Beaches
Nature & Landscapes
Relaxation & Spas
International Arrival.
We will meet you at the arrival lounge and assist with your onward journey
You will be transferred from Rarotonga airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
5 Nights
Included activities
Explore the history and culture of scenic Rarotonga on this shared, guided tour. This volcanic island is the most populous of the Cook Islands and is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon. The culture of the islands is a mix of Polynesian and European influences, reflecting the varied communities that have inhabited them over centuries. Travel in a modern air conditioned coach as you follow roads and paths used by ancient Cook Islanders going back to 1100 AD. Visit a sacred marae, an ancient gathering place for royal ceremonies, at least one of which dates back to the 13th century. Discover historical sites formerly inhabited by Islanders and learn the locations of the best snorkeling spots on Rarotonga. Enjoy a world without traffic lights and no buildings taller than a coconut tree, known locally as the Tree of Life. Watch a coconut husking demonstration and enjoy a refreshing drink of coconut water. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfers; Group size: Min 15 & Max 30)
Discover the rich cultural heritage of the renowned erstwhile maritime community of the legendary Cook Islands on this informative tour of the local village of Te Vara Nui. Learn about the celebrated navigational techniques of the island’s venerated ancestors, as well as their rich traditions of local medicine, folk arts, oral history, myths and legends. Try your hand at emulating the ancient fishing techniques of Polynesia. Visit the village workshops to see how local artisans painstakingly weave, carve and create the ceremonial dance costumes of the islands. Interact with local villagers to discover the distinctive Maori culture of the community. Listen to their powerful stories and legends, and watch them prepare a traditional meal using fresh local produce. Visit the local Marae or the sacred enclosure for the village community’s religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. Get an intimate view of the island way of life, before returning to your hotel. (Evening Tour; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).
Experience the thrill of this two-mile walk through the tree-covered jungle on the island of Rarotonga. Your walk begins with a 400-meter climb, parts of which are like climbing a ladder, and you need to on to tree roots to pull yourself up. When you reach the base of the Needle, or Te Rua Manga, a tall, rocky pinnacle, take in the breathtaking views that extend from one side of the island to the other. Stop at Wigmore's waterfall, also known as Papua, the only waterfall on the island. Your guide offers insights into the history, flora and fauna of the area. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Meal included: Picnic lunch; Fitness Level: Advanced; This walk is suitable for adults of all ages who have average fitness or better. Children over 4 yrs can also complete the hike if they are good walkers.)
Hotel options
You will be transferred from your hotel in Rarotonga to your hotel in Rarotonga in a shared vehicle
Board your flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki (Flight duration: 1 hr)
You will be transferred from Aitutaki airport to your hotel in a shared vehicle
4 Nights
Included activities
Enjoy sailing down a picturesque lagoon in Aitutaki, go snorkeling and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on this cruise trip. After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, head out to board your cruise boat for the day with your local guide. Once aboard, enjoy the ocean view and admire the lush flora and fauna along the coastline. Stop by the Aitutaki Marine Resources and learn about the center’s giant clam restoration program on the island. You can also spot these precious creatures in their natural habitat. Spend the rest of your day swimming in the ocean and snorkeling among the coral beds, marveling at the region’s rich marine life. Relish a delicious BBQ fish luncheon served on board, along with delectable salad platters made from fresh local produce. After a satisfying lunch, sail over to Honeymoon Island to stroll along the gorgeous beach and spot the island’s exotic birds as well as their precious nesting grounds. Return to your hotel after the trip. (Duration: Half Day; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Meal Included: Lunch; For special dietary needs, please inform us ahead of the tour; Fitness Level: Easy; Included: Snorkeling gear onboard)
