Cook Islands In the Heart Of The Pacific | Traveler by Unique
There is something to do for everyone’s taste, beautiful areas to be explored, many beaches with soft sand inviting you to relax on for the whole day and there are always places open up late for those who want to dance and taste colorful cocktails all night long!
What To Do In The Cook Islands
Scooter rentals are available for self-guided transportation or adventure. Aitutaki for example takes only half an hour to explore by scooter. You can go at your own pace, stopping along the way to have a bush beer at a cafe or to take pictures of the scenery. Another ride you might want to check out is Circle Island Road. The road stretches through beaches and coves for 18 km showing the ultimate coastal beauty of the Cook Islands.
Check out a local market, such as the Punanga Nui Market it Cook Islands which is a market supplying fresh produce, fresh fish, snacks and other Polynesian foods. You will find an assortment of freshly made sandwiches and other foods to pack up and take with you for the day or to take back to your accommodation to fill up the fridge. Either way, you will find foods you want more of at these markets, the smell alone will make people hungry.
Go for a dip in one of the natural lagoons or pools. Vai Nauri is a natural pool that was used back in the day for women to hold gatherings. It is a beautiful relaxing spot to take a nice dip on a hot day. Another natural swimming spot is inside a cave called Vai Tango. Weekends always crowd up with locals as it is one of their favorite spots too.
Take in the views from one of the many viewpoints. At 169 m, Rangimotia has the ideal view point as it is the highest on the island. The old Tinomana village is now the site of the Highland Paradise Culture Center and it has breaking panoramic views from the top.
What To Eat In The Cook Islands
You will find all sorts of restaurants on the Cook Islands including Italian, Indian, Chinese and other international cuisines. There are establishments serving your favorite drinks from back home, and you can find anything from fried treats to healthy options, depending on what you are looking for. If you are a seafood lover, you are in for some tasty options as fresh seafood is a staple in the diet, as well as fresh produce. Coconut, banana, cassava, breadfruit, clams and udon noodles are often used as ingredients. Some of the local favorites you won’t want to miss are:
- Ika: Raw fish marinated with either lemon juice or an oil and vinegar mixture, served with onions and coconut cream.
- Rori: Sea cucumber served with spices, garlic and butter. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Umukai: The national dish served for special meals or holidays. Foods sourced from the lands are baked in a traditional underground oven.
Nature and Wildlife In The Cook Islands
Visit the wildfire sanctuary on Takutea Island which has turned into a popular breeding ground for tropical birds. Due to the lack of bird species in the Cook Islands, this sanctuary plays a very important part of the environment as it provides a safe place for birds to raise their young.
Whale watching around Rarotonga is popular between June and September as the humpback whales swim in the waters. Many outreach programs involving the whales can be found in the area.
Scuba diving or snorkelling in the sea with turtles, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, barracuda and all other kinds of sea life is fun and exciting in the Cook Islands. There are different dive sites with boats ready to take you to the hot spots from the main beaches every day.