Planning your Family Holiday in the Cook Islands

horseriding on a family holiday in rarotonga

Overview

Despite being a laid back beach destination, Cook Islands family holidays offer a safe holiday environment for younger kids with great swimming lagoons, slightly cooler weather than the prickly heat of Fiji and Vanuatu, and just enough things to do to keep them busy and you stress free. Whilst there are a couple of resorts offering all day kids clubs and all inclusive meal packages, probably the best idea in the Cook Islands is to rent a holiday house or stay in one of the villas operated by one of the smaller accommodations and make use of its relaxing and spacious living, cooking your own meals at will, lighting the BBQ and sampling a few of the independent restaurants for a night out.

2- or 3- Bedrooms for Large Families

The Cook Island is not the cheapest destination to visit for families but there are several options offering excellent value for money. Holiday homes are quite popular on Rarotonga are a good option for families seeking space and wanting to do their own thing and offer good privacy and generally good value for money. And because there are plenty of restaurants around the island, you don't have to do your own cooking every night. A few resorts offer 3-bedroom bungalows within the resort gardens and these offer spacious accommodation but the convenience of resort living with amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant and tour desk / reception.

Aitutaki Lagoon with the Family

For something a little different, and if you don't mind carting the kids off to an outer island which is going to cost a bit more, then Aitutaki offers a great holiday for a few days cruising around the lagoon, visiting uninhabited islands and snorkelling amongst a myriad of tropical reef fish.

Aitutaki Beach Villas$$

picture of aitutaki beachvillas beach
Intimate with just four villas with open plan living and mezzanine room for the kids - right on the beach.