Cook Islands Getaway
6 Days Starting in Rarotonga and ending in Aitutaki
Visiting: Rarotonga, Aitutaki
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TEKC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
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?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rarotonga
Location: 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 (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:
-
Day 2: Rarotonga
Location: Rarotonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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:
-
-
-
Day 3: Rarotonga
Location: Rarotonga
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
-
-
Day 4: Aitutaki
Location: Aitutaki
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
-
Day 5: Aitutaki
Location: Aitutaki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
‘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:
-
Day 6: Aitutaki
Location: Aitutaki
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Beachfront hotel (3 nights), Beach bungalow (2 nights) -
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
-
Rarotonga - Punanga Nui Market
-
Rarotonga - Vaimaanga village cultural experience
-
Rarotonga - Kayak & snorkel hire
-
Aitutaki - Kayak hire
-
Aitutaki - Lagoon boat tour & beach BBQ lunch
-
Meals
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
What's Not Included
-
International Travel
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Private vehicle , Plane , Boat
Accommodation
- Beachfront hotel (3 nights), Beach bungalow (2 nights)
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Plane , Boat
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."