The hacks & facts you need to know before visiting the Cook Islands as an Australian tourist – your questions answered!

– Do I need a Visa?
– Is the water safe to drink?
– Is there WIFI?
– How long does it take to get there? & more…

Cook Islands are not just beautiful – they are also a budget-savvy holiday choice for Australians

The Cook Islands have now become THE new Australian family holiday destination, and for good reason. These gorgeous little South Pacific Ocean atolls are virtually untouched by mass tourism.

Now that Jetstar Australia have just started flying direct from Sydney to Rarotonga, the Cook Islands are more accessible to Australians than ever before.

Cheap airline tickets and fast new planes mean you’ll be relaxing on a palm-fringed beach in less than six hours flying time!

Family travel tips for the Cook Islands

Like any family vacation, there are always some small but important things that you might have wished you had known before you went – even if just to save packing that extra suitcase full of the “what-ifs!”

So here is my Cook Islands essentials list from our recent trip to the Cook Islands with Jetstar on their very first flight to the Cook Islands.

The things that are handy to know before you step out of the plane and into the gorgeous island paradise that is the Cook Islands…

Basic Cook Island holiday general info

How long does it take to fly to the Cook Islands?

The Jetstar Australia flight from Sydney to the Cook Islands only takes about five and a half hours – that’s a whole hour shorter than Sydney to Bali! The return flight takes around seven and a half hours – two extra hours due to headwinds.

Jetstar Australia have just commenced direct flights from Australia and are the only airline to do so. You can check for the cheapest Jetstar Cook Island fares here

What is accommodation like in the Cook Islands?

Accommodation in the Cook Islands can be anything from luxurious to tight holiday budget! There are hotels, beach resorts, beach houses….you can take a closer look at the family beach resort accommodation we stayed at in two different Cook Island locations in our Cook Islands holiday feature here.

Is the food cheap in the Cook Islands?

Yes, the food in the Cook Islands is not expensive. Food prices are comparable, if not cheaper than other South Pacific Island holidays. It really depends on where you are eating.

There is a large range of restaurants and cafes in the Cook Islands, many embracing the balmy climate and idyllic location by offering outdoor tables by the sea.

With lots of delectable island specialties to try, the Cook Islands is a Foodies paradise, but if you’re just after comfort food from home you’ll still find all the usual Aussie food staples available all around the island. And that includes chicken nuggets and spaghetti bolognaise options for the kids (or maybe you)! Bon apetit!

What is there to do in the Cook Islands?

Relaxing around resort pools, exploring the islands in a hire car or hiking along lush mountain paths on foot – and that’s just for starters!

Watersports are huge in the Cook Islands of course.  This can include cruising, kiteboarding, diving, swimming with turtles. and eagle rays – or even just snorkeling with brightly-coloured tropical fish in knee-deep water right off your resort beach.

There’s just so much to do – or not do for that matter – in the Cook Islands!

Cook Island fast facts

Where are the Cook Islands located?

The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, half-way between New Zealand and Hawaii.

Is the Cook Islands a country?

Yes, the Cook Islands is a country. The Cook Islands is its own self-governing nation, but it is also “part of the realm” of New Zealand.

What is the capital of the Cook Islands?

The capital of the Cook Islands is Avorua, located on the island of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands.

How many islands are in the Cook Islands?

There are 15 islands in the Cook Islands nation. The Cook Islands are named after the explorer Captain James Cook who visited the islands in the 1770s.

What currency is used in Rarotonga?

The Cook Islands official currency is the New Zealand dollar.

Does the Cook Islands accept Australian money?

No, the Cook Islands doesn’t accept Australian cash, but you can exchange your Australian money in Avorua at Western Union for the Cook Island currency, New Zealand cash. There are also ATMs available in hotels, stores and service stations.

Do you need cash in the Cook Islands?

No, you don’t need cash in the Cook Islands. We spent a week in Rarotonga and Atutaki without buying the local NZD currency, however there was the odd occasion when it would’ve come in handy to have cash (like at the Rarotonga Airport kiosk).

Does the Cook Islands accept credit cards?

Big credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa are readily accepted all over the Cook Islands at hotels, restaurants and many souvenir stores.

Can I use my Australian Drivers Licence in the Cook Islands?

Yes. The official transport website for the Cook Islands states that Australians can drive using their full, valid Australian license (same class of motor vehicle as in Australia.

What is the speed limit in the Cook Islands?

nThe local speed limit in the Cook Islands is 30km in the main towns (such as Avorua in Rarotonga), and 50km per hour elsewhere on the islands.

The Cook Islands road rules are left-hand drive, just like Australia, so you’ll feel right at home behind the wheel.

Take your foot off the accelerator and kick back into slower island time if you’re driving. You’re on holiday, after all – just watch out for those dogs and chickens!

What is the official language of the Cook Islands?

The official languages of the Cook Islands are Maori and English.

Does the Cook Islands have WIFI?

Yes. The Cook Islands does have WIFI, however it is more expensive and slower than Australians are used to. You can purchase a Cook Islands SIM card at the Rarotonga Airport when you arrive.

