Cook Islands Getaway

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 (watch out for the tricky international dateline!). Rarotonga is the beating heart of the Cook Islands, and although a hive of activity, remains largely unspoiled 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 to check them out too. You’re on island time now – so sit back and relax.

What’s an island escape without a tropical beachside breakfast? Tuck in with your group before heading to the local market. The Punanga Nui Market is on every Saturday with free entertainment, fresh food & produce stalls, organic coffee and handicrafts. After lunch, gain further insight into local life and traditions with an exploration of the trails, views, plantations and orchards around Vaimaanga village. Discover and taste tropical fruits like starfruit, hibiscus flowers, mangosteen, passionfruit and pawpaw (just to name a few!), meet villagers and maybe even take a dip in a waterfall. Return to your beachfront hotel for an afternoon and evening at your leisure. (B)

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. If you’re in Rarotonga on a Sunday, consider attending a church service at one of the Cook Islands Christian Churches dotted around the island. These 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. If the weather and tides are favourable and you have at least six people ready to dive into an underwater adventure, the Reef Explorer tour with our local friend Kura is highly recommended. The Ariimoana Reef is an ecosystem teeming with marine life. Spend a few hours learning about what lives below the water, plus hear stories passed down from Kura’s grandfather who was a fisherman in the area.

Tonight the Muri night markets in the Muri Beach Village are a great way to curate your own dinner from the various food trucks, stalls and stands all while mixing and mingling with travellers and locals alike. (B)

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! (B)

‘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 see in the sunset with your group and leader during an optional dinner. (B/L)

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the group and continue your own adventure after breakfast. 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. (B)