8-Nights Highlights of Rarotonga - Beach Vacations from $1,701

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Welcome to Paradise: Arrive in Beautiful Rarotonga

Kia orana and welcome to the Cook Islands! You’ll be met on arrival by a local representative, ready to help you trade your travel shoes for sandals and ease into a relaxed island pace.Leave behind the familiar surroundings of your resort and venture out to local villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle, when you visit with locals in their homes! Enjoy a Progressive Three Course Dinner, where each course is hosted in a different local home.

Walkthrough the tropical garden at the home of your first host, who serves your 'first course' for the night. Then it is off to enjoy your "main course", where you will be treated to a buffet feast, similar to what you would expect at a large Cook Islands family gathering. Then, your "dessert" host will delight you with local sweets, fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee. When enjoying your meals at each home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band that will accompany you throughout your local dining experience.

Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)

Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.

Day 2: An Island Discovery Tour

Start your holiday in the Cook Islands with an orientated cultural tour of scenic Rarotonga in a modern air-conditioned coach. Explore the history and culture of the Cook Island people in the company of your qualified, friendly tour guides.

Follow the roads and paths used by our ancestors dating back to 1100AD; visit a sacred marae (ancient gathering place for royalty) and explore historical sites once inhabited by our people.

Learn where the best snorkelling spots are located in Rarotonga, see why the coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life.

Day 3: Aitutaki. Pure Cook Island Magic

The day starts with a transfer from your Rarotonga accommodation and a 40 minute flight to Aitutaki. On descent, the stunning colours of the lagoon come into view and this is usually where everyone has their phone against the windows - capturing the magical landscape below.

On arrival at Aitutaki, take a 45 minute tour of the island by "Les Truck" taking in views of inland plantations and the main villages. Then the highlight of the day. The renowned Vaka Cruise - six hours of cruising the magnificient blue lagoon aboard the Polynesian styled vaka Titi-ai-Tonga. Visit three (Moturakau, Akaiami, One Foot Island) small motu (islets) fringing the lagoon with time for snorkelling at each one. Experience the solitude of pristine white sand beaches and warm crystal clear water.

Highlights include the iconic One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) and Akaiami - where giant TEAL flying boats used to stopover for refuelling on the famous Coral Route between Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti.

Lunch is served on board. A delicious medley of barbecued pelagic fish steaks served with a variety of fresh salads and tropical fruit all sourced from local farmers. Lunch is accompanied by complimentary tea, coffee, and water, and a cash bar for wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks is available. The day ends with an arrival back in Rarotonga at 5.30pm and a transfer back to your accommodation.

Day 4: A Day to Embrace the Cook Islands Lifestyl

The Cook Islands greeting Kia Orana, “may you live on” reflects the beauty not only of our islands but also of our Cook Islands people. At Te Vara Nui Village you will meet local Cook Island Maori people who will share their stories, knowledge and heritage with you during the Cultural Village Tour.
Finish with Rarotonga’s finest dancers and musicians as they perform by flaming torchlight on the floating and fixed stages of our waterfall garden while enjoying a delicious buffet. This stunning Over Water Night Show reflects the experience of the village delivering an electric and authentic cultural performance like no other on the island!
Te Vara Nui Village has something for everyone; inspiring fun, authentic entertainment, activity and wonder. It will capture your soul and heart, leaving you awed from its dazzling backdrop and dramatic performance.

Day 5: Turtles by Day

Discover Rarotonga’s most unforgettable turtle tour. The Turtle Sea Scooter Safari is a spectacular way to see and swim with Pacific Green and the endangered Hawksbill turtles. This premium sea scooter experience offers safe, guided encounters with beautiful turtles in a stunning blue lagoon. Glide effortlessly with state-of-the-art sea scooters, perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkellers alike. The 90 minute adventure starts with a quick safety brief, then we fit you with mask, snorkel and fins and you'll complete your Sea Scooter Operators course. Then we launch into the water off the beach and inside the lagoon. As you drift out with the current our professional Guides are pointing out marine and environmental points of interest along the way. It's simply amazing.

Your first turtle encounter can be simply magical. Listen to your Guide as they teach you how to share their underwater world and minimize disruption to them and the environment. Keep a sharp lookout because you'll probably swim over more than you can see.

Day 6: Depart the Cook Islands with Lasting Memories

Time permitting, savour a leisurely breakfast, one last stroll along the beach or some last-minute souvenir shopping before your flight home, taking warm island memories with you.