TOUR PACKAGE

Cook Islands Getaway

Swap the suburbs for sun-kissed splendour

Live a life of paradise as you spend six days beach-hopping through the idyllic Cook Islands. The cultural hub of Rarotonga and palm-lined coast of Aitutaki await, with endless stretches of white-sand beach and turquoise lagoons ready to tempt each and every traveller. Not only is rest and relaxation on the cards, but also produce market and local community experiences, interactions with a Cook Islands warrior, and an unforgettable day cruising past tropical fish and clams to the picturesque Maina Island. Beachside barbecues, village visits and plenty of time to simply sit back and let the tropical sun melt your worries away – could this be a glimpse of heaven on earth?

Duration 6 Days
Australian Multi-Day Tours
2 people, twin share
Self Drive
A$3315
From price per
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Highlights

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Spend the day on the waters of Aitutaki’s dreamy blue lagoon, looking out for giant fish and clams in the crystal-clear waters below and indulging in a beachside barbecue off Maina Island.
  • Meet a Cook Islands warrior and learn local traditions such as umu (ground oven cooking), weaving, dancing and healing herbal medicines on a guided visit to a small village near Rarotonga.
  • This island getaway hits the right balance of inclusions and leisurely beach time. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore your own way, either on a range of optional adventures or simply lazing by the lagoon with a cocktail in hand.
  • When you’re in the Cook Islands, it’s all about being close to those spectacular beaches. Appreciate the handpicked accommodation perched right on the water, with tropical breakfasts included daily.
  • Loving these idyllic islands? We thought so. With a flexible return domestic flight included in your tour price, you can easily extend your stay on Aitutaki for a few extra days in the sun.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
  • This trip finishes on Aitutaki, giving you the opportunity to spend more on this true island paradise if you wish. Do keep in mind that a return flight from Aitutaki to Rarotonga is included with the price of your tour and can be booked for a later date if you require. Please advise your agent at the time booking if you wish to fly out at the end of your tour, or at a later date.

What's included

Meals

5 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Boat

Accommodation

Beachfront hotel (3 nights), Beach bungalow (2 nights)

Included activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer, Rarotonga - Local market visit, Rarotonga - Vaimaanga village cultural experience, Rarotonga - Kayak & snorkel hire, Aitutaki - Kayak hire, Aitutaki - Lagoon boat tour & beach BBQ lunch

Daily itinerary

1

Day 1: Rarotonga

Kia Orana – welcome to the Cook Islands! Your island adventure begins with an included arrival transfer from Rarotonga International Airport to your beachfront hotel – let your booking agent know of your flight arrival time. Rarotonga is the beating heart of the Cook Islands, and although a hive of activity, remains largely unspoilt from traffic and construction. All that’s planned for you today is a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your group leader and fellow travellers, plus discuss an optional first night dinner to enjoy together. Until then, spend your afternoon chilling out on the beach under the shade of a coconut tree or swimming in the nearby lagoon. There are kayaks and snorkels available, so feel free check them out too. You’re on island time now – so sit back and relax.

 

Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

As there is plenty to see and experience in Rarotonga, we highly recommend spending a few extra days here at the start or end of your tour. Additional accommodation is through your booking agent.

2

Day 2: Rarotonga

What’s an island escape without a tropical beachside breakfast? Tuck in with your group before travelling to the local market for a look at all of the produce on sale. Wander around, perhaps stopping to snack on some fruit, before driving to Arorangi village to meet Ngametua – a tumutoa or Cook Islands warrior – who will introduce you to the island and community culture. You and your travel crew will learn of centuries’ old practices passed down through generations, such as umu (ground oven cooking), traditional weaving and the healing properties of medicinal plants. Hear legends and family stories on a guided walking tour around the village. You’ll also get the chance to learn the local lingo and dance the local way! To top it off, indulge in a freshly prepared feast to finish your village visit. Return to your beachfront hotel afterwards for an afternoon and evening at your leisure.

