Hamilton woman drowns in the Cook Islands, local police say

Saturday, 21 March 2026

A New Zealand woman has drowned in the Cook Islands while snorkelling with friends.

In a social media post, the Cook Islands Police Service said a tourist from Hamilton died at a lagoon in Vaimaanga in Rarotonga on Wednesday.

“The 66-year-old, holidaying with family, had difficulty breathing soon after entering the lagoon and was taken ashore,” a Cook Islands police spokesperson said.

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On Saturday, Cook Islands Police confirmed to Stuff the woman was from Hamilton.

“She had been snorkelling with friends near her beach accommodation.”

A spokesperson from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said it was aware of the report.

“Due to privacy reasons, no further information will be provided.” the spokesperson said.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the incident happened during a tour at the Avaavaroa Passage. (Amended: March 21, 2026, 6.08pm.)