Southern Cook Islands trip planner

A mix of bush-covered islands and coral atolls, Southern Cook Islands are the peaks of long-dormant volcanoes, slowly sinking into the sea. Though consisting of only nine of the 15 Cook Islands, Southern Cook Islands are home to nine tenths of the population, most of whom live on Rarotonga. Home to Avarua, capital of Cook Islands, Rarotonga is as close to bustling as things get way out here in the Pacific, with its two bus routes (clockwise and counterclockwise around the island) and many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars. Nearest to Rarotonga is Aitutaki, or Honeymoon Island, with its turquoise lagoon filled with tropical fish and giant clams, surrounded by some of the best beaches in the world. Not that any of the beaches in the Southern Cook Islands are likely to disappoint: each is a tropical paradise, from the ancient limestone caves and coffee plantations of Atiu, to the Makatea islands of Mauke, Mitiaro, and Mangaia, where traditional village life still holds strong. Make your own Southern Cook Islands vacation itinerary, with a little help from those that know the place like the back of their hands, by using our Cook Islands trip planner.