 

Included Activities
  • Rarotonga – Local market visit
  • Rarotonga – Vaimaanga village cultural experience
  • Rarotonga – Kayak & snorkel hire
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
3

Day 3: Rarotonga

Look at that – your day is as clear as the blue skies of the Cook Islands. With so much to see and do around the island, you can take today to explore at your own pace. Highly recommended is booking in on a reef walking tour with local musician Kura. The Ariimoana Reef is an ecosystem teeming with marine life, so perhaps spend a few hours with your local guide at low tide learning of what lives below the water, plus hear of some stories passed down from Kura’s grandfather who was a fisherman in the area. If you do happen to be in Rarotonga on a Sunday, consider attending a spirited church service at one of the Cook Islands Christian Churches dotted around the island. Beautiful white coral and limestone churches are filled with soaring songs of worship and parishioners ready to welcome you with open arms. One thing to note – if you do wish to attend, ask your local leader about acceptable attire to wear.

 

Optional Activities
  • Rarotonga – Ariimoana Reef Walk – NZD75
  • Rarotonga – Local church service – Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information

Visitors are most welcome to attend Sunday services, observing modest attire of shirts and long trousers for men and longer-length skirts or dresses for women, preferably with covered shoulders. Services start at 10am and the Pastor usually invites visitors to enjoy island fruits and light refreshments in the nearby meeting hall afterwards with the congregation.

4

Day 4: Aitutaki

This morning, bid farewell to your Rarotonga leader and transfer to the airport with your group for an Air Rarotonga flight bound for Aitutaki (approximately 50 minutes). Home to less than 2000 people and one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, Aitutaki is your base for the next few days. Meet your Aitutaki leader on arrival and transfer to your beach bungalow accommodation – perfectly perched at the water’s edge among acres of tropical gardens and palm trees. Your accommodation is the perfect place to let your worries drift away, with the lagoon at your doorstep, home to stunning sunset displays as day turns to night. This afternoon, you decide what’s on the agenda – perhaps it’s a spot of kayaking or snorkelling, or otherwise, your leader can organise a short island tour or help you hire a bike to explore the island. It’s totally up to you!

 

Included Activities
  • Aitutaki – Kayak hire
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
5

Day 5: Aitutaki

‘The King’ is in charge this morning – that is, our local boat captain Teariki. Teariki will take you out on the lagoon’s turquoise waters for a day of sun, swimming and snorkelling in some the lagoon’s best spots, keeping an eye out giant tropical fish and clams in the shallow waters and soaking in some well-earned vitamin D. Stop by the incredible Maina Island for an unforgettable barbecue lunch, with some time spent onshore. If not already, today you will come to realise how truly spectacular these islands are. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps jump on a bike and go beach hopping on Aitutaki, or else, sit by the lagoon with a cocktail in hand. Tonight, you’ve got the chance to bring in the sunset with your group and leader with an optional dinner scheduled.

 

Included Activities
  • Aitutaki – Lagoon boat tour & beach BBQ lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information

Please note that due to the impact of the pandemic, the snorkelling mask won’t be provided for free. You can either bring one from home or rent one at 16NZD on site.

6

Day 6: Aitutaki

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the group and continue your own adventure after breakfast this morning. We highly recommend extending your stay on Aitutaki so you can keep chilling out in paradise. If so, we’ll be more than happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Do keep in mind that a return flight from Aitutaki to Rarotonga is included with the price of your tour, and can be booked for any date you require. Please advise your agent at the time booking this adventure if you wish to fly out today, or at a later date.

 

Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Departure Dates, Prices and Availability

Departing  Finishing  Total from AUD
Fri 7 Apr 2023 Wed 12 Apr 2023 Available $3,315
Fri 12 May 2023 Wed 17 May 2023 Available $3,445
Fri 16 Jun 2023 Wed 21 Jun 2023 Available $3,445
Fri 14 Jul 2023 Wed 19 Jul 2023 Available $3,445
Fri 11 Aug 2023 Wed 16 Aug 2023 Available $3,445
Fri 15 Sep 2023 Wed 20 Sep 2023 Available $3,445
Fri 13 Oct 2023 Wed 18 Oct 2023 Available $3,315
Fri 17 Nov 2023 Wed 22 Nov 2023 Available $3,315
Fri 15 Dec 2023 Wed 20 Dec 2023 Available $3,315
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