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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, 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?

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Finish
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Destination
Cook Islands
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
TEKC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

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.

  • Spend time in a village just outside Rarotonga, exploring the coast, trails, orchards and plantations, tasting tropical fruits and meeting the local community.

  • 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 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.

Kayaking in the waters off Aitutaki in the Cook Islands
Local women smiling on the beach on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands
Women walking on the beach on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands
Women relaxing in a hammock on the beach on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands
Tropical fruit for breakfast on the beach on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands

Itinerary
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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.
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.

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.
Included Activities
  • Rarotonga - Local market visit
  • Rarotonga - Vaimaanga village cultural experience
  • Rarotonga - Kayak & snorkel hire
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's village exploration involves moderate walks at an easy pace. Depending on the routes chosen, you may walk up to 8km during the tour.

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.
Optional Activities
  • Rarotonga - Reef Explorer tour (cost is per person, min 6 people) - NZD100
  • 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.

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

‘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.
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 masks will need to be hired at 16 NZD locally, or you can bring your own from home.

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.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

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

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cook Islands Getaway trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1.A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel
2.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3.This trip finishes on Aitutaki, however a return flight from Aitutaki to Rarotonga is also included in the cost of your trip as part of an air pass. You may choose to book additional accommodation on Aitutaki at the conclusion of your trip or depart on Day 6. Please advise your requested return flight date at time of booking.
4.You will have local leaders throughout your stay on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with flights between islands unaccompanied.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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