Cook Islands

Annual 31km road race around Rarotonga's scenic coastal road, plus 5km fun run, relay options, and cross-island "Nutters Run" from Titikaveka over mountain ridges.

Round Rarotonga Road Race 2025 returns to the Cook Islands from Thursday to Tuesday, September 18–23, 2025, with a full week of scenic running on Rarotonga capped by the iconic 31 km round‑island road race on Saturday, September 20, plus a 10 km run, a 3‑person relay option, the dress‑up Local Fun Run, the social Hash House Harriers run, and the legendary 8.5 km Nutters Cross Island Run for the truly adventurous. Organized in partnership with Island Car & Bike Hire and the Cook Islands events team, the 48th edition aligns with the nation’s 60th year of self‑governance and invites social, recreational, and competitive runners to pair tropical holiday time with milestone achievements on one of the South Pacific’s most beautiful islands.

Dates, schedule, and races

• Event window: Thursday–Tuesday, Sept 18–23, 2025.
• Main race day: Saturday, Sept 20, 2025 — 31 km road race around Rarotonga’s coastal ring road, with 10 km option and 3‑person relay available the same morning.
• Week program highlights:
• Thu Sept 18: Local Fun Run, 5:00 p.m., from Nikao Social Centre — dress‑up theme encouraged, gold coin donation entry.
• Sat Sept 20: 31 km starts 5:30 a.m. from Sinai Hall in Avarua; 10 km starts 7:30 a.m. in Muri; complimentary shuttle buses operate early morning for starters and supporters; finish‑line fruit and refreshments provided.
• Sun Sept 21: Official Prize‑giving Island Night Dinner & Show, 6:00 p.m..
• Mon Sept 22: Cook Islands Hash House Harriers run, 5:00 p.m., costumed social run with the island’s long‑running hash club.
• Tue Sept 23: Nutters Cross Island Run, approx. 8.5 km, from Vaimaanga over mountain ridges to Avatiu; walkers may start at 2:00 p.m., runners at 3:00 p.m.; record of 45:28 still stands from 1992.

Cook Islands Tourism’s event page confirms the annual September festival structure, detailing the main 31 km race and companion events that define Round Raro week every year.

Distances and formats

• 31 km round‑island: Run or walk solo, or tackle it as a 3‑person relay; the classic circumnavigation follows the scenic coastal road through villages, beaches, and church spires with supportive locals along the way.
• 10 km road race: Morning start in Muri with finish festivities; good for speed goals or first‑timers looking to join the Saturday action.
• Local Fun Run: Community meet‑and‑greet jog in costume to kick off the week.
• Hash House Harriers: Social evening run with the island’s storied hash club, celebrating decades of weekly outings without a miss since 1980.
• Nutters Cross Island Run: A rugged traverse from the south coast over volcanic ridges and riverbeds to the north coast at Avatiu; recommended only for strong, experienced trail runners due to steep, slippery terrain and heat.

Race calendars and sports aggregators list the 2025 event window, distances, and run/walk variety, underscoring Round Raro’s reputation as a pure “run‑cation” week with something for every level.

Registration and travel packages

Direct event registration is coordinated by the Cook Islands events team, with email contact on the official event page for 2025 entries and updates. New Zealand‑based sports travel operators report 2025 packages are sold out but can quote travel on request and are already taking early interest for 2026, reflecting demand for bundled flights, accommodation, race entries, and activities. The events portal confirms the 2025 dates on the national sports calendar, alongside other Cook Islands fixtures, reinforcing planning confidence for September travel.

What to expect on the course

• 31 km road race: A sunrise start at Avarua’s Sinai Hall sets the tone as the island wakes up. The ring road is largely flat with gentle undulations, shaded stretches beneath palms, and lagoon views that make the kilometers roll by. Locals cheer from verges, and aid volunteers hand out water, fruit, and encouragement at key points.
• 10 km in Muri: The island’s most famous lagoon gives a photogenic launch pad for a fast morning 10 km, with cool sea breezes and an enthusiastic crowd.
• Nutters Cross Island: Expect steep climbs, slippery roots, stream crossings, and tropical heat; grippy trail shoes are essential. This is the event that becomes legend over post‑race dinners.

