Cook Islands
Geographical & General Info
- Capital: Avarua
- Population: approx. 17,500
- Languages: English, Cook Islands Māori
- Area: 236 km² (land)
- Time Zone: UTC-10
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) / Cook Islands Dollar
- Flag Colors: Blue, white, red (Union Jack + 15 white stars)
- National Day: August 4 (Constitution Day)
- National Anthem: Te Atua Mou E
- Neighboring Countries: None (Ocean neighbors: French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa)
Top 15 Largest Cities / Islands
- Avarua (Rarotonga)
- Arorangi (Rarotonga)
- Ngatangiia (Rarotonga)
- Muri (Rarotonga)
- Amuri (Aitutaki)
- Arutanga (Aitutaki)
- Nikao (Rarotonga)
- Titikaveka (Rarotonga)
- Matavera (Rarotonga)
- Oneroa (Mangaia)
- Taunganui (Atiu)
- Tautu (Aitutaki)
- Omoka (Penrhyn)
- Tauroa (Pukapuka)
- Tukao (Manihiki)
Top 15 Attractions
- Aitutaki Lagoon
- One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)
- Muri Beach & Lagoon
- Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
- Avarua Punanga Nui Market
- Te Vara Nui Cultural Village
- Aroa Marine Reserve
- Atiu Anatakitaki Caves
- Muri Night Market
- Black Rock (Tikitiki-a-Rangi)
- Mangaia Island & Caves
- Titikaveka Beach
- Cross-Island Track (Rarotonga)
- Manihiki Black Pearl Farms
- Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
Climate and Nature
The Cook Islands feature a tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures year-round (averaging 21°C to 28°C). The scenery ranges from rugged, volcanic peaks covered in lush rainforest on Rarotonga to breathtaking coral atolls with turquoise lagoons in the northern group. Marine life is remarkably rich, featuring vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and humpback whales.
Culture and Gastronomy
The local culture is deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, centered around music, singing, and expressive 'Uura dancing. The warm 'Kia Orana' hospitality is world-famous. Gastronomy heavily features fresh seafood, coconut, and tropical root crops. The iconic national dish is Ika Mata: raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice and served with fresh coconut cream.
Economy
Tourism is the main economic driver of the Cook Islands. Offshore banking, black pearl cultivation (principally on Manihiki atoll), fishing, and small-scale agriculture (such as coconuts and tropical fruits) also contribute to the economy. The country maintains close economic and financial ties with New Zealand.
Did you know?
- You can get an official footprint-shaped souvenir stamp in your passport at the tiny uninhabited One Foot Island?
- The 15 islands are scattered across nearly 2 million square kilometers of ocean, an area as vast as Western Europe?
- The Cook Islands issue their own currency (including unique triangular 2-dollar coins), alongside the New Zealand dollar?
- There are no traffic lights on the main island of Rarotonga, and the speed limit never exceeds 50 km/h?
- Humpback whales swim so close to Rarotonga's shoreline between July and October that you can spot them directly from the beach?
Live footage: Discover Cook Islands via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Cook Islands and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Cook Islands: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Cook Islands: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Cook Islands in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