Where is the Cook Islands airport located?

The Cook Islands airport is called the Rarotonga International Airport, located on Rarotonga – the largest of the Cook Islands. This is where you’ll land when you arrive from Sydney.

Airport processing is quick and easy, both in and out. From there you can also fly out to other Cook Islands, including Aitutaki, home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world!

Do Australians need a Visa to travel to the Cook Islands?

No, Australians don’t need a Cook Islands visa. But you do need the following documents.

Do I need a passport to visit the Cook Islands?

Yes. Here is exactly what you do need to enter the Cook Islands as an Australian tourist:

– Your Australian passport with at least 7 days validity beyond your booked stay date.

– Your Cook Islands travel itinerary with proof of your return flight AND your Cook Islands accommodation booking.

How long are Australians allowed to stay in the Cook Islands?

Australians are allowed to stay up to 31 days in the islands.

Do you need to be fully COVID vaccinated to enter the Cook Islands?

No, you don’t require any vaccinations to visit the Cook Islands. There are no COVID, quarantine or isolation requirements.

Are Australians covered by Medicare on the Cook Islands?

No, whilst the Cook Islands are in free association with New Zealand and New Zealand does participate in reciprocal health care with Australia, Australians are not financially covered by Medicare in the Cook Islands, or the Cook Islands medical health care system.

Should you contract COVID, have an accident or fall ill you’ll need to cover your own medical costs in the Cook Islands, which can be significant outside of Australia.

Should I get travel insurance to travel to the Cook Islands?

Travel insurance is not compulsory. That said, and not to get too preachy here, but you should always consider getting travel insurance when you leave Australia – and the Cook Islands are no different.

Medical, rental car and holiday insurance for incidents such as theft or loss is always a solid travel plan.

Are there any health risks with travelling to the Cook Islands?

Cook Island Government entry documents warn that Dengue Fever and COVID are present in the Cook Islands. For Dengue Fever protection, they recommend the wearing of long sleeve clothing and insect repellent around the active times for mosquitos of dawn and dusk.

We experienced some mosquito bites when eating outside in the evening because we were silly and forgot the Aerogard (none of us got sick).

Is the water safe to drink in the Cook Islands?

No. Unless otherwise advised at your accommodation, you are recommended to drink only bottled water, or boiled water in the Cook Islands.

Both of our beach resorts supplied freely available water dispensers or water bottles on site.

What does Kia Orana mean?

Kia Orana means, “May you live a long and happy life.”

The Cook Island locals are beyond friendly, and their welcome is warm and genuine. Everyone goes out of their way to ensure your visit is a happy one.  You’ll hear the greeting “Kia Orana” many times during your visit, and indeed, it’s even on the Cook Island car registration number plates!

Which airlines fly to the Cook Islands?

Jetstar Australia fly to the Cook Islands from New Zealand, and they are the only airline to fly from Australia to the Cook Islands.

We were invited to fly with Jetstar Australia from Australia to the Cook Islands on their inaugural flight in June 2023.

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares from Sydney to the Cook Islands three times a week – check their website for their low Cook Island fares and frequent sales here.

Just go – the Cook Islands are an awesome close, cheap holiday!

The Cook Islands are an incredible holiday destination which will keep your family as busy – or relaxed – as you want to be. Best of all, the prices won’t blow the holiday budget, making for a great low-priced Australian family holiday that will keep everyone happy!

If you enjoyed reading this article or found it useful, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share! We really appreciate it and it helps to keep the articles coming!

Do you have any questions about flying to the Cook Islands for your next vacation? I love questions, so do ask me in the comments below!

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia for our flights and hosted us for a week at two different locations in the Cook Islands. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post An Australian’s essential holiday guide to the Cook Islands! appeared first on Let's go Mum.

A new Australian family holiday destination

Closer to Australia than Bali, the Cook Islands offer an untouched island paradise of incredible beauty.

We were invited to visit the Cook Islands with Jetstar Australia!

We were so lucky to be invited along on the very first Jetstar Australia flight out of Sydney to the Cook Islands – a brand new Australian holiday destination exclusive to Jetstar airlines!

We got to spend a week on Rarotonga and Aitutaki islands and found that this amazing destination has something for everyone. Both locations offered both incredible natural beauty and tourist activities. It was a wonderful experience that at the end had us vowing to go back again as soon as possible to relive our fun holiday times there!

Jetstar Australia fly to the Cook Islands from Australia

Jetstar Australia recently commenced flying their very exciting new and exclusive route to the Cook Islands. You can now book a direct Jetstar flight from Sydney to Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands.

Where are the Cook Islands? Do I need a visa? Can I use my Australian drivers license?

These are not silly questions! Until now this island paradise has very-much flown under the radar with Aussie travellers.

The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific, half-way between New Zealand and Hawaii – and you don’t need a Visa to visit – but you do need to provide some other documents. For the answer to these and other quick but essential Cook Island holiday essentials questions, check out our Australian’s essential holiday guide to the Cook Islands!

What is there to do in the Cook Islands?