Community and culture

Round Raro week is as much about Cook Islands culture as it is about running. The Sunday Island Night prize‑giving pairs awards with traditional drums, dance, and buffet cuisine, bringing runners and families together to celebrate achievements island‑style. The hash night is a social rite of passage for visiting runners, blending humor, costumes, and camaraderie with a jog under tropical dusk skies. Cook Islands Tourism describes the week as “totally geared for the holiday maker with a running addiction,” a succinct mission statement for a 48‑year tradition that turns a race into a shared island memory.

Training and pacing tips

• Heat management: Even with a pre‑dawn 31 km start, humidity builds quickly; hydrate early and use every aid station. Aim for even splits by respecting the early hours while the air is coolest.
• Terrain choices: If training has been mostly on roads, stick to the 31 km/10 km and save Nutters for a future trip unless accustomed to steep, technical trails.
• Post‑race recovery: Replenish electrolytes, snack on tropical fruit at the finish, and consider a gentle lagoon swim later in the day; avoid direct midday sun after racing.

Travel planning

• Getting there: Fly to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR); from there, resorts and guesthouses ring the coastal road. Shuttle and rental options are plentiful.
• Where to stay: Muri, Avarua, and Arorangi are popular bases that align well with start zones and event shuttles; operators build seven‑night packages to cover the full event arc from the fun run to Nutters.
• Getting around: The round‑island bus is convenient for spectators; on race morning, use event shuttles or confirmed transport to avoid road closures near starts and finishes.
• Family‑friendly: The week includes accessible fun runs and island activities; schedule snorkeling, lagoon cruises, and cultural nights between races so everyone enjoys the holiday.

Responsible enjoyment

• Road courtesy: The ring road stays partially open; follow marshal directions and keep left unless directed otherwise.
• Trail respect: On Nutters, yield at narrow points, do not shortcut switchbacks, and pack out all waste.
• Hydration and health: The Pacific sun is strong year‑round; sunscreen, hats, and steady hydration are essential even on “short” runs.

Why 2025 is special

The 2025 Round Rarotonga Road Race aligns with the Cook Islands’ 60th self‑governance anniversary, promising extra pride and festivity around the island as visitors and locals share the week’s milestones together. The event’s 48th running also signals remarkable continuity for a small‑island race series that has grown into one of the South Pacific’s signature road running gatherings.

Verified details at a glance

• Event: Island Car & Bike Hire Round Rarotonga Road Race (48th edition).
• Dates: Sept 18–23, 2025; main 31 km race on Sat, Sept 20.
• Races: 31 km run/walk/relay; 10 km; Local Fun Run; Hash House Harriers run; Nutters Cross Island Run ~8.5 km.
• Starts: 31 km 5:30 a.m. Sinai Hall (Avarua); 10 km 7:30 a.m. Muri; shuttles provided.
• Registration/info: Events team via the official page; dates and program published by Cook Islands Tourism and sports calendars.
• Note: 2025 travel packages cited by a NZ operator are sold out; contact for quotes or plan ahead for 2026.

Lace up for a race week where lagoon blues meet runner’s highs. Lock in flights to Rarotonga for Sept 18–23, choose the 31 km circumnavigation or the 10 km sprint, dress up for the fun run, and save a little grit for Nutters if the mountains call. Check the event page to register and confirm shuttles and start logistics, then get ready for a Cook Islands run‑cation that pairs finish lines with island nights, culture, and new friends on the world’s friendliest race route.

Annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence and achievements in the Cook Islands tourism sector.

The Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Industry Awards return in 2025 with a black‑tie gala at the National Auditorium Domes on Saturday, 27 September 2025, celebrating excellence, innovation, and Kia Orana hospitality across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua with a refreshed slate of business and special award categories backed by industry sponsors and Air New Zealand as title partner. Revived after the pandemic pause, the awards resume their role as the Cook Islands’ most anticipated tourism celebration and a driver of continual business improvement, with applications opened in April 2025 by the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council and finalists to be recognized on stage at the fall gala.

Date, venue, and organiser

• Gala date and venue: Saturday, 27 September 2025, National Auditorium Domes, Rarotonga.
• Organiser: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (CITIC) with Cook Islands Tourism support and Air New Zealand as naming sponsor.
• Purpose: Recognize excellence and stimulate continual business improvement across the visitor economy after the last full awards in 2020 and a domestic‑format gala delivered in January 2021 due to border closures.

Award categories for 2025

Business category awards announced for 2025 include Culture, Environment, Business Excellence, Adventure/Eco‑Tourism, Customer Care, Visitor Experience, Employer of the Year, Community Development, and Marketing, with top performers advancing to contention for the Air New Zealand Supreme Award as overall winner of the night. Special awards will also be conferred for Emerging Tourism Leader, Family Friendly, Social Media Guru, Business Sustainability, Outstanding Kia Orana Spirit, and Business Person of the Year, rounding out recognition that spans leadership, operations, guest experience, and values‑driven impact.

Why the awards matter now

Cook Islands Tourism positioned the 2025 awards as a milestone homecoming for the sector, honoring resilience and partnership among airlines, accommodation, tour operators, hospitality, and communities that have rebuilt demand while lifting quality and cultural integrity since borders reopened. CITIC President Tere Carr underscored the awards as a platform to spotlight individuals and businesses that are showcasing the best of the Cook Islands today, while Cook Islands Tourism CEO Karla Eggelton emphasized alignment with changing visitor expectations and a future‑focused, high‑quality sector across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. The biennial awards’ objectives, established pre‑pandemic, are reaffirmed in 2025: stimulate continuous improvement and recognize excellence across businesses large and small.

Applications, judging, and timeline

• Applications: Opened 6 a.m. Monday, 14 April 2025, via the awards portal, with guidance provided by the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council on category selection and documentation.
• Judging approach: In prior editions, expert judges have combined written entry evaluations with on‑site visits and interviews to assess performance, innovation, and guest outcomes, a model the industry expects to inform 2025’s robust deliberation process ahead of the September gala.
• Gala outcomes: In addition to business category winners and special awards, the program culminates with Outstanding Contribution to Tourism, Lifetime Achievement, and the Air New Zealand Supreme Award to recognize enduring leadership and overall excellence.

What finalists can expect

Finalists typically receive brand elevation through Cook Islands Tourism and CITIC channels ahead of the gala, opportunities for media features, and inclusion in industry networking and capability‑building sessions that cluster around the awards season. Category winners gain formal recognition that supports marketing, trade relationships, and staff pride, while Supreme and Lifetime honorees join a lineage of sector leaders celebrated since the awards’ early years. The National Auditorium Domes setting provides a signature stage for on‑island celebration with cultural performance and community presence that reflect the islands’ spirit of welcome.

How categories align with destination priorities

• Culture and Kia Orana Spirit: Incentivize authentic storytelling, language, and protocols that enhance visitor understanding while sustaining identity.
• Environment and Business Sustainability: Reward operators reducing footprints, protecting lagoons and reefs, and investing in climate resilience across operations and supply chains.
• Community Development and Employer of the Year: Recognize businesses that invest in Cook Islanders’ skills, wellbeing, and pathways, spreading benefits throughout the Pa Enua as well as Rarotonga.
• Visitor Experience, Customer Care, Marketing: Highlight consistently excellent service, product design, and market storytelling that keeps the Cook Islands competitive in the Pacific.

