A spectacular island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has social media users buzzing over its charm and “untouched” looks.
The Cook Islands has amassed an impressive 10 million views on TikTok in Australia over the past four months alone.
It comes after Jetstar opened up a new direct route between Sydney and Rarotonga, the largest and most populated of the Cook Islands (at around 13,000 residents), in July last year.
Before now, travellers would face lengthy stopover in New Zealand, but now, it’s just a five-and-a-half hour journey.
New data from online platform Webjet reveals a 48 per cent rise in bookings for travel to the Cook Islands in the next six months compared to the same period in 2023.
“We’re seeing trends like ‘quiet life travel’ and ‘destination dupes’ picking up speed on social media, with Aussies looking to explore new island getaways close to home,” CEO of Webjet David Galt told news.com.au.
“Attracting serious attention on TikTok with 10 million views in the last four months, Aussie users say the Cook Islands are the perfect alternative to old favourites like Bali that you may not have heard of before.”
Mr Galt said much like the attraction of Bali and Fiji, the Cook Islands offer a perfect blend of pristine beaches, rich islander culture, vibrant marine life, and a laid-back atmosphere.
He said it’s perfect for travellers seeking escape and rejuvenation with the tropical escape also close to home.
“The Cook Islands are on the radar as a next favourite island destination for Aussies.”
When searching the hashtag ‘cookislands’ on TikTok, your feed is immediately inundated with footage showing off the tropical island.
Tourists have name dropped various activities to do in Ratarongs including a turtle sea scooter safari, Pa’s Cross island hike, a swim at Muri Lagoon, watching the sunset at Black Rock and hitting up Punanga Nui markets.
Others described Aitutaki, which is a 50 minute plane ride from Rarotonga, as “the best beach in the world”.
“This isn’t a resort in the Maldives, it isn’t Bora Bora either. This is the Cook Islands,” one traveller wrote on TikTok alongside a clip of the stunning island.
The “little paradise” known for its turquoise lagoon is home to approximately 1800 people.
“After Rarotonga, Aitutaki is our second most visited island in the Cook Islands,” the official Cook Islands website reads.
“Secluded and romantic, it holds a compelling allure for honeymooners, many of who choose this haven for the duration of their stay.
“You can look forward to languid, leisurely days simply revelling in each other’s company and the jaw-dropping surroundings.”
Tourists often do a day trip to the island from Rarotonga.
Meanwhile, the Cook Islands website explained that getting around Rarotonga is as easy as hopping on board a bus travelling in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, adding it takes 45 minutes to drive around the whole island.
“Hire a rental car or jump on the back of a scooter and enjoy the wind on your face as you cruise around our island enjoying both beauty and adventure on tap,” it said.