Top ten things to do in the Cook Islands

While the Cooks Islands are known for their beautiful weather, the colourful island culture and natural gems shine even on a rainy day.

1. TE VAKA CRUISE IN AITUTAKI

Even cloudy skies and the occasional shower won't stop Te Vaka Lagoon cruise from being the highlight of a Cook Island trip.

The funny, warm and musical crew at Te Vaka Cruise share their knowledge of Cook Island history, culture, cuisine and geography.

Guests sail to three islands on the 21.6-metre traditionally-designed catamaran Titi ai Tonga.

First stop is the island Akaiami, where Air New Zealand's predecessor Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) landed its flying boats traveling the Coral Route in the South Pacific.

Next stop is Moturakau, the island used for filming a season of Survivor and as a set for the movies Shipwrecked and Treasure Island.

Visitors also get the pleasure of visiting One Foot Island on the outer-edge of the Aitutaki Lagoon.

Those who remember their passports get a stamp and hear the beautifully sad story of how the island got its name.

An island lagoon cruise isn't complete without a traditional buffet and a snorkel in the Cook Island's pristine waters a few singalongs on the trip home.

2. TE VARA NUI NIGHT SHOW

Described as the Hollywood version of a cultural show, Te Vara Nui's nighttime performance hits the right mix of education and entertainment.

The Legend of Tongaiti tells the story of a voyaging warrior who came to Rarotonga and made peace with the native people with the help of his beautiful daughter.

The history lesson is taught with bright colours, live music and polished dance performances.

While the show is mesmerising the highlight could possibly be the traditional buffet.

Not only is the food fantastic, guests are invited to go up for seconds, and thirds.

The night finishes off with a bit of amusing audience participation, the rest is a surprise.

3. SCOOTING AROUND RAROTONGA AND AITUTAKI

Hiring a scooter and taking off to explore the islands is a cliche tourist thing to do but for good reason.

Zooming around Rarotonga and Aitutaki (if you get there) on an unguided tour is an absolute must.

You are able to explore the islands on your own time, taking the the scenery, beaches and see the islands how the locals do.

The scooters are easy to drive and can be rented on a daily or weekly basis .

Those driving the scooter need to complete a small test when hiring the vehicle then a more formal driving test at the police station the main town of Avarua.

The test itself is a fun experience and proves you know how to get around the one round about in Raro.

The licence costs $20 and the driver needs to present a full drivers licence from their own country.

4. STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING AND KAYAKING ON THE LAGOON

Stand up paddle boarding has taken off as a leisure sport during the past couple of years and the Cook Islands is a great place to give it a go.

The calm lagoons provide a good place to start, where there aren't big waves or too much wind.

You can see the fish and coral in the clear waters below your feet or paddle out into the lagoon then stop for a sunbathe on your board, just make sure it doesn't drift too far.

It's a good way to get in a bit of exercise without feeling like you're working too hard and most resorts and hotels will have stand up paddle boarding equipment and kayaks for use.

Some accommodation like Muri Beach Resort offers stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling equipment free.

5. SNORKELLING

It barely needs to be said but don't leave the Cook Islands without doing some snorkeling.

The clear, calm waters of the lagoon make it easy to see brightly-coloured fish, different coral formations and if you're lucky some giant clams.

Well-known snorkeling spot off Tikioki Beach, opposite the Fruits of Rarotonga store, is a neverfail location if you want to go out by yourself and spot a few tropical fish.

6. MATUTU BREWERY TOUR

Matutu is the Cook Islands' only locally-brewed beer.

The small brewery offers daily tours, where co-owner Eric Newnham explains the step-by-step process of making the beer and the time and thought that goes into creating the unique flavours.

The tour includes plenty of free tasting and only costs $10 a person.

The brewery, which produces a lager and a pale ale and a number of seasonal beers, has been running for eight years.

It produces 60,000 litres a year, or 1100 litres per batch and is always in hot demand.

The intimate and highly-informative tour would go down well with any beer enthusiast.

7. PUNANGA NUI MARKET

The colourful Punanga Nui market is held every Saturday morning beside the Rarotonga Wharf in the capital of Avara.

The markets kick off at about 6am and wind down just before lunchtime.

The buzzing market is full of locals and tourists alike, munching on delicious traditional food and scouring the stalls for good deals on souvenirs, clothing and fresh produce.

8. NAUTI MOJITO

While it's less adventurous than most activities available in the Cook Islands, it would be a shame to go home without trying the signature drink at one of Rarotonga's newest resorts.

Nautilus restaurant opened in April last year, with the resort opening less than six months later.

The restaurant offers a range of great seafood dishes but the highlight is on the cocktail menu.

The so-called 'Nauti mojito' is a generous mojito with plenty of mint and is garnished with a piece of fresh sugarcane.

Sipping on the drink on the outdoor deck of the beachfront restaurant is the perfect way to relax after a day of swimming, snorkeling and sightseeing.

10. BIKE OR WALK UP MOUNT MAUNGAPU

If you've had enough of lying about on the beach and drinking cocktails and are looking for a bit of exercise, head to the peak of Mt Maungapu on Aitutaki and soak in the breathtaking views.

Mt Maungapu is Aitutaki's highest point, standing at 124 metres.

The summit offers undisturbed vistas of the surrounding lagoon, nearby islands and Aitutaki itself.

It's an easy walk, with a bit of steep terrain at the top. Or if you're feeling up to it you can hire and mountain bike and give cycling to the summit a go, just be careful in the steep last stretch, and on the way down.

Locals tackle the track in four-wheel-drive vehicles but I think that's best left to those with plenty of experience.