There’s so much holiday fun to be had in the Cook Islands – your island vacation can be as laid back or crazy-energetic as you like! The Cook Islands are perfectly geared for both relaxation – and for fun! Not just that, they also happen to be super family-friendly, so you can bring the kids along too.

Rarotonga is like one big resort!

Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, and this is where you will arrive on your Jetstar Australia flight.

A lush, mountainous centre ringed with one main road hugging its stunning coastline, Rarotonga takes less than 45 minutes to circumnavigate by car. With its gorgeous beaches and reef-protected blue lagoon teeming with sea life, Rarotonga is a true island paradise!

Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari

Our feature activity on Rarotonga was swimming with turtles using sea scooters, a really amazing activity you can enjoy in the Cook Islands. We went on an Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari, which uses motorised sea scooters to tow you around.

You can read all about our Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari here.

Aitutaki – the island with the world-famous blue lagoon

Aitutaki is another beautiful Cook Island, perhaps best known for its stunningly blue lagoon – and it’s super-easy to get to!

How do you get to Aitutaki?

You can quickly access Aitutaki in less than an hour via a short hop flight from Rarotonga International Airport.

Within the Aitutaki lagoon you’ll discover crystal clear water, deserted tropical islands, massive tropical fish, two types of turtles, nesting rare sea birds and so much more.

Aitutaki’s lagoon is so blue and beautiful it’s been used for the Survivor TV show and even Sports Illustrated model shoots!

Our feature activity on Aitutaki was a Wet N Wild cruise.

Aitutaki Wet N Wild cruise

Wet and Wild cruise, as the name suggests, is not your average kick-back and watch the world go by cruise! The Wet N Wild cruise is an action-packed cruise with lots of opportunities to take part in really fun activities such as snorkeling, swimming and much more. You can read all about our Wet N Wild cruise on our review here.

Where can you swim with whales?

Believe it or not, you can also swim with whales at Aitutaki! Wet and Wild Aitutaki offer this experience outside of the Aitutaki Lagoon. This year swimming with Humpback whales commenced in June. (We didn’t have time to swim with whales on this trip, but maybe next time so that we can tell you what it’s like first-hand!)

Snorkeling in the lagoons

Snorkeling is a really fun activity in the Cook Islands and is great even for little kids thanks to the large shallow lagoon areas surrounding the islands.

Both of the island resorts we stayed at (see below) supplied free snorkel gear and in Aitutaki there were even canoes and sup boards available for free, too. Both beach resorts had amazing snorkeling available directly off their beachfront. It’s a simple as walking out of your door….and into the ocean!

Where can you eat in the Cook Islands?

Your beach resort will most probably have a great restaurant like ours did, but if you want to sample different locations around the Cook Islands there’s plenty of options to pick from! With over 100 cafes and restaurants in Rarotonga alone, you’ll be spoilt for choice every night of your holiday.

We even spent one evening fine-dining in a restaurant literally right on the beach with the sand between our toes! Another night we ate at a beach restaurant with an incredible sunset to entertain us – along with a live island band. The Cook Island restaurant food we experienced was always fresh and delicious. This is holiday food at its finest – you definitely won’t go hungry in the Cook Islands!

Don’t miss: Ika mata

Ika mata is a very popular dish in the Cook Islands made from raw fish (often tuna) marinated in the traditional way with lime and coconut mik, served with raw vegetables.

Transportation – how to get around the Cook Islands

There are several different ways to get around the Cook Islands.

At the airports you’ll find taxis for hire, motor scooters and hire cars.

The larger resorts on the islands supply a minivan pick up service. So you can just let them do all the driving if you like (which is not much – Rarotonga only takes around 45 minutes to circumnavigate, and Aitutaki is even smaller),

Does Rarotonga have public transport?

Yes, there are regular public bus services you can pay to use.

Does the Cook Islands have hire car rentals?

Yes. The Cook Islands has rental car companies. We had hire cars in both Rarotonga and Aitutaki, which can be very handy to get around in.

The Cook Island hire cars are mostly small or compact, which makes them easy to park and drive around the flat, narrow roads.

With just one main circular coastal road on both the Raratonga and Aitutaki islands it would be hard to get lost. Even the local bus service direction signs are simply, “Clockwise”!

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Chickens roam wild in the Cook Islands, and you’ll often see a friendly well-fed cat or dog going for a swim or sunning itself by the road in Rarotonga and cats in Aitutaki. You do need to keep an eye out for them if you’re driving, however luckily the speed limit is only 30kph in the town and 50kph elsewhere. The local animals seem to live in symbiosis with the traffic – or at least, they think they do!

Does the Cook Islands have WIFI?

Yes. The Cook Islands does have WIFI, however it can be more expensive and slower than by Australian standards.

Telstra doesn’t include the Cook Islands as a top roaming country, so will charge you high roaming fees. (Think $3 per MB).

The best option is to purchase a Cook Islands SIM card. VODAPHONE sim cards are available at the airport – the going rate is around $50 NZD for 5GB. Most resorts offer WIFI for comparable prices. Free WIFI is usually not the default option around the islands.

