The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand. There are 15 major islands spread over 2.2 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. Rarotonga is the capital and home to the international airport which takes just under 4 hours flying time to get to from Auckland. The easy accessibility is one of the many reasons which make the Cook Islands a fantastic holiday destination for all. Whether you are looking for rest, family fun or adventure, you will find it all in this tropical paradise.
The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate all year round. July to November are the cooler months with an average temperature of 25°C during the day, only dropping to around 19°C at night. This is generally the “peak season” for the Cook Islands as holiday maker’s flock there to enjoy the dry, sunny days with low humidity – and to escape winter back at home!
December to June are the warmer months with an average temperature of 28°C dropping to 22°C at night. Visitors during this time can expect sunny mornings & balmy humid days with the odd tropical shower. Severe weather in the Cook Islands is rare and infrequent.
Rarotonga is 23 hours behind New Zealand in daylight saving time, and 22 hours normally. As you cross the International Date Line you arrive in Rarotonga a day prior to leaving New Zealand, and when returning you land in New Zealand a day after leaving Rarotonga. It is good to keep this in mind when deciding on your travel dates.
Aitutaki is a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. Air Rarotonga operate several services to and from Aitutaki each day.