Essential Rarotonga and Aitutaki
Duration : 10 days
Route : Rarotonga (4 nights) → flight Aitutaki (5 nights) → return Rarotonga (1 night)
Custom travel to the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are one of the South Pacific's best-kept secrets — 15 Polynesian islands scattered across 2 million km² of ocean, populated by only 17,000 inhabitants with preserved Polynesian Maori culture. Aitutaki houses one of the world's most beautiful lagoons (according to many experts, the most beautiful after Bora Bora), Rarotonga is the green capital with its 32-km coastal path. Autonomous country in free association with New Zealand (New Zealand passport for Cook Islanders), almost no Francophonie (English and Maori official). Family atmosphere, little mass tourism, moderate prices — Polynesian authenticity without the Bora Bora or Fiji sticker price.
Highlights
- Aitutaki: one of world's most beautiful lagoons
- Rarotonga: green capital and Punanga Nui market
- One Foot Island: deserted motu for picnic
- Polynesian Maori culture: ura dances, drumming
- Te Vara Nui Cultural Village (Rarotonga)
- Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise diving and snorkeling
Sample itineraries
Honeymoon: Aitutaki in overwater villa
Duration : 10 days
Route : Rarotonga (2 nights) → flight Aitutaki Pacific Resort (7 nights, overwater) → return Rarotonga (1 night)
Adventure: Atiu and Mauke
Duration : 12 days
Route : Rarotonga (3 nights) → Atiu (3 nights, caves and culture) → Mauke (2 nights, traditions) → Aitutaki (3 nights) → return Rarotonga (1 night)
When to go
Cook Islands can be visited year-round. Dry season (May-October, austral winter): ideal climate (22-26 °C), little rain, clear water. Wet season (November-April): hotter (26-30 °C), frequent rain, sometimes cyclones (rare).
- Dry season (May – October) — Aitutaki, Rarotonga, diving
- Wet season (November – April) — Tighter budget trip
- Transition (April and October) — All islands, accessible prices
- Cyclones (January – March) — Off-season
Practical information
Cook Islands are very safe. No visa for French citizens (stay < 31 days). Cards accepted in resort hotels but cash (NZD) recommended elsewhere. Tap water drinkable in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Left-hand drive. No tipping (but appreciated).
Frequently asked questions
When?
May-October (dry season). Avoid January-March (rare but possible cyclones).
How long?
10 days for Rarotonga + Aitutaki. 14 days to add Atiu or Mauke.
Budget?
€2,800-€4,200 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium honeymoon: €4,800-€6,500. Flights: €1,800-€2,800.
Visa?
No for French citizens (stay < 31 days).
How to get there?
Paris-Auckland flight (1 stopover) then Auckland-Rarotonga (4 h). Or Paris-Tahiti then Tahiti-Rarotonga (2 h 30).
Aitutaki or Bora Bora?
Bora Bora for iconic overwater bungalows (but 50% more expensive). Aitutaki for more authentic lagoon, more accessible prices, Maori cultural dimension.
Family trip?
Absolutely. Total safety, family beaches (Muri, Aitutaki), Lagoon Cruise enjoyed by children. From age 6.
Is French spoken?
Very little — English and Maori official. But communication is easy, hotels speak English.
Tips?
Not mandatory. 5-10% appreciated for exceptional service.
Combine?
Yes, classic: Cook Islands + New Zealand (direct Rarotonga-Auckland 4 h), Cook Islands + French Polynesia (Rarotonga-Tahiti 2 h 30).