Travel and attendance tips

• Attending the gala: Industry teams and partners should secure travel and accommodation early for the late‑September weekend; seating is limited at the National Auditorium Domes, and tickets typically sell via the awards contact points announced by CITIC.
• Getting there: Air New Zealand services connect to Rarotonga with onward links; plan for Friday arrival to attend pre‑events and rehearsals, with departures Sunday or Monday after industry networking.
• Dress and protocol: The awards are black‑tie with island flair; expect cultural performances and formal acknowledgments alongside category presentations, plus media moments for winners on stage and afterwards.

Preparing a strong entry

• Evidence‑based storytelling: Align narratives with measurable outcomes — guest satisfaction metrics, environmental indicators, training hours, and community investments — to stand out in competitive categories.
• Cultural leadership: Document initiatives that embed language and custom in guest journeys, staff training, and product design to resonate in Culture and Kia Orana Spirit awards.
• Future focus: Demonstrate resilience innovations since 2020, such as digitization, new distribution, sustainability upgrades, or Pa Enua partnerships that diversified markets and created shared value.
• Visual assets: Provide high‑quality imagery and short videos that judges and media can reuse; past awards have benefited from strong visual storytelling during on‑site visits and gala showcases.

Community impact and visibility

Public coverage of past awards highlights the sector’s collective pride and the inspirational effect of finalists’ stories on peers and communities. Finalist announcements have historically been paired with on‑site judging tours across Rarotonga and Aitutaki, reinforcing the awards’ role as both a recognition platform and an industry development exercise that lifts standards and shares best practice across operators. With 2025’s revival, sponsors, media, and government partners have re‑committed to using the awards as a showcase of how tourism strengthens the Cook Islands economy, environment, and culture.

Verified details at a glance

• Event: 2025 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Industry Awards.
• Gala: Saturday, 27 September 2025, National Auditorium Domes, Rarotonga.
• Organiser: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council; supported by Cook Islands Tourism; Air New Zealand title sponsor.
• Business categories: Culture; Environment; Business Excellence; Adventure/Eco‑Tourism; Customer Care; Visitor Experience; Employer of the Year; Community Development; Marketing.
• Special awards: Emerging Tourism Leader; Family Friendly; Social Media Guru; Business Sustainability; Outstanding Kia Orana Spirit; Business Person of the Year.
• Top honours: Outstanding Contribution to Tourism; Lifetime Achievement; Air New Zealand Supreme Award.
• Applications: Opened 14 April 2025 via CITIC awards portal; guidance and contacts published by CITIC and Cook Islands Tourism.

The industry’s night is back. Mark Saturday, 27 September, rally teams, refine entries with clear outcomes and cultural heart, and plan a gala weekend that honors staff, partners, and the communities who make Kia Orana hospitality unforgettable. Follow the Cook Islands Tourism and CITIC updates for finalist announcements and ticket details, and get ready to celebrate the businesses leading the Cook Islands into a vibrant, sustainable future — on a stage worthy of their achievements.

Fast-paced, fun and memorable squash tournament open to players of all ages and skill levels from around the Pacific.

The Cook Islands Squash Open 2025 brings a week of fast-paced matches, island hospitality, and social nights to Rarotonga from Thursday, October 23 to Thursday, October 30, 2025, with play based at the Rarotonga Squash Club courts inside the Multi Sports Arena and a program designed for players of all ages and grades, from social to competitive divisions. Organizers position the Open as a relaxed but well-run destination tournament: come for a full draw with lots of court time, stay for the meet-and-greet, club barbecue, Island Night dinner and show, and a lively closing party with a live band and kai kai that caps off finals day.

Dates, venue, and who it’s for

• Dates: October 23–30, 2025 (seven days on-court).
• Venue: Rarotonga Squash Club, Multi Sports Arena, Avarua (central location with bar, social space, and easy access to island accommodation).
• Eligibility: Open to all ages and grades, with draws structured to ensure plenty of matches for visitors and locals alike throughout the week.

