploring the lush iinterioron quad bikes or 4WD vehicles, walking tours into the forest and to mountain view lookouts, as well as general circle island tours exploring the historical sites along the coastal and inland road. There are a couple of lagoon tours, with snorkelling to the best spots along the outer reefs and cruises aroud Muri Lagoon. Game fishing charters and sailing cruises are also available from Avarua Harbour.
On Aitutaki, the main sightseeing trip is cruising around the lagoon. there are five tour companies offering cruises, most doing similar trips with snorkelling , visiting a coral cays and havvinga picnic lunch on one of the uninhabited Motu.
The following are our recommended accommodations if you enjoy sightseeing:
Rarotonga
Muri Beachcomber, Rarotonga NZ$ 275 - 380 per couple
Muri Beachcomber is in a prime location on the beachfront in the heart of Muri Beach yet offers a serene atmosphere in beautifully landscaped gardens. This beachfront property offers excellent value for money with friendly staff and is close to restaurants and activities.
Edgewater Resort, Rarotonga NZ$ 250 - 550 per couple
The Edgewater Resort is the largest hotel in the Cook Islands with 250 guest rooms and suites. The resort is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens bordered by a white sand beach. The Edgewater offers plenty of activities including tennis courts, night entertainment and 24-hr service.
Palm Grove is set in the enchanting area of Vaima enjoying the peace and tranquillity of one of the best locations in the Cook Islands. Twelve spacious garden bungalows set amongst hibiscus and tipani flowers on the mountain side of the coastal road are complemented with eight beachfront bungalows.
Club Raro Resort, Rarotonga NZ$ 200 - 340 per couple
Club Raro Resort is conveniently located only 5mins from the main town of Avarua. An intimate and friendly resort offering 55 air-conditioned rooms including 15 Lagoon front Rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A great place to enjoy a cooling dip and refreshing cocktail especially with the popular swim up pool bar.
Puaikura Reef Lodge, Rarotonga NZ$ 186 - 213 per couple
Puaikura Reef Lodge is an excellent value motel style accommodation with self catering rooms arranged around a pool in landscaped gardens. With a decent beach across the road and tropical mountains to explore behind the property, Puaikura makes an affordable base.
Paradise Inn Rarotonga is located right on the waters edge of a reef-walking beach just five minutes walk into downtown Avarua. This is a great affordable base to enjoy the quaint Avarua Town with its bars, restaurants and shops, and to enjoy lovely sea and mountain views with walking access to some excellent hikes.
Aitutaki
Samade on the Beach, Aitutaki NZ$ 250 - 300 per couple
Samade on the Beach is located on a narrow strip of beach on the southern tip of the main island of Aitutaki, with a delightful view over the lagoon and offshore islands. This is a great base for exploring the lagoon by eiother kayak or on a day cruise. On site moped hire, restaurant and bar with traditional dance nights.
Inano Beach Bungalows, Aitutaki NZ$ 130 - 160 per couple
Inano Beach offers six self contained bungalows facing the sheltered lagoon on Aitutaki. All bungalows feature queen size bed, kitchen and ceiling fans. The property is located on a tidal beach (no swimming at low tide) but a chanel around the point offers all day swimming. The bungalows are a short walk to several restaurants.
