Where to Take Pictures in the Cook Islands: 10 Best Photography Spots

Last Updated: 9 June, 2025

The Best Places to Take Photos in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands

With vibrant palms and white sands contrasting with turquoise lagoons topside, while crystal clear waters offer vivid displays underwater, the Cook Islands sure is a photographer’s paradise (or anyone’s paradise, for that matter). With Rarotonga being the most visited of the Cook Islands, most of the recommendations in this list of the best places to take pictures in the Cook Islands are within Rarotonga.

We do, however, mention a few hidden gems on Aitutaki and the other outer islands, should you feel like going on a real photography adventure.

1. Black Rock

A volcanic outcrop among the white sand, Black Rock is not only a stunning place to take photos in Rarotonga but it’s also a spiritual place and stellar snorkelling site. The rock is said to be where Rarotonga’s spirits depart to the afterlife, which you can learn more about on the interpretation panel erected in front of the rock.

Capture the mana of this place that, incidentally, looks best at sunset as one of the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in the Cook Islands.

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

Where to Take Pictures in the Cook Islands: 10 Best Photography Spots

2. The Sandbank

Among the turquoise waters of the Aitutaki Lagoon, this hotspot for lagoon cruises, aptly known as “The Sandbank“, is a picturesque spot and must-do for photographers.

The pure white sand surrounded by azure waters is the best place in the Cook Islands to get your drone out (presuming you have followed the advice we give in What You Need to Know About Flying a Drone in the Cook Islands).

See which cruises you can access the sandbank with in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki and check out water taxis in our Aitutaki Transport Guide.

Location: Southeast side of the Aitutaki Lagoon.

3. Papua Waterfall (Wigmore’s Waterfall)

Cool off and get some “cool” photos at the Papua Waterfall on Rarotonga. Also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall, the falls can be found in the forest in a clearing with picnic tables. The waterfall is at its best when there hasn’t been a dry spell (which, luckily, isn’t too often on Rarotonga).

Don’t forget to bring insect repellent with you! See more stunning Raro sights in the Sightseeing on Rarotonga: Top 10 Sights on Rarotonga.

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).

4. Avaavaroa Passage

A top underwater photography spot in Rarotonga that you don’t even need to take your camera for, the Avaavaroa Passage is a turtle hotspot where guided turtle swimming tours will provide professional photos for you!

Experience an intimate turtle encounter with Sea Pace Rarotonga in the Avaavaroa Passage. Their small-group tours ensure personalised attention, with just four swimmers per guide (or two guides for less confident swimmers).

The standard “Turtle & Ray Tour” offers excellent value, lasting 1 hr 30 mins and including guided snorkelling, all gear, and a guaranteed turtle encounter. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, their premium tour features private guiding, photos, a handcrafted fruit platter, and local refreshments.

Compare the tours with others, some of which also provide photography, in the 5 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Vaimaanga, south side of Rarotonga.

5. Ara Metua (Back Roads of Rarotonga)

When scouting out photography locations in Rarotonga, take the back roads, just a few metres away from the main coastal road.

Built a thousand years ago, Ara Metua is the original road of Rarotonga where you’ll find locals living traditional lifestyles – living off pawpaw, arrowroot and taro plantations. These quiet roads, some symmetrically lined with coconut palms and fringed with flowers in summer, capture the lush and verdant side of Rarotonga.

Location: Ara Metua spans from Rutaki in the south, up the west coast, along the north coast and all the way down Matavera, ending in Ngatangiia, Rarotonga.

6. Raemaru Track

The Raemaru Track offers breathtaking vistas rivalling the famous Cross Island Track, but in a fraction of the time. This challenging hike ascends 350 m (382.8 yards) above sea level, covering 1,430m (1,563.9 yards) along the ridge to the mountain base. The highlight is a thrilling 15 m (16.4 yards) vertical rock climb, suitable for experienced climbers only.

With a total duration of up to 3 hours at a leisurely pace, you’ll enjoy stunning photo opportunities from the forest to the mountaintop. Explore this exciting alternative to the popular hiking trails in Rarotonga!

See a full description of the hike in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in the Cook Islands and check out guided options in the 10 Best Guided Walks in the Cook Islands.

Location: Raemaru Heights, Arorangi, west side of Rarotonga.

7. Muri Beach

If you’re looking for the ultimate sunrise photos of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, head to Muri Beach. Looking out toward the lagoon’s four motu (islets), striking silhouettes are cast in front of the vibrant hues of the sunrise.

And with so many of Rarotonga’s resorts located on Muri Beach, for many of us, there’s no excuse not to wake up early one day to catch the sunrise. Check out more stellar sunrise spots in the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in the Cook Islands.

Location: Muri Beach, Muri, southeast coast of Rarotonga.

8. One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)

One Foot Island – its Māori name Tapuaetai – is not only the most popular stop for Aitutaki lagoon cruises but also an effortlessly photogenic place. Many cruises stop here for a barbecue lunch, leaving you plenty of time to explore the sights and grab those shots.

Head to the front or back-facing sides of the islands to “navigate” the crowds and walk down the beach toward the channel for more picture-perfect beaches.

Location: Southeast side of the Aitutaki Lagoon, Aitutaki. See the link above for instructions on how to access the operators. Water taxis are also available, as outlined in our Aitutaki Transport Guide.

9. Vai Nauri

We can’t get this close to the end of our list of the best places to take photos in the Cook Islands without mentioning the sights of the other outer islands! The islands of Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro all have breathtaking caves that make for some epic photos.

Vai Nauri (pictured) can be found on Mitiaro and, in our opinion, is the most stunning cave pool in the Cook Islands, with its limestone features and crystal-clear water. Discover more photo-worthy caves in the 10 Best Caves in the Cook Islands.

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.

10. Departure Flight

Don’t put the camera away just yet! On the flight departing Rarotonga, you’ll get one of the best photo opportunities of your whole trip. On some international flights departing the Cook Islands, the plane circles the island as it gains altitude, offering some epic views of this green jewel jutting out into the Pacific Ocean.

Sit on the left side of the plane for the best views! For more about getting the best views on flights in the Cook Islands, check out The Best Scenic Flights in the Cook Islands.

Location: Rarotonga Airport, Nikao, north end of Rarotonga.

More on Where to Take Pictures in the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the best places to take pictures in the Cook Islands, as well as the best photography spots, discover more picture-perfect places listed in the guides below:

Finally, add more to the bucket list using the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List. Plus, work out all the logistics of planning a Cook Islands getaway in The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.

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

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

About Laura About Our Team