Best of Cook Islands Walking & Island Hopping 11D10N

Arrive at Rarotonga Airport, where a private chauffeur will meet and transfer you to Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a fresh flower lei and a souvenir aluminium refillable water bottle with fresh chilled water.

Spend the rest of the day settling into your accommodation. Laze by the swimming pool or venture down to beach for a refreshing saltwater swim. If you’re feeling peckish, dine with the sand between your toes at Manuia’s On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant. Watch the waves on the reef and follow the antics of local children and fishermen in the lagoon while you enjoy fresh island produce.

Embark on a thrilling cross island trek – this popular activity will take you from the northern side of the island (Avatiu Valley) deep into the mountains, over streams and steep inclines, through riverbeds and native bush, to the base of The Needle, Rarotonga’s highest point.

Climb 400-metres (1312ft) to the top of The Needle, keeping an eye out for rare orchids in season and the kakaia (terns) that will often circle overhead. On the eastern face of the mountain, you’ll see ancient carvings similar to those found on Easter Island (Rapanui). The entire island, especially the valleys, is spectacular from here. The view will surely stay with you! 

Your knowledgeable and experienced local guide is the nephew of renowned ‘medicine man’, who has been documented and written about in many countries around the world. Your local guide has deep knowledge of traditional herbal and healing plants and flora and fauna. You’ll journey into the ancient world of his ancestors and learn folklore about the warriors and maidens that once walked this very trail.

Lunch today is served as a picnic at Wigmore’s (Papua) Waterfall. 

In the evening, venture up to the hilltop village of Arorangi to the 600-year-old village site that was once the home of High Chief Tinomana Ariki. The site was abandoned in the early 1800s after the arrival of Christianity – to date, around 25-acres of the ancient village has been discovered and developed to share with you.

The multi award-winning ‘Ka’ara Island Night’ offers you the chance to experience and learn about the traditional and spiritual past and present, through village cultural immersion, marae (ceremonial site) visits, a tapu lifting, and a warrior welcome in the dining hall. Then, as the sun begins to set, take your seat at the dinner table. You’ll enjoy the many local delicacies prepared for you in a traditional underground oven (umu).

While you enjoy your meal, the E Matike dance group will entertain, showcasing their traditional costumes and dances. All the dancers, musicians, chefs, barmen and guides are descendants of the village high chief and are proud to be part of the extended family, which brings this mountainous village back to life.

Spend the day doing as little or as much as you like.

Loungers set invitingly facing the beautiful lagoon may tempt you to relax among the private and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a dip in the infinity pool or indulge in a traditional Polynesian massage on the beachfront whilst listening to the gentle waves breaking on the reef. You may choose to snorkel or kayak the lagoon or head to the 24hr access gym. There are endless possibilities!

Take a scenic 50-minute flight to Aitutaki, home to approximately 1,800 people and the world’s most beautiful lagoon. Secluded and romantic, Aitutaki holds a compelling allure for honeymooners – you can look forward to languid, leisurely days simply reveling in each other’s company and the jaw-dropping surroundings.

You’ll stay the next 3-nights at Tamanu Beach Resort. Located on Aitutaki’s western coast, this family operated resort offers 4 bungalow accommodation options nestled among lush tropical gardens or perched on the water’s edge. The Tamanu Restaurant & Bar offers a wonderful Pacific Island dining experience – delicious cuisine, a beachfront view with amazing sunsets and friendly hospitality.

Cruise the tempting turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon on your very own private boat with the ‘King of the Lagoon’.

During your tour, you are promised to snorkel in some of the best locations, with the chance to see giant fish and clams in their natural habitat. You will also learn a little about these fascinating creatures from the friendly team of guides.

Lunch is served on the breathtaking Maina Island and consists of barbequed fish, chicken, eggplant and pumpkin as well as a variety of salads including local breadfruit salad, garden salad, coleslaw and fresh fruit.

Delve deeper into Aitutaki on a full day guided walking tour.

Your knowledgeable and experienced guide will tailor the tour to your fitness and preferences. You’ll ride along white sandy beaches and tour the lush interior of the island along little used tracks where the scenery is breathtaking. Visit Maunga Pu hill, the highest point on the island, and a WWII bunker built by American GIs, who were once stationed on the island. You’ll also visit the colourful wharf area, where locals and visitors can purchase fresh produce and other goods. The Aitutaki Game Fishing Club next to the wharf is a great place to unwind and watch a splendid sunset.

Take a short flight to Atiu, known as the ‘land of birds’. This island is a true eco-escape with no night clubs, virtually no township and a couple of cafes with precious little traffic.

In the evening, experience Atiu Tumunu with the locals. The Tumunu is a 2-century-old tradition where local men gather to enjoy a fruit based alcoholic local brew. Locally grown Atiu coffee is another great, non-alcoholic feature of the island. 

You’ll stay the next 3-nights at Atiu Villas, a small, peaceful and intimate property built entirely out of local trees and materials. There are 6 self-contained villas surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. Onsite, you will also find a tennis court, swimming pool and vehicle rentals.

Delve deeper into Atiu on a guided walking tour.

Your knowledgeable and experienced guide will tailor the tour to your fitness and preferences. You’ll ride along white sandy beaches and tour the lush interior of the island, stopping at local attractions including coffee plantations, limestone caves, artesian water pools and, of course, the local bakery, which sells delicious fresh-cooked donuts. As you ride, keep an eye out for local farm animals as well as rare bird species including the endangered Rarotongan Flycatcher (Kakeroi), which, as you know, was relocated from Rarotonga as part of a successful conservation program.

Venture into the Anatakitaki (Kopeka) Cave, home to the endangered Kopeka bird also known as the Atiu Swiftlet found only on Atiu.

The trek to the cave entrance is exciting and can be a little challenging. You will walk approximately 30 minutes over rugged coral and limestone terrain before you come to the entrance of the cave. The path is lined with interesting coral formations and many fossilised shells embedded in the limestone structures. Some fossils along the track date back to over 120,000 years.

In addition to witnessing these rare birds fly around you inside the cave, you’ll also have the chance to descend into an underground water cavern. With lit candles strategically placed around the cave, this dark underground environment suddenly comes alive with glistening limestone crystals and eerie shadows. Take a dip in the refreshing cool water to reenergise ahead of your trek back to your starting point.

Cap off your holiday with one last delicious breakfast before transferring to Rarotonga Airport to commence your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.