Cook Islands accommodation options

There is a huge range of island accommodation for all budgets in the Cook Islands. We stayed in family-friendly, mid-budget resorts during our stay – and loved them! From the tropical breakfasts to the open-sided restaurants with beach-front views and resort swimming pools, they were everything we could have needed, and more. But don’t worry – there certainly are adults-only resorts too if you’re really wanting to get away from it all – or for a kid-free getaway!

Where can you stay in Raratonga?

Edgewater Resort and Spa

In Raratonga we stayed at the family-friendly Edgewater Resort and Spa in a luxury beachfront villa. You can read all about our stay in our Edgewater Resort and Spa review here, or check for the best Edgewater Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

Where can you stay in Aitutaki?

Tamanu Beach Resort

In Aitutaki we stayed at the beautiful Tamanu Beach Resort in a private bungalow. You can read all about our stay in our Tamanu Beach Resort review here or check for the best Tamanu Beach Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Which is the best airline to fly to the Cook Islands from Australia?

Jetstar Australia

Check for the cheapest Jetstar Cook Island fares here

Jetstar Australia are the only airline that fly from Australia to the Cook Islands. They offer cheap fares from Sydney to Rarotonga three times a week – check their website for their low Cook Island fares and frequent sales. See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Cook Island flights here

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about flying to the Cook Islands for your next vacation? I love questions! Ask me in the comments below…

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia for our flights and hosted us for a week in the Cook Islands. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Cook Islands holiday planning – Jetstar Australia family holidays appeared first on Let's go Mum.

This gorgeous waterfront resort offers snorkeling right at your door and has both family and adults only options

Where can you stay in Aitutaki?

Tamanu Beach Resort

In Aitutaki we stayed at the beautiful Tamanu Beach Resort, located just ten minutes drive from the Aitutaki Airport.

This lovely absolute waterfront resort offers individual private bungalow accommodation.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!  

An adults-only resort and a family resort

The resort is split into two halves – one side is for family bungalows and one side is for adults only bungalows. Each side of the resort features its own resort swimming pool.

Although the resort was a decent size, it never felt crowded or noisy. It had a very laid-back, peaceful holiday vibe!

The resort restaurant

The Tamanu Beach Resort features a large central restaurant which offers hearty cooked breakfasts with a tropical buffet.

A la carte dining with both Polynesian style and western options are offered for both lunch and dinner.

There are also regular island nights offered, when you can enjoy an entertaining local island music and dance show with dinner!

Our family bungalow

Upon entering for the first time, we found gorgeous thatch-roof family bungalow decorated with lovely local blooms in every room.

The bungalow featured a large main bedroom, an elegant ensuite with an outdoor shower courtyard off of it and a large lounge and living area.

Outside a verandah held a lounge and a table and was a lovely spot to relax in the mornings or afternoons.

Private bungalow features

The bungalow’s size meant there was plenty of room to move and it was a great place for our family to spread out and relax. Features included climate control air conditioning, and there were plenty of extra little luxuries such as a capsule coffee machine and refrigerator which all made our stay even more comfortable.

Our bungalow’s ensuite featured a large double shower and double vanities, and there were ample large, fluffy bath towels. The outside courtyard with a separate gate entrance and shower was an added bonus, perfect for washing off sand and hanging out wet swimming costumes and towels!

We loved the privacy and space of our bungalow, and it made a very comfortable and convenient base for our Aitutaki stay.

The resort swimming pools

Our bungalow looked out to the family swimming pool, and we loved to take a swim in it in the evenings, because we loved to snorkel in the lagoon from the resort’s beach during the day.

Free beach equipment

You can snorkel, canoe or just swim off the beautiful Tamanu Beach Resort beach. The crystal-clear water was filled with tropical fish. The resort supplies free snorkels to use, plus there are kayaks and stand-up paddle (sup) boards available for guests to use for free.

The white sandy resort beach is lined with palm trees. There is a floating pontoon out in the water to swim or wade to, to sunbathe on. No reef shoes are required, plus the water has an expansive shallow area which is suitable for children, or those who are not confident swimmers.

We spent a couple of very happy hours one afternoon just snorkeling in the shallow water to watching the colourful fish and relaxing together on the pontoon.

It’s all just steps away from your private bungalow.

Check for the best Tamanu Beach Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

Things to do in Aitutaki – the Wet N Wild cruise

Whilst we were in Aitutaki we went on a Wet N Wild cruise which gave us the opportunity to snorkel, swim and much more in the gorgeous Aitutaki Lagoon. You can read all about our Wet N Wild cruise on our review here.

How do you get to Aitutaki?

You can quickly access Aitutaki in less than an hour via an Air Rarotonga flight out of Rarotonga International Airport.

Which airline flies to the Cook Islands from Australia?

We were invited to fly with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to the Cook Islands See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Cook Island flights here

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to the Cook Islands three times a week – check their website for their low Cook Island fares and frequent sales.

Tamanu Beach Resort important info

Resort name: Tamanu Beach Resort

Address: Main Road, Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Phone no.: +682 31 810

Email address: reservations@tamanubeach.com

For bookings: Check for the best Tamanu Beach Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

You may also enjoy reading our Cook Islands holiday planning feature here and our An Australian’s essential holiday guide to the Cook Islands here.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about Tamanu Beach Resort in the Cook Islands? Ask me in the comments below!

