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By Air

Air Rarotonga is the airline of the Cook Islands and operates scheduled services to nine of the islands. They also run a Northern atolls adventure tour taking in PENRHYN, MANIHIKIand PUKAPUKA. That one's definitely on my list for my next visit. But if you haven't got the time for that, I would strongly recommend the day trip to Aitutaki. It includes flights, of course, a tour of the island and a boat trip to some of the motus in the lagoon, complete with on board barbeque. It's an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. I promise!

This is the transport that greeted us when we landed at AITUTAKI. There was no speedometer, and no windows, but there was the best tour guide I've ever met. He told us proudly he'd been on British television demonstrating the dancing of the islands. And he and a fellow Aitutakian who accompanied us on the boat trip sang us Polynesian songs on the way back from our tour round the motus. This really is a "must do" trip.

Find out more about the day trip, adventure tour and the inter island air services at the Air Rarotonga web site. Islands served are Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, Penrhyn, Manihiki and Pukapuka. You can check out the detailed timetable here.

By Sea

Several shipping lines operate services to and between the islands. Details are published daily in the local island newspapers. Shipping contacts and movements are also published on the web - click here for the latest information. Remember that if you're going to some of the outer islands, it could be many weeks or even months between ships.

If you're planning to sail to the islands, there are five designated ports of entry...Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu in the Northern Group, and Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Southern Group. If you're a yachtsman (or woman) have a look at the Cook Islands pages in noonsite.com for specialist information for the cruising community.

By Land

Not all land transport is quite like I encountered on Aitutaki (see picture above)! The stunning scenery makes walking a pleasure, but avoid doing it when the sun is at its hottest.

On Rarotonga, the best travel tip is to take the Cook Islands Bus which circles the island, clockwise and anti clockwise throughout the day and into the late evening. If you're going to use it regularly, you can buy a day pass or a book of 10 tickets. But be warned...there's no evening service on Sundays. Motorbikes can be rented on some of the islands, provided you've bought your Cook Islands driving license from the police headquarters in Rarotonga. And car rental firms abound on the capital island.

It's a bit hit and miss what transport you'll find on the outer islands. But that's the beauty of them. The local tourist information offices will help you plan your trip and offer advice on getting round when you arrive.

Air travel has opened up the islands like never before, but it's quite costly. Ships are still an important lifeline, particularly for the outer islands, but their irregular schedules mean that few tourists have the time to use them. So, this page is just giving a few pointers about getting around. If you want to explore, the best advice is to contact the Tourism Department who will be more than willing to help you plan your journeys.