The Cook Islands have long been considered a tropical paradise, but their remote location between New Zealand and Hawaii had kept them out of the spotlight until recently. Fifteen volcanic islands make up the self-governing territory, but while all have their own charms, they’re united by their ancient Polynesian heritage.
The largest island, Rarotonga, is just 32km in circumference, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in scenery. Snorkel in its impossibly blue waters before heading off to explore the other islands.