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia for our flights and hosted us for a week in the Cook Islands. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Tamanu Beach Resort review – Aitutaki family & adults only accommodation appeared first on Let's go Mum.

We were invited to visit the Cook Islands with Jetstar Australia!

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

We were very lucky to be invited along on the very first Jetstar Australia flight out of Sydney to the Cook Islands – a brand new Australian holiday destination route exclusive to Jetstar airlines!

During our stay in the Cook Islands we were given the opportunity to take part in an exciting island activity – swimming with turtles using sea scooters!

Can I swim with the turtles in the Cook Islands?

Yes you can. Swimming with the turtles is an amazing activity you can enjoy in the Cook Islands.

My teenage daughters and I joined an Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari in Rarotonga and were thrilled to experience swimming with many turtles in the Rarotonga lagoon.

Watch our Ariki Adventures Turtle Safari YouTube video here.

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

How do sea scooters work?

Sea scooters are a water propelling hand-held aquatic machine that is easily manoeuvrable through the water. They are controlled by a simple press button system. Although you do need to be able to swim, the sea scooters do most of the work. There’s very little swimming required when using the sea scooters. For the most part, you just need to steer and kick your flippers.

Ariki Adventures use motorised sea scooters to help you swim out into the Rarotonga lagoon more easily to reach the Rarotonga turtles. You are also able to view other Cook Islands sea life you may not have been able to reach otherwise.

Is swimming with the turtles safe?

Yes, Ariki Adventures run a responsible and safe attraction. This is a fully guided activity with backup staff in boats in case there are any issues with gear, etc. There’s a safety briefing and short sea scooter orientation before you start. You are also given the option to wear a life jacket.

Although you do venture into deep water within the lagoon during the tour, you don’t go into the open sea so it doesn’t feel scary at all. The sea scooter makes it really easy to cover a much larger area than you could if you were swimming, plus it helps to keep you afloat. I’m not a hugely strong swimmer, but I really enjoyed using the sea scooters to get around. They make covering distances between the shore and the turtle area of the lagoon easy. I didn’t get tired at all!

Before you know it you find yourself motoring out to the “Turtle Cafe”, a local nickname for an area within the Rarotonga lagoon absolutely full of beautiful turtles.

Where can you swim with turtles?

At the turtle cafe we found ourselves surrounded by lots of regularly swimming and surfacing turtles! More than once I was surprised to find a turtle surfacing right beside me! I had to move aside, as there is a no-touching the turtles rule.

At the turtle cafe we met Black Beauty, the largest local turtle – and there’s even one turtle that likes to sleep on its back down on the coral!

Learn more and book your own Ariki swimming with turtles experience on Tripadvisor here

Where can you stay in Raratonga?

There is a huge range of island accommodation for all budgets in the Cook Islands. You can read about our Rarotonga beach resort Edgewater Resort and Spa stay in our resort review here or check for the best Edgewater Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

Which is the best airline to fly to the Cook Islands from Australia?

We were invited to fly with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to the Cook Islands See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Cook Island flights here

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to the Cook Islands three times a week – check their website for their low Cook Island fares and frequent sales.

You may also enjoy reading our Cook Islands holiday planning feature here and our An Australian’s essential holiday guide to the Cook Islands here.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about flying to the Cook Islands for your next vacation? Ask me in the comments below!

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia and Cook Islands Tourism for this trip to the Cook Islands, including our Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari review – Rarotonga activities appeared first on Let's go Mum.

To get a taste of everything amazing that Aitutaki has to offer take a Wet N Wild lunch cruise on the famous Aitutaki lagoon – and prepare to get wet!

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Wet & Wild Cruises are an island-hopping Aitutaki Lagoon cruise

The Wet N Wild cruise, as the name suggests, is not your average kick-back and watch the world go by cruise! The Wet and Wild Cruise is an action-packed cruise with lots of opportunities to take part in really fun activities. From island-hopping to snorkeling and even bird-spotting!

Using a brand-new state of the art boat, a Wet N Wild cruise is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Aitutaki lagoon.

There are several stops along the way with opportunities to snorkel or swim, walk on a desert island- or you can just sit and admire the blue, blue water of the famous Aitutaki lagoon. It’s thought by many to be the most beautiful lagoon in the world!

Aitutaki’s beautiful Honeymoon Island

There are several fun island stops during the Wet and Wild Cruise.

First stop was the beautiful Honeymoon Island, a large sand bar and islet famous for kite boarding. There’s also a rare bird nesting area within its tiny jungle centre where it’s even possible to see fluffy chicks!

The Wet and Wild crew dropped us all off on one side of the island and we strolled along the island’s long, white sandy and coral beach length. After walking across Honeymoon Island we were picked up on the other side and waded out to the boat to climb aboard and head off to the next island stop!

The Survivor TV series Aitutaki island

Following Honeymoon Island we visited another small tropical island for a short walk to the other side along a jungle path. There we found a stunning lava-rock strewn beach.

