Extra Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Travel Tips

Welcome to Cook Islands Pocket Guide

Your SPTO-Recognised Travel Companion

Trusted by 900,000+ travellers and dreamers yearly and endorsed by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), we deliver hyperlocal, sustainable Cook Islands travel advice written by journalists who revisit the country every year.

Thanks to our loyal readers, we are 🏆 rated 4.6/5 Stars on Trustpilot.

⭐ Why 95% of Travellers Recommend Us

✅ SPTO Partner: We’ve partnered with the Pacific Tourism Organisation to promote ethical, sustainable travel since 2019.

✅ Genuinely Vetted Experiences: Our writers and editors visit the Cook Islands annually, testing every activity and accommodation we recommend. Unlike blogs and other travel guides, if we’ve not been there, we say so!

✅ 4.6/5 Stars on Trustpilot: Join thousands of travellers who’ve saved time and money with our unbiased advice.

✅ No Hidden Ads: We disclose all affiliate partnerships, your trust comes first. If you book a product via a Booking.com, Expedia or Viator link, we may earn a small commission. None of those links affect our editorial content.

How We Create Your Guide

  • On-the-Ground Research: Our team visits the Cook Islands annually, partnering with locals and Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) to verify every tip.
  • Journalist-Led: Our content is overseen by our very own travel journalist and editor-in-chief.
  • SPTO-Approved: We align with the Pacific Tourism Organisation standards for cultural and environmental responsibility.
  • Fact-Checked: We cross-referenced all information and tips with Cook Islands Tourism (CIT), local businesses, or repeat visitors.

Our Sustainability Commitment

As an SPTO-recognised guide, we prioritise:
🌿 Eco-conscious operators
👐 Locally owned tours and accommodations
📉 Reducing over-tourism in fragile areas
Learn more about our sustainable tourism pledge.

How We Stack Up Over Other Guides:

Here is a comparison between us and an “unnamed major competitor” as of 2025.

Feature☀️ Cook Islands Pocket Guide🪐 The Other Guide
⏳ Time Spent in the Cook Islands3+ weeks annuallyIrregular visits
🌱 Sustainability FocusSPTO-alignedLimited
⭐ User Reviews4.6/5 (Trustpilot)1.4/5 (Trustpilot)
💰 Price100% Free OnlinePaid and limited online