Things to Do in Cook Islands

• Rarotonga
  Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the premier visitor destination. Avarua is the capital and beautiful Muri Lagoon is a popular spot for snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing.
• Avarua
  Spread out along a beautiful harbour, lively Avarua is Rarotonga’s main commercial centre. It offers a full range of visitor services including a post office, banks, shops, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and night spots. Gamefishing charters depart from Avatiu Harbour.
• Aitutaki
  Aitutaki’s enormous turquoise lagoon is fabulous for snorkelling, swimming, fishing or just lazing on the beach.
• Atiu
  Atiu, the third largest of the Cook Islands, has wonderful scenery, good beaches, bushwalks, ancient marae and limestone caves.
• Caves
  Atiu's spectacular caves house many ancient burial sites. Te Ana O Raka burial cave is easy to find but a guide is necesssary, while Rima Rau has many bones. Anatakitaki Cave, also known as Kopeka Cave, is home to the kopeka - a rare native swallow. On Mauke and Mitiaro, the makatea caves have freshwater pools ideal for swimming.
• Outer Islands
  These remote and unspoilt islands include the Northern Group of Manihiki, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Nassau, Rakahang and Suwarrow, known for their magnificent lagoons and beaches. The Southern Group, incorporating Aitutaki and Rarotonga, includes Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Manuae, Takutea, Palmerston and Mangaia. Mangaia is the Cook's most southerly island and features spectacular cliffs of raised coral.
• Fishing & Diving
  Try marlin or tuna game fishing beyond the reef, discover the underwater world of canyons and coral formations on a diving trip, or observe the colourful marine life while snorkelling in the lagoon. Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki have dive operators offering good rental equipment and training if required.
• Lagoon Cruises & Boat Charters
  Observe the marine life through a glass-bottom boat, jump in the water for a spot of snorkelling or hire a boat and go fishing or island hopping. Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes at Muri Beach, Rarotonga, offer snorkelling gear and a BBQ lunch on Koromiri motu.
• Snorkelling
  One of the best snorkelling spots in the Cook Islands is Titikaveka lagoon on Rarotonga. The shop here rents snorkelling gear.
• Horse riding
  Riding is a popular option for exploring the lush inland areas of Rarotonga, with their tropical plantations and waterfalls. Complete your ride with a canter along the beach.
• Guided Walks and 4WD Adventures
  Book a guide and tackle Rarotonga’s Cross-Island Trek, take a guided nature and bird walk into the Takitumu Conservation Area, drive your own buggy on a jungle quad adventure or take a 4WD tour into Rarotonga's rugged interior.
• Shopping
  Local specialities include black pearls, the pareu (sarong) and handcrafts such as wood carvings, grass skirts and baskets.
• Surfing
  The surfing spots are all located on Rarotonga. Avana provides the most reliable surf. It's good for beginners, although the break is short and the reef currents can make it dangerous. For other options, check out the Rutaki Passage on the south coast, or try the north coast off Club Raro resort.