We were told that this island had actually played host to the American TV series Survivor in 2016! We could well-believe it. It certainly looked the part of the iconic tropical island paradise.

On this island we also came across lots of little hermit crabs living peacefully in coconut halves – plus a palm-tree-hung swing. It was not only fun to use, but also an Instagram photo dream! But then absolutely everywhere in the Aitutaki lagoon is incredibly photogenic.

Eventually it was time for lunch on yet another deserted island – “One Foot” – a famous tropical island of great beauty.

One Foot Island

One Foot Island was our next stop, and yet again, here was an island of incredible beauty.

Curved palm trees bent down to kiss the sand on One Foot Island, and impossibly blue water beckoned yet again for us to swim and snorkel in it. It held all kinds of tropical fish and even turtles. All of the Aitutaki Lagoon beaches truly are like something out of a picture-perfect tropical island brochure!

A delicious cruise lunch at One Foot Island

Everything needed for the perfect picnic lunch was waiting for us at One Foot Island.

Whilst we swam and played, the Wet & Wild boat crew were cooking up a delectable island feast on a barbeque inside of a rustic beach shelter. There were several scattered picnic tables under the palm trees by the beach, plus convenient nearby toilets.

A tasty local tuna fish barbecue caught fresh that morning was served up with a smorgasbord of salads, fruits, local vegies and bread. Cook Islands food is truly next-level fresh and delicious!

After some free time to swim and explore One Foot Island further it was finally time to go. A fun, fast boat ride delivered us back to the Aitutaki main wharf. We all alighted from our Aitutaki Wet and Wild cruise excitedly talking about what an amazing day we had had, ready for our next amazing Cook Island adventure!

An Aitutaki cruise day-trip to remember

The Wet N Wild cruise is a highly enjoyable Cook Islands cruise with the option to take it easy or go – well, wet and wild! This is the essential Aitutaki cruise where you can witness the incredible Aitutaki Lagoon up close, and do as little or as much as you like. Perfect!

Learn more and book your Wet N Wild cruise experience on their website here.

Where can you stay in Aitutaki?

Tamanu Beach Resort

In Aitutaki we stayed at the beautiful Tamanu Beach Resort. This lovely water front resort offers individual bungalows, an adults only or family-friendly side with separate swimming pools, a large on site restaurant and more. You can read all about our Tamanu Beach Resort stay in our resort review here or check for the best Tamanu Beach Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

Which is the best airline to fly to the Cook Islands from Australia?

Check for the cheapest Jetstar Australia Cook Island airfares here

We were invited to fly with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to the Cook Islands See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Cook Island flights here

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to the Cook Islands three times a week – check their website for their low Cook Island fares and frequent sales.

You may also enjoy reading our Cook Islands holiday planning feature here and our An Australian’s essential holiday guide to the Cook Islands here.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about flying to the Cook Islands for your next vacation? I love questions! Ask me in the comments below…

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia and Cook Islands Tourism for this trip to the Cook Islands, including our Wet N Wild Cruise. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

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This Cook Islands waterfront resort is the perfect holiday getaway in paradise

Edgewater Resort and Spa

In Rarotonga we stayed at the Edgewater Resort and Spa – a large, family-friendly beach resort.

With a resort pool, onsite restaurants and absolute beachfront rooms and villas, this is a great family accommodation choice for your Jetstar Cook Island holiday!

Check for the best Edgewater Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

When we first arrived in Rarotonga International Airport we picked up our hire car and headed off down the road with our Rarotonga map in hand. Even with it clearly marked on my map, I almost missed the Edgewater Spa and Resort’s sign and unassuming driveway. I did a quick U-turn, and headed back to turn in.

Set back off the road next to the ocean, the Edgewater Resort is actually massive. Set over 6 acres, the driveway opens out into the courtyard and a large, modern complex of apartments and villas. None are too tall though – there is a clever Cook Island law stating that no building can be higher than the tallest coconut tree!

As I entered the open-sided reception area to check in I was met with a warm island welcome from hotel staff. I learned that even though we were early, our accommodation had already been prepared for us.

We were shown to our room and I followed in our hire car, parking straight across from our ground floor room. Set within lush tropical gardens, a gardener was tending the blooms, picking fresh Hibiscus to decorate rooms in time for new guests checking in.

Our Beachfront Deluxe Room

During our stay at the Edgewater Spa and Resort we stayed in a Beachfront Deluxe Room – and again when we returned for an extra couple of nights before we flew back to Sydney.

Upon entering our room we were delighted to find a Cook Island Tourism welcome package to celebrate the first Jetstar Australia flight that we had arrived on that morning. There was also a large platter of delicious fresh fruit that lasted us our entire first stay at the Edgewater Resort. We were loving our Cook Island stay already!

A modern ensuite bathroom

The bathroom ensuite was spacious and featured a shower and luxurious spa bath – just the thing to bath the kids at the end of the day – or for mum or dad to relax in! There was also a hairdryer and selection of complementary amenities.

