Flight Destinations
Flights to the Cook Islands
Places in Cook Islands
Flights to Africa
Flights to Asia
Flights to Australia
Flights to Caribbean
Flights to Central America
Flights to Europe
Flights to Indian Ocean
Flights to Middle East
Flights to North America
Flights to Pacific Islands
Flights to South America
The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific and are what’s known as a ‘self-governing parliamentary democracy’. The islands were a British protectorate up until 1900, but since then they have been closely linked with New Zealand. The land area of the Cook Islands is very small, but they are spread over a huge area of ocean totalling 1.375 million square miles (2.2 million sq km).
International flights to the Cook Islands are welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport (airport code: RAR). Flights to the Cook Islands from the UK are indirect with two stops. Air Tahiti Nui, United Airlines, Continental, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qantas Airways, British Airways, American Airlines, and BMI all provide flights to the Cook Islands. Travellers will have a second connection either via Papeete or via Auckland.
The Tourist Attractions of the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, as you can probably guess, were named after Captain James Cook. Cook wasn’t the first European to make sight of the islands but he was the first to heavily explore them in 1773. Cook actually named them the Hervey Islands, but fifty years later they were renamed by a fellow explorer, Russian Adam Johann von Krusenstern.Tourism is the Cook Islands’ bread and butter and the islands have been growing in popularity over the years as an ideal South Pacific destination. Although getting from island to island is not the easiest thing, you’ll find everything you need on the main tourist islands for a welcoming and pleasant stay. One thing you should be aware of though if you’re arranging your travel and accommodation independently is that the Cook Islands are very strict over immigration. It is said that unless you already have your accommodation arranged when you land here, or you can arrange something before leaving the airport you could well be refused admission.
The majority of visitors will only see the Southern Cook Islands. This is because the Northern Cook Islands are very remote and sparsely populated and because they’re so far away it’s difficult to get to them. The Southern Cook Islands consist of eight islands which are mostly volcanic, and you’ll also find the majority of the population here too.
Rarotonga
Rarotonga is the name of the Cook Islands most heavily populated island. This is also the location for the Cook Islands international airport so most visitors will arrive here.
The Cook Islands is primarily a destination for soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beaches and the waters, so there aren’t many things in the form of attractions here. If you’re staying in a resort you’ll likely find various activities on offer there, otherwise the main attractions are scuba diving and walking. Just off Rarotonga there’s a spectacular reef perfect for diving with lots of small caves to explore, or snorkelling is popular too. In terms of walking, there are various trails on Rarotonga where you’ll come across waterfalls and lots of wildlife.
If you want to see somewhere other than Rarotonga, visit the island of Aitutaki. The beaches with their gorgeous white sands and turquoise blue waters are fantastic here.