Hotels in Cook Islands

Hotels in the Cook Islands: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in the Cook Islands cost?

The price depends on the standard, the island and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually July, while October is the priciest. Choice is limited, so booking ahead matters.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in the Cook Islands: most popular places

Almost all accommodation is on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. These are the places travellers choose most often:

• Rarotonga. The main and largest island, the most chosen destination. It has the airport and most of the stays.
• Aitutaki. A famous lagoon and luxury resorts, reached by a small plane from Rarotonga. Pricier than the main island.
• Muri (Ngatangiia). The most popular area of Rarotonga, on Muri lagoon, ideal for snorkelling and kayaking.
• Avarua. The capital on Rarotonga, with the Punanga Nui market and city life.

Nightly rates vary between islands. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in the Cook Islands

The main draw is the lagoons and nature, and the islands are small, so it is easy to get around.

• Muri Lagoon. Shallow, crystal-clear water for snorkelling, paddleboards and kayaks, with bars under the palms.
• Aitutaki Lagoon. One of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, with cruises to uninhabited motu islets.
• Cross-Island Track. A walk of about 3-4 hours across Rarotonga through forest with waterfalls.
• Punanga Nui Market. The market in Avarua, busiest on Saturday mornings, with fruit, jewellery and local food.
• Limestone caves. Cave tours on the island of Atiu for those after something beyond the beach.

How much does a trip to the Cook Islands cost

Beyond the room, daily costs are moderate. Lunch is about NZD 15 and a local beer about NZD 9. The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), and the local Cook Islands dollar is also used. Cards are mainly taken by hotels and larger shops, so it is worth withdrawing cash from an ATM and carrying it.

When is the best time to visit the Cook Islands

The dry season, roughly April to November, is the most comfortable for travel. Price data suggests July tends to be the cheapest and October the most expensive. The wetter season falls in December and January. The climate is warm all year.

Getting to and around the Cook Islands

All international flights land at Rarotonga Airport. Direct routes are served from Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand, Sydney in Australia and Los Angeles. The flight from Auckland takes about 4 hours. Small planes run between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Two buses circle Rarotonga, clockwise and anti-clockwise, with a fare of about NZD 5. You can also rent a car or scooter, and a licence from your home country is accepted.

Example hotels in the Cook Islands

A few recognisable properties for reference:

• Little Polynesian Resort and Crown Beach Resort & Spa on Rarotonga (from approx. NZD 460).
• Muri Beach Club Hotel and Muri Beachcomber in the Muri area (from approx. NZD 250).
• Pacific Resort Aitutaki and Tamanu Beach on Aitutaki (lagoon resorts, from approx. NZD 580).