My family was very comfortable during our stay in our Beachfront Deluxe Room. Our room’s features included climate control air conditioning, a large flatscreen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. It was a generous size, which meant we had plenty of room to spread out.

It was lovely going to sleep at night with the gentle sounds of the South Pacific just outside, and the table and chairs setting on the balcony was the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee overlooking the beach.

Edgewater Resort guest facilities

Being a major resort, the Edgewater has ample guest facilities and amenities, including two restaurants, a bar, a large resort swimming pool, a beauty spa, a gift shop, a full-size tennis court, a kids club, a guest lounge with a drinking water dispenser and an ATM. There is also a convenient coin-operated laundry on site, which as we all know is so useful for families staying more than a few days on holiday.

Free snorkel hire

Edgewater Resort holiday entertainment

The Edgewater Resort’s Coconut Kid’s Club will keep even the youngest resort guests entertained! An Activities Hut located next to the resort pool is the hub of some really fun daily holiday activities, including dance lessons, palm leaf weaving and even crab races!

Swimming and snorkeling in gentle waters of the lagoon is a wonderful Cook Islands holiday activity. As the Edgewater Resort is situated right on the beautiful Rarotonga Lagoon, snorkeling and swimming are great activities for resort guests to try, but you don’t need to buy or bring any gear along with you. We took advantage of the free snorkel and reef shoe hire available at the pool-side Activities Hut.

You can see a lot of beautiful coral and tropical fish, and as there is a large shallow area alongside the resort it’s very family friendly – even for small children.

The resort beach is a beautiful place to relax on a lounge chair under the palm trees. This is the island life! In the evenings after dinner at the Brasserie you can ajourn to Mal’s Bar by the beach.

A large beachfront restaurant

The Edgewater Resort has two on-site restaurants – an Italian restaurant and a large beachside restaurant, The Brasserie.

The Brasserie acts as the resorts main restaurant and features an all day menu. There is both indoor and outdoor dining areas. In the outdoor area guests are seated under thatch-roofed tables alongside the beach and swimming pool.

We loved having our tropical breakfast at the Brasserie each morning, sitting out near the beach and giggling at the odd local rooster or chicken darting about! There were some really delicious meals on offer for lunch and dinner at the Edgewater Resort.

If you feel like venturing out to explore some of the nearby local restaurants, there is a huge range to choose from – over 100 cafes and restaurants on Rarotonga alone, in fact. Several of which you can walk to from the Edgewater Resort, or are just a quick five or ten minute drive down the road.

What is there to do in Rarotonga?

There is so much to do in Rarotonga! From swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful lagoon to shopping for local crafts to restaurant hopping to relaxing by your resort pool, the Cook Islands are all about a holiday that will make every family member happy! Read more about Cook Islands holiday planning in our feature article here.

In Rarotonga, our main activity was a Turtle Safari with Ariki Adventures.

Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari

Whilst we were in Rarotonga, we went swimming with turtles using sea scooters. This is a really amazing activity you can enjoy in the Cook Islands – we saw too many turtles to count!

You can read all about our Ariki Adventures Sea Scooter Turtle Safari here.

Which airline flies to the Cook Islands?

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to the Cook Islands three times a week – check their website for their low Cook Island fares and frequent sales.

See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Cook Island flights here

Edgewater Resort & Spa important info

Resort name: The Edgewater Resort & Spa

Address: 1 Puaikura Drive, Ruaau, Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Phone no.: +682 25 435

Email address: stay@edgewater.co.ck

For bookings: Check for the best Edgewater Resort rates on Tripadvisor here

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about the Edgewater Resort and Spa in the Cook Islands? I love questions! Ask me anything in the comments below…

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia for our flights and hosted us for a week in the Cook Islands, including at the Edgewater Resort and Spa. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Edgewater Resort & Spa review – Cook Islands family accommodation appeared first on Let's go Mum.

Australians now have an amazing new island holiday destination to love – and it’s even closer than Bali!

We were invited to visit the Cook Islands with Jetstar Australia!

We were very lucky to be invited to join Jetstar Australia’s inaugural flight to the Cook Islands and to spend a week in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The Cook Islands are a beautiful and exciting new holiday destination for Australians.

JQ141 – The first flight from Sydney to Rarotonga

Sydney International Airport came alive with the sounds of tropical song and dance on the 29th of June 2023 for the take-off of Jetstar flight JQ141 – the very first Jetstar Australia flight to the Cook Islands!

The official Jetstar airline send-off of the inaugural flight was a very exciting affair. A group of traditionally dressed Cook Islanders sang, played and danced in joyful celebration whilst 200 eager passengers and Jetstar crew looked on, thoroughly enjoying the show.

We all knew that we were part of something very special, and were also delighted to be gifted an “I love Rarotonga” T-shirt as we checked in to our flight!

Jetstar are the only airline to fly direct from Australia to the Cook Islands

You can now book a direct Jetstar Australia flight from Sydney to Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands.

Jetstar offers lower priced airfares so that more Australians can afford to enjoy overseas holidays, and the Cook Islands are no exception. Jetstar is the only airline that flies direct from Australia to the Cook Islands, and their airfares are as cheap as ever!

