Everything You Need to Know About Golf in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands

Take some time out of sunbathing and sipping cocktails for a swing on the Cook Island's fun yet challenging golf courses. It's a true island experience where your main challenge will be the swaying coconut palms.

Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki have their own golf courses, while Rarotonga also has a sweet little mini golf course that's not to be snuffed at! Learn all about the golf courses, club hire and the costs involved in this complete guide to golf in the Cook Islands.

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Table of Contents

5 Top Tips for Playing Golf in the Cook Islands

Before we jump into this complete guide to golf in the Cook Islands, here are just a few quick tips for playing golf in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

  1. It is cheaper to hire clubs than to bring your own - most international airlines charge around NZ$70+ for golf clubs, and the local airline will charge an extra NZ$3.50 per kilogram.
  2. Want to golf on Aitutaki? Ask about it when you arrive at the airport, as golf hire and green fees are all organised through the staff there.
  3. Don't expect pristine championship courses. This isn't Fiji. Enjoy a laid-back "island style" game, which is a little rough around the edges instead.
  4. There's no special dress code for the golf courses in the Cook Islands, but you will want to wear a hat, as there's limited shade.
  5. Don't rule out mini golf, there's a pretty fun mini golf course on Rarotonga too!
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Where to Play Golf in the Cook Islands

There are only two golf clubs in the Cook Islands and one mini golf course. Here's an overview of the Cook Islands' golf courses.

Rarotonga Golf Club

Location: Tipani Road, Nikao, Rarotonga.
Holes: 18 (9-hole x 2)
Par: 70
Distance: Ladies - 4,760 yards, Men - 4,956 yards
Club Hire: Yes
Clubhouse: Yes, open from 11 am Monday to Saturday
Course Type: Park-style

Aitutaki Golf Club

Location: Above the airport, Aitutaki
Holes: 9
Par: 34
Distance: 2,700 yards
Club Hire: Yes, at the airport
Clubhouse: Yes, open for events and members' day
Events: Weekly competition Thursdays from 3:30 pm or 4 pm. Saturday is members' day.
Course Type: Park-style

For a qualitative review of each golf course, check out The 3 Best Golf Courses in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

The Complete Guide to Golf in the Cook Islands
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Mini Golf in the Cook Islands

That's right, the Cook Islands have had a couple of mini golf courses over the years, but now there is just one on Rarotonga.

Aumata Mini Golf

Location: Inave Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Holes: 18
Cafe: Yes, open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 9 pm, and 1 pm to 9 pm Sundays
Club Hire: Yes, at the cafe
Course Type: Mini golf/crazy golf/mini putt

Learn more about the mini golf course in The Best Golf Courses in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Note that Coco Putt Mini Golf has closed.

The Complete Guide to Golf in the Cook Islands
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Where to Hire Golf Clubs

Avoid bringing your own golf clubs to the Cook Islands (which usually comes at an extra baggage fee of around NZ$70 with airlines flying to Rarotonga) by hiring golf clubs in the Cook Islands.

Rarotonga Golf Club Hire

Golf clubs are available to hire at the Rarotonga Golf Clubhouse, open from 11 am to around 6 pm (sometimes 8 pm) Monday to Saturday. Golf clubs are in good condition with some obvious wear and tear, but nothing that will affect your swing.

Mini golf putting clubs at the Aumata Mini Golf are included in the price and can be hired from the on-site cafe.

Aitutaki Golf Club Hire

Golf clubs in Aitutaki are a little trickier to hire, as they are only available from Aitutaki Airport when airport staff are on duty. The airport is typically open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, and has reduced hours on Sundays.

Check out the Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands: Your Guide to Interisland Flights for rough schedules. Club hire is literally the personal golf clubs of the airport staff, which are in decent condition (see image).

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How Much Does it Cost to Play Golf in the Cook Islands?

Golf is an affordable sport in the Cook Islands. Your biggest expense will be the golf club hire.

Rarotonga Golf Prices

Rarotonga Golf Club: Approximately NZ$55-$70 per person, including green fees and golf club hire.

Aumata Mini Golf: Approximately NZ$10 per adult and NZ$5 per child.

Aitutaki Golf Prices

Aitutaki Golf Club: Green fees are approximately NZ$10 per person and NZ$70 for golf club hire.

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More About Planning a Golfing Vacation to the Cook Islands

Now that you know all about golf in the Cook Islands, here's more advice to help plan your trip:

Finally, complement golfing with more experiences listed in the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.