Fifteen islands in the South Pacific Ocean make up the Cook Islands -- a self-governing country closely tied to New Zealand. The Polynesian lifestyle on these islands -- a calm and carefree way of living -- keep travelers booking flights to Cook Islands every year.

The country thrives on tourism. Travelers booking Cook Island flights and accommodations keep the country afloat -- tourism is the leading economic industry, followed by offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports. The country welcomes on average 90,000 visitors a year to the capital island of Rarotonga. It's here that tourists experience a wave of calm and friendliness before heading off on snorkeling adventures, hiking the mountains or the trolling the white sand beaches.

The weather in the Cook Islands is pleasant year-round, but it's likely to rain often. However, this shouldn't deter travelers from booking flights to Cook Island. The weather is warm and sunny and the rain, although imminent, is not terribly harsh.

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Cook Islands Climate

The seldom severe conditions here allow for a lot of freedom when booking Cook Islands flights. Temperatures average yearly at 82 degrees F, and the seasons, although different, aren’t entirely opposite.

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When to Fly to Cook Islands

Peak Season: The coolest and driest season to book a cheap flight to the Cook Islands is between April and October, when temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees.

Off-peak Season: The only characteristic that makes these islands have anything even close to an “off” season is rainfall. Late afternoon storms and high heat make for a sticky start to your Cook Islands travel.

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Getting Around Cook Islands

Whether you’re riding the Round-the-Island bus, or flagging a cab in Avarua, Rartonga, or Aitutaki, your road excursions will be fast and efficient. If inter-island hopping sounds appealing, book Cook Island flights to intercontinental islands on an 18-passenger turboprop plane. The plane willtake you from one island to another in under an hour. For the adventure traveler, rent a bike or motorcycle and explore the Cook Islands as nature intended.

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Cook Islands Insider Information

Shopping: Spending a Saturday morning at the Punangh Nui market is the perfect way to mix sight-seeing and splurging. One of a kind clothing, house wares, and bedding is at your disposal, and although these items are already steeply discounted, the vendors are willing to bargain even lower. The market might be packed with people, but since you saved money with a cheap flight to the Cook Islands, you can spend time and splurge a little in Punangh Nui.

Cook Islands Christian Church: Even for those who don’t associate with a particular religion, an experience in the Cook Islands Christian Church is a memorable one. Originated by the London Missionary association in the 1800s,the islanders reformed the faith and in 1852 begun a following that has now reached 18,000 people. Gospel-focused and community-based, these ceremonies are certain to make anyone a believer in the beauty of the Cook Islands.

Food: For a vibrant and satisfying banquet, dig in to some of Cook Island’s most famous natural resources. Sea cucumber, found in shallow ocean water, can be used to cook with lime and banana. While handling the creature might seem abhorrent, rest easy knowing that once thrown back into the sea, sea cucumbers re-grow and continue to live. For a sweet and healthy breakfast to fill you up before your Cook Islands flight back home, ask locals to help you dissect coconuts and papayas to concoct a wholesome serving.

 

 

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Cook Islands Airports

Rarotonga Airport (RAR) resides on the northwest coast of the islands.

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Passport/Visa

A passport is necessary for travel to Cook Islands that extends less than a month. If you plan on extending your Cook Islands travel though, you’ll need a visa.

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In-flight Reading

Myths and Songs from the South Pacific

William Wyatt GillCollection of folk stories and songs from the area.

Tivaevae: Portraits of Cook Islands Quilting

Lynnsay Rongokea, photography by John DaleyPhotographs of tivaevae along with an explanation of the craft.

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Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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Wordtravels.com

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