The Cook Islands are open to Australia again

Australians for the most part have been closed out of the Cook Islands since Ansett shut down their direct flights in 1990. From then on Australians wanting to visit the Cook Islands have had to fly via New Zealand. This made the Cook Islands much harder and more expensive for Aussies to access. Now all that has changed with Jetstar’s cheap, direct flights from Sydney to Rarotonga.

How long does it take to fly from Sydney to the Cook Islands?

The flight from Sydney to the Cook Islands takes around five and a half hours. That’s a whole hour shorter than Sydney to Bali.

The return flight takes two extra hours due to headwinds, but that’s really just more time to kick back and relax! It’s a very reasonable flight time to such a great destination, and with Rarotonga only four hours behind Sydney (plus one day due to flying over the international date line), it’s easy to avoid the dreaded jetlag which so often plagues overseas holidays.

A brand-new Jetstar Australia fleet – the Airbus A321 NEO aircraft

The new Cook Islands route is even shorter than it might have been thanks to Jetstar’s new fleet of efficient Airbus A321 NEO aircraft.

These new Jetstar NEOs are 50% quieter than other aircraft of a similar size. In addition they feature an extra fuel tank which allows the NEO to have a longer flight range, yet uses less fuel.

Inside the cabin of the NEO passengers enjoy wider seats, a USB charge point and even a device holder to watch downloaded movies or play games. Plus there are the usual range of yummy Jetstar drinks and snacks available to purchase. Cheese toasties, pies, chocolate and lollies. The time in the air just flies by – pardon the pun – as you nibble on treats and watch a movie!

A warm Rarotonga welcome

Upon arrival at Rarotonga International Airport, our awesome Jetstar flight attendants marked the occasion with a short speech and let us know that our airplane was to be blessed by local elders.

Upon disembarkation Jetstar flight passengers were welcomed with an amazing reception on the airport tarmac. Rows of traditionally dressed Cook Islanders gave tribal calls of blessings, song and dance – it was an amazing sight that I think few of us will ever forget.

Once we entered the Rarotonga airport terminal and passed through security, we were greeted with another local band singing and playing. There were warm smiles all around as we were met by locals and Cook Island Tourism with a beautiful crown of fresh island flowers for each of us!

We were very spoiled indeed that morning, although a warm welcome is what you can always expect from the incredibly friendly Cook Islands! Island music and dance greets you all over the island, and the islander culture is a historic and important one which they generously share with visitors. The Cook Islands are everything you want a tropical island holiday to be!

What is a holiday in the Cook Islands like?

With a Cook Island resident population of less than 12,000 swelling to near 18,000 thanks to tourism, New Zealand tourists have had this holiday treasure almost all to themselves for a long time. Now thanks to Jetstar Australia, Australians can enjoy vacationing in the stunning Cook Islands too!

The lifestyle and overall vibe of the Cook Islands is a laid-back one. Locals call it “Island Time”. Sleepy and gentle. Cars drive slower. Friendly dogs sun themselves next to the road. Chickens wander freely.

Everywhere is the ocean and inner lagoons of blue, blue water filled with tropical fish and green turtles which you can even swim with. The surrounding coral reef keeps out dangerous sharks, so you can snorkel or swim in peace. Outside the inner reef, passing whales are a common sight too at this time of the year.

You won’t see any high-rises in the Cook Islands. The law of the land is no building higher than the tallest coconut tree! No traffic lights, no big city – the Cook Islands truly are an unspoilt, hidden paradise in the Pacific.

What is the food like in the Cook Islands?

Food in the Cook Islands is delicious – seafood is the specialty, of course. Fresh fish, vegetables and fruit whipped up into lots of amazing local specialties – but you can basically get anything you would like to eat, right down to chicken nuggets for the kids.

There’s over one hundred cafes in Rarotonga – and not one McDonalds! Enjoy the amazing Polynesian-style food choices wherever you can – they’re absolutely delicious, and often come with an incredible sea view and a local island dance and song show!

What is accommodation like in the Cook Islands?

From the fanciest of resorts (the richest man in Spain visited just recently!) to waterfront beach huts, adults only and family friendly beach resorts, there’s something for everyone in the Cook Islands.

What is there to do in the Cook Islands?

There’s so much holiday fun to be had in the Cook Islands! The Cook Islands are perfectly geared for both relaxation – and for fun. There are the more energetic pursuits such as mountain hikes, kiteboarding, swimming with turtles or even whales! Then there are the more indulgent choices, such as day spas, massage – or even just kicking back beside the pool! You can choose your own adventure in the Cook Islands!

Jetstar Australia fly direct from Sydney to Rarotonga

If you’re looking for an amazing new family holiday, you won’t go wrong booking a budget-friendly Jetstar Australia flight to the Cook Islands! Check for the cheapest Jetstar Cook Island fares here

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or share!

Do you have any questions about flying to the Cook Islands for your next vacation? Ask me in the comments below!

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with Jetstar Australia for our trip to the Cook Islands. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Jetstar Australia now fly direct from Australia to the Cook Islands appeared first on Let's go Mum.