5 reasons why you should vacay to the Cook Islands this winter ...

What does 4 × 5.5 equal? Twenty-two, you say? Yes, mathematically, but travel-y? A trip to the Cook Islands! With 4 direct flights a week and a flight time of only 5.5 hours, it’s the perfect equation to head to the relaxed vibes and effortless experiences of the tropical Cook Islands. We share why you should holiday there this winter.  

Jetstar’s four weekly flights direct from Sydney to Rarotonga are alone enough to decide a holiday on the Cook Islands is a great idea. Add in that it’s only 5.5 hours of travel time to reach paradise and the #CookIslandsmath be mathing.  

In the time it takes that slow-cooked meal you put on to make your winter evening more bearable, you could be sipping cocktails poolside, watching a cultural performance or tucking into ika mata, a traditional Cook Islands’ raw fish and coconut dish that screams ‘summer’ as much as your hot pot moans winter.  

The Cook Islands difference  Get as active or as laidback as you like when touring the Cook Islands. @Cook Islands

There’s an obvious difference between Australia and the Cook Islands’ 15 islands. Here, it’s beanie and woolly sock weather; there it’s balmy and tropical. The Cook Islands is warm and sunny year-round.  

While we’re cranking up the A/C to feel our toes again, Australian winter represents one of the best periods to travel to the Cook Islands. The dry season runs from April to November. 

There’s also a difference between the Cook Islands and other Pacific Island destinations. Thanks to its down-to-earth nature, it’s one of the easiest and most relaxed destinations to holiday in.  

Visitors frequently talk of the freedom they experience when touring the islands. While you can, of course, lounge in your resort your whole stay, it’s also very easy to get out and explore the Cook Islands with countless activities at your fingertips.

Whether it’s to check out a local restaurant, soak up the rays on a gorgeous beach, or to participate in some of their fun-filled activities is up to you.  

And a point of difference travellers to the Cook Islands love? That the cost of food and drinks is largely much cheaper than across other Pacific Islands.

Effortless, affordable, and warm in temperature and in welcome? We love it!  

5 ways the Cook Islands stands out  Natural wonders await in the Cook Islands ©Alexandra Adoncello

Don’t believe us that the Cook Islands is set apart from its neighbours?  

Here are five reasons why you should holiday there this year.  

Discover The blend of Polynesian traditions and Western influences offer an enriching experience unique to this idyllic 15-island chain. Choose from the range of cultural tours or you can meet the locals. Cook Islanders are renowned for their friendliness; meet them local cafés and restaurants, bustling markets, or even at a church service. If you head to the accessible smaller islands, you can live like a local, often staying in small family-owned accommodation.  Taste If you’re like us, you travel with your tastebuds, so you’ll be hungry to know what dining is like across the Cook Islands. Taste the Cook Islands’ heritage across meals like matutu, a grilled fish dish often served with rukau, a coconut cream and taro leaf side. Try umukai, a feast cooked underground, and be sure to leave room for dessert. Poke is a yummy pudding made with banana or papaya, coconut, and arrowroot.  Experience While it’s effortless to travel to Rarotonga and enjoy a super chill vacay, there are plenty of activities that suit the more adventurous travellers, too. Hop on a sea scooter, hoon around the island on a quad bike, access an underwater paradise scuba diving or snorkelling, or even learn to kitesurf!   Connect Travellers to the Cook Islands expect turquoise water and stunning lagoons like those seen in Aitutaki. What can be a surprise, however, are the rugged mountains of Rarotonga. Experience them best on a 3.5-hour hike on the Cross Island Trek to connect to this pristine natural wonder.   Sustain The Cook Islands is focused on marine and environmental conservation, with initiatives like Marae Moana a priority. On the Cook Islands website, it’s easy to choose regenerative travel experiences and they even share tips on how to do your bit while travelling there.  

Learn more  Doesn’t this look better than spending the winter layered up? @Cook Islands

For a deeper dive into why 4 × 5.5 = a Cook Islands vacay, contact your preferred travel agent or head to cookislands.travel. Whether you’re looking for a couple’s retreat, family getaway or solo exploration, you’ll find everything you need to plan your adventure, including what to do, where to stay, and FAQs.  

Agents, upskill on all things Cook Islands here and access trade resources here.  

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