Event pages by the Cook Islands tourism team and destination management partners confirm the 2025 dates and open-entry format, noting it is “guaranteed to be a fast paced, fun and memorable event for all” — the same ethos that has made the Open a favorite on the island sports calendar for years.

2025 program rhythm

While 2025’s daily schedule will be posted closer to the event, the 2024 official program outlines the established structure that repeats annually:

• Thursday: Meet & Greet at 6 p.m. at the Squash Courts; check draws, play social sets, book add‑ons like the pub crawl or Island Night; bar open, no formal ceremony.
• Friday–Saturday: Day 1 and 2 of competition — matches all day; players check draws for exact times.
• Sunday: Church, rest, and island time; many participants join lagoon activities or cultural experiences.
• Monday: Day 3 of competition; 7 p.m. Club BBQ for visitors and locals at the courts.
• Tuesday: Day 4 of competition; suggested Island Night & Show, typically pre-booked via the club office.
• Wednesday: Day 5 — semifinals.
• Thursday: Finals day with prize‑giving and a 6:30 p.m. closing party featuring a live local band and kai kai dinner included in the entry fee.

This cadence blends purposeful scheduling for maximum play with signature Cook Islands social touches, giving visitors time to experience the island between match sessions.

Entries and inclusions

The 2024 fee structure offers a guide to 2025 expectations:

• Player fee: NZD $170 per player, covering competition fees and the closing night dinner and live band.
• Supporter fee: NZD $60 per adult; NZD $50 per child (12 and under), providing access to social functions.
• Merchandise: Souvenir event T‑shirts offered with pre‑order at NZD $40.

The 2025 listing confirms the October 23–30 dates and directs players to enquire now for registration and travel planning, with contact via destination partners and the local events team. Organizers typically publish the final draws, court allocations, and social schedule a week or two before the tournament.

Playing format and atmosphere

Draws are built to ensure island‑time enjoyment: plenty of games across the week, a supportive courtside vibe, and evening socials where visiting and local players connect. The club’s bar and barbecue nights keep things casual; semifinals Wednesday and finals Thursday add competitive intensity before everyone reunites for prize‑giving and the closing party. Oceania squash materials note the island’s thriving club scene, which anchors the event with experienced volunteers and a welcoming membership base in Avarua.

Travel logistics

• Getting there: Fly to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), a short transfer to Avarua and the Multi Sports Arena. Accommodation rings the island; many players base near Avarua or Muri for easy access to courts and nightlife.
• Getting around: The round‑island bus is convenient between matches; car or scooter hire offers flexibility for beach and dining runs.
• What to pack: Indoor court shoes with non‑marking soles, spare grips, strings, and a towel; island casual wear for barbecues and the closing party; light layers for evenings.

Destination listings and the island events hub group the Squash Open alongside other late‑season fixtures, confirming it as part of an active October–November sports calendar on Rarotonga.

What to do between matches

• Beach time: Muri Lagoon, Black Rock, and Titikaveka beaches are within easy reach for snorkeling and downtime.
• Culture: Consider an Island Night buffet and show on Tuesday to pair Cook Islands dance and drums with local cuisine — the club often coordinates block bookings.
• Food and drink: Avarua cafés and nightspots offer casual eats near the arena; island fish, ika mata, and fresh fruit smoothies are perfect between matches.

For supporters and families

Supporter passes open the door to the club’s social life; finals day and closing night are particularly festive. Mixed‑ability social hits during meet‑and‑greet night and the Monday BBQ help non‑players feel part of the week. Booking lagoon cruises or reef snorkeling for the Sunday rest day keeps the group energized for the second half of the tournament.

