Top Things to do in Southern Cook Islands
Top Hotels in Southern Cook Islands
What to do and see in Southern Cook Islands, Southern Cook Islands: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Southern Cook Islands, Cook Islands including One Foot Island, The Vaka Cruise, Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours, Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Maire Nui Botanical Gardens, Bishops Cruises, Workout on Water.
Restaurants in Southern Cook Islands
1. One Foot Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,063 reviews
This tiny island in Aitutaki's beautiful lagoon contains a post office and a single cabin that can be rented by visitors. Most visitors just come for the day to experience the tranquil location and to snorkel in the lagoon.
Reviewed By sandy6662016 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Our lagoon cruise excellent tour guide described the history and legends behind One Foot Island and how it got its unique name. Quite beautiful and a magical place for sure. Got our passports officially stamped with a unique One Foot Island visa stamp. A novel addition to a pretty full passport.
2. The Vaka Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 811 reviews
The ‘must do’ day lagoon cruise aboard the 21 meter Polynesian style Vaka Titi ai Tonga. Every morning at 10am Mondays to Saturdays, the sound of the conch shell signals the departure of the Vaka for six hours of lagoon magic. There’s snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing to do before tucking into to an island barbecued lunch of fresh caught ocean fish served on board and accompanied by a full bar service. Visit several motu (small islets) and beach comb at One Foot Island before returning past the old TEAL flying boat base. Impromptu entertainment by the crew will have you tying pareu, weaving coconut leaf plates or humming island tunes. Tour includes pickup from your accommodation on Aitutaki. Resorts adn Hotels on O'otu Peninsula are within easy walking distance from the departure point and the Vaka docks directly at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa to pick up guests from there. We look forward to take you to the magic that is Aitutaki's lagoon.
3. Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 329 reviews
Storytellers are the tour leaders and guides taking you on an unforgettable bike riding experience in Rarotonga. The Storytellers experience offers a variety of tours to suit most levels of riding fitness and experience. We are the only Cook Islands eco tour on mountain bikes. We also give 10% of our profits back to the community for development projects.
4. Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
This tall, rocky pinnacle can be spotted from several locations on the island and is a favorite challenge for those who enjoy a good climb.
Reviewed By Bree1991 - Newcastle, Australia
We trekked from the Pāpua waterfall up to the needle and back. Quite a challenging but beautiful walk. Extremely slippery in some sections and I did slip over a couple of times going down hill. Stunning stream trickling for most of the walk. Give yourself plenty of time and take lots of water. Barry the rooster greeted us up the top! Nice swim in the waterfall at the end of the walk. Definitely don’t do as I did and wear and white singlet. It soon turns muddy and brown!
5. Maire Nui Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Located on the south coast of the island, these gardens contain many local plants and flowers that are not only beautiful but have medicinal uses.
Reviewed By iang428 - Queenstown, New Zealand
A $5 donation gives access to beautiful gardens, a superb cafe, and beauty and peace that is without peer on Rarotonga. The staff, especially the owner, are very inviting and pleased to discuss the history of the gardens, the plants, and the future. Watch your plate or else the quick roosters and hens will dash in for a bite.
6. Bishops Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
The Aitutaki lagoon is undeniably one of the most beautiful in the world and a visit to our Paradise would not be complete without joining us for a fun filled day cruising this spectacular natural wonder. We offer a range of tours and lagoon taxi services, snorkeling gear, beach towels and food and beverage options on the famous One Foot Island. Bring along your passport and get our famous 'One Foot stamp' in it.
7. Workout on Water
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Stand up Paddleboard Yoga lessons and weeklong retreats with world renowned Charlotte Piho. Charlotte is an International master trainer for SUPYoga. Australia's Head Trainer and accreditor. Retreats take place in both Rarotonga and Aitutaki. To book a lesson or enquire about a retreat visit the website, all Retreats book out well in advance and it is hard to get a lesson with Charlotte unless booked in advance so don't miss out and enquire through the website today.
Reviewed By melaniea700 - Melbourne, Australia
I travelled solo to the beautiful Cook Islands in August 2018 to experience Charlotte's "workout on water" retreat. Charlotte met me on arrival at Rarotonga Airport & was very friendly & welcoming. We stayed at the retreat house which was quite basic but had everything we needed. As soon as we arrived we unpacked & headed for the water to snorkel with turtles (Charlotte's father Tuhe is part of the retreat & takes many of the activities also - he is fabulous). Such a magic start to the week. Throughout the week we did lots of yoga on water (which I had never done before but this retreat was perfect for all fitness & experience levels), snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking, swimming & meditation. There was a basic itinerary to follow but the beauty of this retreat was being able to change dates & times of certain activities to fit with the tide, weather & peoples needs. We had lots of spare time in between activities (including one full day free) so there was plenty of time to experience the local shops, cafes & other beaches around the island. On my free day I took a day trip to Aitutaki, which is absolute paradise. Highly recommend a day trip to Aitutaki & also taking part in the Vaka Cruise (such a highlight of my trip)! The meals that were included in the retreat were all delicious & very healthy. Charlotte cooked for us many times at the retreat house & everything was very fresh. I was fortunate enough to be in a group with some of the most gorgeous people I've ever met & many of whom I will be friends with for life. During the week I had endless laughs & relaxation, which is exactly what I needed. Thankyou Charlotte & Tuhe for such an amazing week, I'm so grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to seeing you both again in the near future ????????????????
