5 Day Rarotonga Island getaway

  • Soak up the sunshine on Aitutaki Island | Travel Nation
  • Get a glimpse of local culture on the Cook Islands | Travel Nation

    Get a glimpse of local culture

  • Aitutaki is a picture perfect paradise!

    Aitutaki is a picture perfect paradise!

  • Watch sunrise over the calm waters of the Cook Islands | Travel Nation

    Watch sunrise over the calm waters of the Cook Islands

  • Palm Grove, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    Palm Grove, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

  • Explore the lush interior of Rarotonga | Travel Nation

    Hike through lush hills to gorgeous viewpoints

  • Walk barefoot along the beaches of the Cook Islands | Travel Nation

    Walk barefoot along the beaches of the Cook Islands

  • Mopeds are a great way to get around the island

    Mopeds are a great way to get around the main island

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 5

From: Rarotonga

To: Rarotonga

From

£975

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: Cook Islands

Explore the Cook Islands with this 4-night stopover in Rarotonga. This South Pacific paradise is one of our favourite add-ons to an Australia or New Zealand itinerary. With its laid-back vibe, lack of international chain hotels and strong Polynesian culture, this itinerary offers an authentic Pacific experience. Discover the main island of Rarotonga and enjoy a day trip to Aitutaki, known for its magnificent, turquoise lagoon.

The Cook Islands are unique; you won't find any international hotels chains or high-rise buildings - everything has a distinctive, local flavour.  The people are friendly; the climate is warm year-round and time stands still, making it the perfect place to get away and relax. Staying in locally owned and operated accommodation, you'll have the ideal opportunity to experience island life first hand.

This Cook Islands itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements; please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

  • Take a guided walk with local legend ‘Pa’ and learn about herbal medicine
  • While away the hours on palm tree-lined, white sandy beaches
  • Experience local food, drink and dancing on an ‘island night’
  • Spend a day on the picturesque island of Aitutaki
  • Snorkel in the clear water lagoon and visit uninhabited Onefoot Island

 

Day 1: Arrive Rarotonga

On arrival into the Cook Islands you will be met at the airport – Papa Jake awaits you on his ukulele and a representative will greet you with a flower ei (garland) and a big smile.

You will be taken to your hotel by shared transfer, where you will check in for 4 night stay.

Days 2 & 3: Rarotonga

Today is a free day. enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore. At just 32 square kilometres Rarotonga is a small island with only one road running around the perimeter, it's not difficult to get around using local buses, if or if you're feeling a bit more active you could even cycle it, a great way to spend your first day.

Activities on the island include snorkelling and diving, taking a walk with the local legend Pa, hiring a car or moped, shopping in the main town of Avarua or just wiling away the days relaxing on the sandy white beaches.

Why not find out if there is an ‘island night’ happening during your stay – enjoy Polynesian culture at its best with traditionally cooked food and dancing. We can arrange this for you prior to travel just ask your consultant for more details.

Day 4: Day trip to Aitutaki

No trip to the Cook Islands is complete without seeing Aitutaki lagoon with your own eyes. TWe have included a day trip, but if you have the time then we would certainly recommend that you enjoy a night or two, if not longer, in this pacific paradise.

You will fly out in the morning on the short 45 minute journey and spend the afternoon snorkelling and swimming in the clearest turquoise waters you can imagine. Enjoy a barbeque lunch and get your passport stamped at Onefoot Island – you can even send a postcard home from the only post office in the world located on an uninhabited island. 

Overnight back in Rarotonga for your final evening.

Day 5: Depart Rarotonga

You will be collected from your accommodation at any time today and taken to the airport to connect with your onward journey.

 

The Cook Islands are a great year-round destination with temperatures ranging between 18c and 28c in the winter (October to May) and 21c to 29c in the summer (November to April). The Cooks has a pleasantly even climate year round with no real weather excesses, although it can rain often thanks to its high inland mountains. The best time of year to visit is around September/October when you will find warm temperatures and low humidity, also March/April when the weather is generally fine and sunny.

We've done a similar trip...

If you'd like to get a feel for this trip, read our blog post Visit the Cook Islands: the quintessential South Pacific paradise,  written by one of our consultants who has been there.

This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

What's included
  • Meet and greet with fresh flower ei (flower garland)
  • 4 nights' accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • Return airport transfers on day 4 for the Aitutaki day tour
  • Day trip to Aitutaki including return flights from Rarotonga, a tour of Aitutaki and a lagoon cruise with lunch
Not included
  • International flights
  • Meals other than those mentioned
  • Excursions other than Aitutaki day trip
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses