Cook Islands

It is a wonder the Cook Islands have remained such an insider’s gem. With 15 islands to choose from, all renowned for hospitality, culture, and unspoiled natural beauty, being in the Cooks feels like taking a step back in time in the best way possible. The mesmerizing beauty of Polynesia seems to still be untouched on these islands. Whether you’re spending time on the main islands of Rarotonga or Aitutaki, or island hopping around the more remote islands, this picture perfect destination will leave you wanting to stay in this slice of paradise just another day…or week…longer.

Rarotonga is the hub of the islands and has a lot to explore. If you want exquisite beaches and crystal-clear water but don’t want to miss out on restaurants, shopping, and culture, your first stop should be here. A nice way to get your bearings and orient yourself to the island is with a scenic flight. See the inland valleys and plantations, the reef and the drop-off into the deep blue, the emerald green motus (small islets) and turquoise lagoon.

If you’re after some beach R&R, then make Aitutaki your primary destination. The flight to Aitutaki takes just 45 minutes and once you arrive, you’ll be in awe of its crystal clear, bright blue lagoon. Some even say the Aitutaki lagoon rivals Bora Bora’s, but without the crowds and hefty price tag. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and immersing yourself in local culture and traditions.

Looking to stray even further off the beaten track? There are smaller, undeveloped sister islands whose unspoiled beauty appeal to the explorer in all of us.

While the Cooks make a great destination on their own, they are the perfect addition onto any New Zealand, Australia or Tahiti trip. Air New Zealand offers a weekly nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Rarotonga, making it a breeze to get to paradise!

Cook Islands

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Our travels started back in March of 2020. Our trip started and included a great week in Tahiti then New Zealand. Although that’s when Covid exploded while we were there in Tahiti. That’s when we found out they had closed the border into NZ. Thankfully we had Esplanade to get us back home. We finally got back on track to New Zealand this March. We had a full itinerary planned. When we arrived, we had a driver waiting for us to take us to our Glamorous hotel with a great view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Mountains in the background. We traveled to Milford Sound by bus then traveled thru out the scenic Milford Sound. Then they flew us back to our hotel. Another trip was on a Steamboat that took us to Farm. We had a great dinner there and tour of the farm that included the sheep dogs working the sheep. We could go on and on about this trip. The people from NZ our super nice. This trip was great from start to finish. Truly a bucket list trip. Esplanade will definitely be our choice for international travel, without a doubt. <br />

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