Tips for a great tournament

• Hydration and recovery: The tropical climate and indoor court heat call for steady hydration and electrolyte top‑ups; plan cool‑down swims or light mobility sessions after play.
• Scheduling: Check daily draws early; give yourself transport buffer for island bus timings.
• Respect the courts: Non‑marking shoes only; wipe soles pre‑match; keep the court clear between games so schedules stay on time.

Why October 23–30 works

Late October sits in the Cook Islands’ friendly shoulder season — warm days, manageable humidity, and plenty of accommodation options. The week‑long spread gives every division space to breathe, while Sunday’s pause lets players reset and explore the island before knockout matches.

Verified details at a glance

• Event: Cook Islands Squash Open 2025.
• Dates: Thursday–Thursday, 23–30 October 2025.
• Venue: Rarotonga Squash Club, Multi Sports Arena, Avarua.
• Format: Open to all ages and grades; full week of draws; social program and closing party with live band and dinner included in player fee.
• 2024 program reference: Meet‑and‑greet Thu; competition Fri–Sat; rest Sun; BBQ Mon; Island Night Tue; semis Wed; finals and closing party Thu.
• Contacts/registration: Enquire via Turama Pacific and DMCK events; 2025 dates published with “enquire now” call to action.

Book flights to Rarotonga, lock in accommodation within easy reach of Avarua, and register early to secure your spot in the draw. Then get ready for a tournament that pairs serious court time with island‑style hospitality — from the first handshake at Thursday’s meet‑and‑greet to the last chorus at the closing night kai kai, this is squash in the tropics at its friendliest and most fun.

Public holiday commemorating October 26, 1821 when Christianity first arrived in the Cook Islands, featuring church ceremonies, pageants, reenactments, and fireworks.

National Gospel Day 2025 in the Cook Islands is celebrated on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with the public holiday observed on Monday, October 27, 2025, across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua to commemorate the arrival of Christianity and the profound cultural transformation it inspired throughout the archipelago. The day is commonly known as Gospel Day or Nuku Day, marked by church-led dramas, hymn-singing, pageantry, and community feasts, and it remains one of the most significant faith and culture observances in the nation’s calendar.

Date, status, and observance

• Official date: Sunday, October 26, 2025; public holiday observed Monday, October 27, 2025.
• Holiday type: Nationwide public holiday, with closures for many government services and businesses on the observed Monday; Sunday is the main worship and community celebration day.
• Local Gospel Days: Each island also keeps its own anniversary Gospel Day reflecting when Christianity first arrived there, often commemorated on different dates throughout the year (for example, Aitutaki on October 26; Rarotonga traditionally linked to July 25).

What Gospel Day commemorates

Gospel Day honors the introduction of Christianity in the early 19th century, led by missionaries of the London Missionary Society and Tahitian evangelists, notably under the leadership of John Williams, who reached Aitutaki in 1821 and later Rarotonga in 1823. Nationally, October 26 is tied to the Aitutaki milestone and has become the date of the countrywide celebration, even as individual islands also mark the anniversaries of their own first conversions on separate days during the year.

How it is celebrated

• Nuku productions: The hallmark of Gospel Day is the nuku, elaborate dramatizations staged by church congregations that retell biblical stories or episodes from the islands’ own conversion history through acting, chanting, music, and dance.
• Island-wide services: The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) and other denominations hold special worship services, choral presentations, and youth showcases, often followed by shared meals that bring congregations and villages together.
• Family and community: Gospel Day is a multi-generational celebration; children and elders participate in pageants and choirs, with friendly inter-church rivalry to produce the most moving or creative nuku.

A calendar shaped by faith

The Cook Islands’ national dates list confirms the 2025 arrangement with Sunday as the holiday and Monday as the nationwide day off, reflecting how the country harmonizes a faith-based Sunday observance with a working-week public holiday for civic rhythms and economic activity. Holiday platforms align on the same dates, noting Gospel Day’s public-holiday status and its historical significance to the islands.

