Travel Guides Explore Polynesian Paradise in Cook Islands, Earn Perfect Scores

Pack your bags, travelers, for one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world – the stunning Cook Islands! With its idyllic mix of crystal clear waters, pure white sand, and friendly locals, the Cook Islands is a Polynesian paradise.

Yet, less than 30,000 Aussies visit it each year. For the first time in Travel Guides history, all 13 explorers gave the destination a perfect five-star rating.

“It’s not something we’d seek out,” Kevin admitted – before he was blown away.

Joining him was wife Janetta, hilarious duo the Guides, best mates Dorian, Brett, the Karly, plus newest besties Bri for the tropical tour of a lifetime.

After a direct five and a half hour flight from Sydney, the Guides arrived at Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 Cook Islands.

From there, they flew north to the remote island of Aitutaki, a stunning jewel that sits on perhaps the most beautiful body of water in the Pacific.

EPISODE 5: “I can see why this has been said to be the most beautiful island in the world,” Janetta marveled. The famous Aitutaki lagoon is sprinkled with 15 more tiny islands that you can jump off your boat and explore. One of them being Honeymoon Island.

Waiting for Kevin and Janetta was “the last thing they expected”. Waiting for the Fren family however, was something less exciting… “Our wildest dreams have come true,” Janetta smiled.

Travelers can organize their own Toarere Sandbank picnic from $110. As for the Fren family’s “breezy” brunch? Watch the video above and tell us that’s not a priceless experience.

For a more thrilling adventure, travelers can climb Cook Islands‘ famous ‘Needle’ rock, or what Kev, Dorian and Teng describe as “the hardest hike in their lives”.

“We conquered death rock,” laughed Teng. “That’s a big achievement, one of our biggest.”

While a dangerous climb, safe to say the view was “unbelievable”.

Their hike however, took a hilarious turn. EXCLUSIVE: “When you reach the top of the mountain, you have to celebrate the moment by blowing on a conch [shell],” Kev explained. As you can see in the video, the boys couldn’t stop laughing. Catch the reason why here:

For something a little closer to sea level, travelers can hire ‘sea scooters’ and explore the 25m deep freshwater channel that connects the island to the sea. Here, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of marine life with the chance to get “up close and personal” with the green sea turtle. “To get that close to a sea turtle was just the most incredible, magical experience,” said Karly.

EPISODE 4: “Words just don’t explain how you feel when you connect with a wild animal,” Brett smiled. The experience, in fact, brought Karly and Bri to tears. Catch the incredible experience here:

At the end of every episode, the Guides rate their week-long holiday. For the first time across seven mammoth seasons, the Travel Guides have dished out a perfect score.

That’s a five-star holiday from all 13 Guides! Kevin and Janetta described the Cook Islands as the “best trip they’ve ever done”. “We’ve been to the Bahamas, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, Vanuatu – all those islands but nothing compares,” said Kevin.

While Matt beamed: “Who would have thought paradise is only a five and a half-hour direct flight from Sydney. This should be at the top of your list.”

Can the next destination top this trip? Don’t miss next Sunday’s epic episode! Travel Guides airs on Sundays at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and online.