10 Best Tours in the Cook Islands in 2025

Last Updated: 26 June, 2025

Explore the Islands and Lagoons of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Beyond on the Best Tours in the Cook Islands

Don’t just rent a car or a scooter and hope for the best. Make sure you hit all of the highlights, as well as discover some real hidden gems, on one of the amazing tours in the Cook Islands. From off-roading in the mountains of Rarotonga to cruising the lagoon in Aitutaki to exploring caves on one of the outer islands, the Cook Islands offers an eclectic selection of guided tours to help you truly experience this Pacific paradise.

Discover some of the top recommended tours in this list of the best tours in the Cook Islands.

1. Ariki Adventures, Rarotonga

Ariki Adventures offers thrilling water experiences on Rarotonga. Their signature “Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure” is a two-hour tour guaranteeing turtle sightings at Avaavaroa Passage.

You’ll zoom through the water using lightweight sea scooters with GoPro mounts, perfect for capturing your underwater encounters. For confident swimmers, the “ONU Free Swim Adventure” offers a more independent turtle interaction experience.

They also offer the family-friendly “Premium Sea Scooter Lagoon Discovery Tour”, a two-hour exploration of coral canyons and tropical fish schools in the reef-protected lagoon. All tours include safety gear, experienced guides, and a photo package to remember your adventure.

See how their snorkelling tours compare to the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in the Cook Islands and learn about Ariki Adventures’ paddleboarding tours in the 5 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in the Cook Islands.

11 Best Tours in the Cook Islands [2025]

2. Cook Islands Tours, Rarotonga

The locally owned and operated Cook Islands Tours offers a few popular tours of Rarotonga, more famously their “Progressive Dinner Tour“, but if you want to see more of the island, do their “Orientation & Sightseeing Tour“.

Their 2 hrs 30 mins tour is a must for first-time visitors, pointing out some excellent places to eat on the island, interesting activities to do, as well as stopping by some cultural attractions that you can tick off the list, such as Black Rock and the Rarotonga Brewery.

Alternatively, Cook Islands Tours offers a sightseeing “Avarua Historical Walking Tour“, which you can find out more about in the 10 Best Guided Walks in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

3. Teking Lagoon Cruises, Aitutaki

When it comes to lagoon cruises, nothing compares to those on the Aitutaki Lagoon. One of the top choices for touring the lagoon and its motu, Teking Lagoon Cruises offers a small-group tour, visiting four of the lagoon’s islands and three vibrant snorkelling spots where the focus on ecology and conservation allows you to get more out of the experience.

Tours are approximately five hours and include an island barbecue lunch. Private charters and two-hour sunset tours with Champagne are also available.

Compare this lagoon cruise with others in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

10 Best Tours in the Cook Islands [2023]

4. Arataki Organic Garden Tours

For those interested in culinary experiences and organic cultivation, consider Arataki Organic Garden Tours. This intimate tour, led by Mirella and Katoa in their own backyard, offers a delightful journey through tropical flavours.

You’ll be greeted with a fresh local seasonal drink before embarking on a hands-on adventure with various fruits and vegetables. As you explore, you’ll gain insights into local traditions and medicinal plant uses. Try your hand at coconut husking and savour the marshmallow-like uto (young coconut).

Multiple tasting stations showcase garden-grown delights, culminating in a refreshing sample of sugar cane. The tour wraps up with light refreshments, including photo-worthy fruit platters and coconut drinks – so come with an appetite!

Ready to tantalise your taste buds? Book your spot on the Arataki Organic Garden Tours for a flavourful journey through Rarotonga’s organic bounty.

10 Best Tours in the Cook Islands [2025]

5. Koka Lagoon Cruises, Rarotonga

Embark on an unforgettable four-hour adventure with Koka Lagoon Cruises. This exciting tour combines glass-bottom views and guided snorkelling at the Tikioki Marine Reserve, where you’ll swim among colourful fish and giant clams.

After working up an appetite, indulge in a delicious BBQ feast on Motu Koromiri. The fun doesn’t stop there – you’ll be treated to a coconut demonstration, learn the art of pareu tying, and enjoy onboard entertainment from a talented string band. The passionate crew adds an extra splash of fun to the experience. (Children five and under go free – perfect for families!)

Based on our experience, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. You’ll love the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life – don’t miss the chance to snap some underwater photos!

