Sightseeing in the Cook Islands: Top 10 Sights in the Cook Islands

What? We're not starting with a sight on Rarotonga? That's right, we're starting with easily the most famous island on the Aitutaki Lagoon, One Foot Island, also known as Tapuaetai. Many cruises in Aitutaki stop here for a barbecue lunch, leaving you plenty of time to explore the sights.

A highlight is the post office, where you can get your passport stamped and pick up other souvenirs! See more sights like this in our Top 10 Sights on Aitutaki.

Accessible with Bishop’s Cruises, Teking Lagoon Cruises, Kia Orana Cruise, The Vaka Cruise and Platinum Cruising. Find out more in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.

Location: Southeast side of the Aitutaki Lagoon.

One of the most prominent sights on Rarotonga, Te Rua Manga, otherwise known as The Needle, is an exposed breccia structure reaching 413 m (451.6 yards) high. While The Needle can be admired all the way from shore on the northern side of the island, those who want a closer look will have to do a portion of the Cross Island Trek.

The full walk is approximately a 3-4 hour walk, covering a distance of 6 km (3.7 mi). Those just wanting to climb up to The Needle, however, can start from the north side of the trail, trek up to the summit and return the same way (1 hr 30 mins to 2 hours).

Guided hikes are available for the whole Cross Island Trek with Maunga Tours (see the 10 Best Guided Walks in the Cook Islands) or a spectacular view of The Needle from a mountaintop can be experienced with Raro Safari Tours (see the 10 Best Tours of Rarotonga).

Location: See the links above for the best access to the Cross Island Track, Rarotonga.

Anatakitaki Cave, also known as the Kopeka Bird Caves, is a must-see attraction on Atiu. This spectacular limestone cave system offers a unique adventure for able-bodied visitors.

Tours run at 9 am or 2 pm, lasting 2–3 hours, including a 30-40 minute forest hike each way over uneven terrain. Highlights include awe-inspiring cave formations, the opportunity to swim in a cool cave pool (if prepared), and the unforgettable experience of complete darkness as kopeka birds fly overhead using sonar.

Don't forget your sturdy footwear, mosquito repellent, water, and swimwear!

For an unforgettable caving experience, we recommend you book your caving adventure with Anatakitaki Cave Tours. They offer expert guidance and transfers from your accommodation, ensuring a safe and memorable exploration of this natural wonder.

For more cave adventures across the Cook Islands, check out the 10 Best Caves in the Cook Islands. Plus, discover more exciting activities on Atiu in our guide to the 20 Best Things to Do on Atiu.

Location: East side of Atiu. Transfers are included in the tour mentioned.

One of the best (if not the best) swimming caves in the Cook Islands, Vai Nauri, located on the island of Mitiaro, features a deep pool with clear, deep blue waters and striking limestone formations. There are a set of steps down to the pool, or you can clamber around the pool and jump off a 3 m (3.3 yards) outcrop into the deep waters.

Discover more amazing sights on Mitiaro mentioned in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mitiaro.

Location: West side of Mitiaro. A short dead-end road to Vai Naui can be found a few hundred metres north of the Lake Rotonui turnoff.

The island of Mangaia hides many tranquil stretches of sand, most of which slope into the reef and are backed with dramatic makatea (uplifted coral). One of its most picturesque beaches is Ara’oa Beach at the northern tip of the island.

Stop for a paddle on the reef and get some mesmerising photos of its makatea boulders and caves. Discover more sights, including caves and lookouts, in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mangaia.

Location: North side of Mangaia, on the coastal road, approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi) north of Ivirua village.

Covering an area of 4,000 m² (43,000 ft²), Mauke’s giant banyan tree is the largest in the South Pacific. The 15-minute walk to the tree passes another sight on Mitiaro, Vai Moti, a small cave with a swimming hole where you can take a quick dip.

Finally, you’ll come across the tangled roots hanging from above and crawling across the ground that indicate you’ve reached the Giant Banyan Tree! Locals have made an awesome tree swing with the roots – so have a go! Check out more sights on Mauke listed in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mauke.

Location: North side of Mauke. There is a clearing on the road to the start of this trail between Areora village and A’anga Beach on the east coast. As the trail is difficult to find, it is best to explore this area with a guide, which can be arranged through your Mitiaro accommodation.

Back on Rarotonga now, this volcanic outcrop among the sand is not only a spiritual site but a glorious place to snorkel or reef walk. Black Rock is said to be where Rarotonga’s spirits depart to the afterlife, which you can learn more about on the interpretation panel near the rock.

At low tide, the rock pools are interesting to investigate, while it’s also a fun snorkelling spot at high tide. Learn more about the cultural significance of this sight in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao, northwest side of Rarotonga.

This British cargo ship that wrecked on the Avarua Harbour on Christmas Day, 1916 is now part of the reef of Rarotonga. Either admire “The Boiler” poking out of the ocean from shore at Trader Jacks or swim out to ship yourself.

Caution: Only strong swimmers with fins and snorkelling gear should make the journey – and at low tide with other people. The swim is about 500 m (546.8 yards) from shore.

Alternatively, the Maitai Shipwreck can be admired on Raro Reef Sub (generally available from April to December/January) and snorkelling tours with Ariki Adventures and KiteSUP. Discover more amazing sights across the island in our Top 10 Sights on Rarotonga.

Location: Trader Jacks, Main Road (Ara Tapu), the western end of Avarua, north side of Rarotonga.

When it comes to sightseeing and architecture, one of the most impressive buildings in Aitutaki (and the Cook Islands) is the CICC Church in Arutanga. Either visit as part of a Sunday church service to admire the interiors and light displays from the stained-glass windows, or get a photo from the Aretuki Lookout on the hill behind it.

Learn more about the church experience and find more photo-worthy church buildings in the 10 Best Churches in the Cook Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: On the main road at the southern end of Arutanga, west side of Aitutaki.

Cool off and get some “cool” pics at the Papua Waterfall. Also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall, this tourist attraction on Rarotonga can be found among the forest in a clearing with picnic tables to make the most of your visit.

The waterfall is at its best when there hasn’t been a dry spell (which, luckily, isn’t too often on Rarotonga), and swimming is best done in the bottom pool, not on top where the water pipes are. Remember to take some insect repellent with you and avoid climbing the sides where rocks have been known to fall!

For more safety advice, check out our Cook Islands Safety Tips.

Location: End of Papua Road, Vaimaanga. Note that the dirt road all the way to the waterfall is in bad condition – suitable for 4WD or SUVs only. If you’re unsure, park at the SPCA car park and walk from there (6 mins walk). You may be asked for an entry fee (around NZ$2 for scooters and NZ$5 for cars/trucks).