One of our most memorable and favourite trips we ever took stemmed from a gimmick.
I was looking for something special to do for New Year’s Eve back in 2018 when I stumbled across this fantastic idea. We were living in Wellington at the time, so why not take a flight up to Auckland to celebrate New Year’s and then, the next day, pick up a direct flight to the Cook Islands to celebrate a second New Year’s Eve?
It turns out the Cook Islands are slightly over the international deadline. So that’s what we did.
We don't only celebrate two New Year’s Eves as something wonderful and unusual. We love the Cook Islands for a couple of reasons.
The weather was great. It was a little humid sometimes, but you’re right on the water, and our place had a great fan. Next is the snorkelling. It is outstanding and our favourite. The reason is that Louise isn’t that fond of snorkelling in the deeper waters, and in the Cooks, you could walk off into a beach, and the fish were down around your feet, and the coral was just next door. Not that we’d have the whole beach to ourselves. It’s a rare time that you can go snorkelling without other people around. Last but not least, it was just a relaxing time.
Our favourite place to snorkel was just up the road from the Maire Nui Gardens and Cafe along the south coast on the way to the Nautilus Resort, where we celebrated New Year's Eve.
I would recommend renting a car. Yes, a bus service goes around the island clockwise and counterclockwise, and it’s pretty good. But we found that we could go where and when we wanted to.
Our accommodation at the Coral Sands Apartments in Arorangi was pleasant. It was not in the main towns but on the main road, as everything is.
What made me think of the Cook Islands again? Was this article about great places to stay on the Cooks?
Fun Facts
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No McDonald's, Starbucks, or traffic lights—none are needed.
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Everyone waves when you pass by; hitchhiking is common and safe.
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Locals often go barefoot, even to church or to vote.
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Dogs roam freely—some may even follow you to the beach.
Cook Islands vs French Polynesia vs Fiji
Here's a snapshot to help you compare these three Pacific paradises—each offering a distinct vibe, travel experience, and level of remoteness. It is like choosing between a soulful ballad, a sensual jazz piece, and a lively tropical dance.
| Feature | Cook Islands | French Polynesia | Fiji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Slow, personal, low-key. Feels like your friend’s beach house. | Romantic, luxurious, cinematic. Think: Bora Bora overwater bungalows. | Friendly, active, family- and group-friendly. Bigger and more diverse. |
| Main Languages | English, Cook Islands Māori | French, Tahitian | English, Fijian, Hindi |
| Access | Best via New Zealand | Best via Los Angeles, Paris, Auckland | Direct flights from major hubs (Australia, NZ, US, Asia) |
| Best For | Chill travellers, solo adventurers, couples who hate resorts | Honeymooners, photographers, luxury seekers | Families, scuba divers, culture lovers, adventure travellers |
| Cost | Mid-range to budget-friendly | High-end to ultra-luxury | Wide range: budget hostels to five-star resorts |
| Infrastructure | Basic but charming | Well-developed in major islands, very remote elsewhere | Good roads, a wide range of services and amenities |
| Top Experience | Aitutaki’s lagoon, hiking, and island time vibes | Bora Bora's lagoon, Moorea’s mountains, and the Marquesas for the intrepid | Coral reefs, waterfalls, traditional villages, and outer islands like Taveuni |
| Cultural Depth | Polynesian pride with warm hospitality | Rich Polynesian roots, more formal | Melanesian + Indian fusion, strong traditions and ceremonies |
| Tourism Volume | Low—feels uncrowded | Moderate—luxury-focused | High—some places touristy, others wild and untouched |
| Best Time to Go | May–October (dry season) | May–October (less rain, lower humidity) | May–October (cooler, drier) |
| Unique Quirk | No building taller than a coconut tree | Pearl farms, tiare flower behind the ear | Kava ceremonies, fire walking, and rugby obsession |
While this comparison is very accurate, it focuses on the positive. We never made it to French Polynesia as it was too rich for our budget, but we did make it to New Caledonia, which shares some similarities and currency. The snorkelling was great as well. New Caledonia feels like a tropical France with croissants, coral reefs, and indigenous Kanak culture; it’s ideal for travellers who crave nature and French flair without heavy crowds.
A Traveller's Analogy
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The Cook Islands is like a vintage postcard with hand-written notes—warm, nostalgic, and quietly poetic.
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French Polynesia is your luxury perfume ad: dreamy, cinematic, and mostly seen from a plunge pool.
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Fiji is the group hug: lively, diverse, full of “Bula!” smiles and spontaneous adventure.