Island-by-island milestones

• Aitutaki: October 26, 1821 — the first island to receive Christianity, anchoring the national date.
• Rarotonga: July 25, 1823 — a key anniversary for the capital island, often celebrated locally in July.
• Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke: July 19, 21, and 23 in 1823 — sister islands with their own Gospel Days.
• Northern Group: Later dates through the 1840s and 1850s mark Manihiki (Aug 8, 1849), Rakahanga (Aug 15, 1849), Penrhyn (Mar 13, 1857), Pukapuka and Nassau (Dec 6, 1857), and Palmerston (May 25, 1863).

These dates reveal why Gospel days occur throughout the year across the archipelago, culminating in the national Gospel Day at the end of October.

Practical information for visitors

• What is open and closed: Many businesses and government offices close on the observed Monday; resorts and tourism services operate, but expect reduced hours for in-town shops on Sunday and Monday.
• Transport and services: Buses run on reduced schedules Sundays; plan movement around worship times and community events. Taxis and rentals are reliable options for inter-village travel between services or performances.
• Etiquette at services: Modest dress is appreciated; ask before taking photos during worship or performances, especially indoors. Outside pageants welcome respectful photography; seek guidance from church stewards.
• Alcohol and Sunday protocol: On local islands, Sunday is typically quiet with few cafés open; resorts provide regular service. Keep noise low near churches during services.

Where to experience Gospel Day

• Rarotonga: Expect CICC-led services and nuku at village churches across the island, with Sunday morning worship followed by afternoon pageants; Monday is the public-holiday rest day.
• Aitutaki: As the island linked to the national date, Aitutaki’s churches put on heartfelt nuku and choral showcases on October 26, making it a powerful place to experience the tradition.
• Outer islands: Each Pa Enua has its own Gospel Day celebrations during the year; check local calendars for 2025 dates if visiting islands like Atiu, Mitiaro, or Mauke in July, or northern islands in August and December.

Cultural depth and continuity

Gospel Day reflects a unique Polynesian Christian expression that blends scripture with local performance traditions and community storytelling. The nuku unites village artistry, costume-making, choral excellence, and intergenerational teaching; it is celebration, catechesis, and cultural preservation all at once. Church leaders and government have emphasized that Gospel Day helps transmit values and heritage to younger Cook Islanders, ensuring the stories remain living memory rather than distant history.

Planning a meaningful visit

• Arrive early: On Rarotonga and Aitutaki, arrive at churches ahead of service times to find seating and observe preparations. Parking near larger churches fills quickly; walking in is often easiest.
• Pair with island exploration: Build Gospel Day into a week that includes lagoon cruises and cultural tours earlier, then reserve Sunday for worship and nuku. Use Monday’s public holiday to enjoy beaches, light hikes, or family meals.
• Learn the story: Many congregations recount local conversion histories during Gospel Day. Ask your host to share village-specific traditions and the meanings behind costumes and choral pieces.

Verified details at a glance

• National Gospel Day 2025: Sunday, October 26; observed Monday, October 27.
• Holiday status: Nationwide public holiday; closures mostly apply on Monday, with Sunday focused on worship and community events.
• Core customs: Church services, nuku pageants, choral singing, and shared meals led by CICC and other denominations.
• Historical anchor: Arrival of Christianity in the islands in the 1820s; national date reflects Aitutaki’s milestone on October 26, 1821.
• Island Gospel Days: Each island observes its own anniversary during the year; Rarotonga July 25; Atiu July 19; Mitiaro July 21; Mauke July 23; others vary by month.

For travelers, Gospel Day offers an invitation into the heart of Cook Islands life. Plan to be present on Sunday for worship and nuku, greet neighbors after services, and embrace the gentle rhythm of an island holiday on Monday. Mark October 26–27 on the itinerary, and let the harmonies, stories, and shared meals of Gospel Day become a highlight of time in the Cooks — a celebration of faith, community, and culture that resonates long after the final hymn fades.