Discover everyday life at a 200-year-old village site, largely reconstructed to preserve the traditional heritage of the Cook Islands on this enjoyable excursion. After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, meet your local guide, and drive down to the historical site. Once home to the ancient islanders, the village today is a living museum, with reconstructed homesteads, actual ceremonial grounds, and even traditional underground ovens (umu) that were once used for cooking ritual foods. Interact with the local community, who are proud to show you around and share their fascinating oral history with you. Learn about old rituals and traditions, getting to know how the ancient villagers lived, worked, and feasted in times gone by. Try your hand at weaving traditional fabrics and lend a hand in cooking a community lunch in the village umus. Enjoy the sumptuous island feast (or umukai) prepared by your gracious hosts. Share the table with your village hosts and join them for the traditional dances, learning the basic steps. Drive back to your hotel after the feast. (Available on Mon, Wed & Fri; Duration: Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Meal Included: Lunch; For special dietary needs, please inform us ahead of the tour; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)
Hotel options
You will be transferred from your hotel to Aitutaki airport in a shared vehicle
Board your flight from Aitutaki to Atiu (Flight duration: 50 mins)
You will be transferred from Atiu airport to your hotel in a shared vehicle
2 Nights
Included activities
If you’re a bird lover, you’ll love this birding excursion, arranged by the Atiu Villas. The tour is conducted by Birdman George, aka George Mateariki, who cares for a large and graceful flock of Rarotongan Flycatchers (or Kakerori) in Atiu, as part of their recovery program. Make the most of this opportunity to view these spectacular birds from up close, as well as a variety of other exotic feathered inhabitants of the island. Walk down ancient trails in the company of the birdman, learning about indigenous plants and their medicinal uses. End your tour with a refreshing picnic by the beach! (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity; Meal Included: Picnic lunch, Please inform us in advance for special dietary needs; Fitness Level: Easy)
Explore an archeological burial site of the ancient islanders on this fascinating tour. Your visit to the burial cave is arranged by Atiu Villas. After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, get ready to drive down to Atiu Villas, if you’re not a hotel guest. Join the hotel’s experienced guides on a trek through lush tropical rainforests to reach the protected burial site. Admire the dramatic landscape along the way, picking up interesting island trivia, folklore, and colorful legends from your guide. Pay homage to the remains of the hoary souls who lie buried in these old caves, and browse through the ancient artifacts on display at the site. Drive back to your hotel after the trip. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear sturdy walking shoes & bring insect repellent; Not advisable for those with claustrophobia or for small children)
Hotel options
You will be transferred from your hotel to Atiu airport in a shared vehicle
Board your flight from Atiu to Rarotonga (Flight duration: 45 mins)
You will be transferred from Rarotonga airport to your hotel in a shared vehicle
1 Night
Included activities
Get to know Rarotonga, at your own pace. Learn about this island nation’s history and traditions at the Cook Islands Library & Museum. Travel along the main coastal road that runs parallel to the white sand beaches before taking you high into the mountains for amazing ocean views. Discover an ancient hidden mountain village at Highland Paradise, where members of the Pirangi family give guests an insight into their spiritual past, legends, customs and crafts. You could, alternately, head to Avatiu Harbour for a boat tour aboard the Raro Reef Sub. Enjoy stories and music as you depart the harbor. From the glass bottomed observation deck, observe multicolored coral gardens, spectacular marine life like giant trevally, turtles, sharks and puffer fish, and the century-old shipwreck of the RMS Maitai. Later, shop for souvenirs at the vibrant Punanga Nui Market on the waterfront, or buy perfumes and colognes made using extracts of local flowers from Perfumes of Rarotonga. (Duration: Half Day; Self-explore Activity; No Guide; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included).
Hotel options
You will be transferred from your hotel to Rarotonga airport in a shared vehicle
International Departure
Discover the three main islands in the Cook Islands archipelago, from the rugged mountain landscape of Rarotonga to the vast lagoon, and coral reef of Aitutaki, and the virgin beaches and limestone reef of remote Atiu. You will also learn about the local culture and heritage of Polynesia on guided excursions to the Te Vara Nui Cultural Village in Rarotonga, Punarei in Aitutaki, and the Rimarau Burial Caves of Atiu. Spend time hiking and trekking across the islands, cruising and relaxing on sandy beaches, and bird-watching in this tropical paradise.
Would you like to customize this trip to match all your interests and preferences? Our experts are happy to create an obligation-free custom itinerary for you – get in touch!
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Soak up the sun at two of the most blissful islands in the South Pacific – Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. Apart from crystal clear waters, and a huge diversity of marine life amid coral reefs, these islands also offer you insights into local Polynesian culture. Explore cultural villages on guided excursions at…