See how the cruise compares to the 10 Best Tours of Rarotonga.

6. Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours, Rarotonga

Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours offers an exciting way to explore Rarotonga on two wheels. Their cycling tours begin with a briefing, allowing guests to choose their preferred focus: food, history, art and culture, or a bit of everything.

With bikes available for all ages, there’s no excuse not to join in on the fun! Pedal past charming villages, learn about the island’s rich history along the ancient Ara Metua coral road, and enjoy tastings of local fruits discovered en route.

The “Discover” tour is designed for beginner cyclists, while the “Explore” tour is ideal for more experienced riders. Both tours conclude with a delicious local lunch.

For those preferring to explore on foot, Storytellers also offers the “Afternoon Stroll” walking tour. This leisurely walk offers a unique perspective on the island’s beauty and culture. You can find more information about walking tours in the 10 Best Guided Walks in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

7. Raro Safari Tours, Rarotonga

Hop aboard a characterful safari Jeep with Raro Safari Tours for an unforgettable three-hour adventure around Rarotonga. Operating Monday to Friday, this tour takes you along the coast road, back roads, and dirt tracks, delving into the island’s rich history and culture.

Traverse the inland road to discover historical sites and visit local plantations. The highlight? Racing up dirt tracks to a spectacular viewpoint of Te Rua Manga, also known as The Needle. You’ll also stop at Papua Waterfall (or Wigmore’s Waterfall).

With plenty of humour thrown in, this tour offers a thrilling way to explore Rarotonga’s diverse landscapes.

See more tours like this in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

8. Birdman George Eco Tours, Atiu

The Cook Islands Māori name for Atiu is “Enuamanu“, meaning the “land of birds” so it would almost be a crime to not join a tour to scout out the colourful kura or rare kakerori of this outer island! Luckily, Birdman George offers an iconic eco-tour on Atiu, blending history, ecology, and sightseeing with opportunities for birdwatching.

As a key figure in local conservation, George Mateariki customises each tour to his guests’ interests. You’ll explore the island’s unique flora and fauna, learning about medicinal plants and spotting birds like the kakerori that George has helped protect from extinction. The tour typically lasts 4 to 6 hours and includes two main options.

The standard Eco-Tour runs daily, culminating with a fruit platter by the beach. Sunday tours are extra special, featuring a full meal from George’s family umu served on the beach.

Alternatively, guests can join “Birdman George’s beach restaurant” on Sundays for dining only; however, booking is essential, and transport is not provided.

See more tours like Birdman George’s in the 10 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands, as well as more tours on Atiu listed in the 5 Best Tours on Atiu.

9. Aitutaki Cultural Tour, Aitutaki

Immerse yourself in Cook Islands culture with the family-owned Aitutaki Cultural Tour. Join Lucy or her characterful father, Ngaaekaitai, as they share their deep passion for Aitutaki traditions.

You’ll be whisked away in an unmissable bright yellow truck to a stunning cultural centre overlooking the Aitutaki Lagoon. Here, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing an umu (traditional underground oven) – perfect for travellers who love to get involved!

While your umu cooks, take a tour of the property to explore its herbal and medicinal offerings before visiting a sacred marae to discover Aitutaki’s rich history. Back at the centre, you’ll unearth your umu and enjoy a fresh lunch with a spectacular view.

The tour operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for shared groups (minimum four people), with private tours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

10. Tuatini Cave Tour, Mangaia

For those feeling more adventurous, cave tours are a highlight of the outer islands of Mangaia, Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke! Tuatini Cave, located on the oldest island of the Cook Islands, Mangaia, is what many believe to be the grandest cave in the Cooks.

It is also extensive and largely untouched, characterised by magnificent stalagmites, stalactites and crystalline floors, walls and ceilings. The local guides will show you a vast amount of the cave, tell stories of their ancestors (showing you cooking instruments and fish hooks that remain) and point out prehistoric crabs that now live here.

Tours of the cave alone last approximately two hours. Island tours, including visiting the cave, are sometimes an option.

Learn about how to organise cave tours, as well as see more caves to visit, in the 10 Best Caves in the Cook Islands and 15 Best Things to Do on Mangaia.

More About Tours in the Cook Islands

Now that you are aware of the diversity of the Cook Islands’ best tours, check out more tour options listed in the articles below:

Finally, check out all of the Cook Islands’ activities in our epic 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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