At a Glance
Discover a world of adventure and fun in the Cook Islands, with this action-packed, 6-day package that showcases the best of Rarotonga.
A necklace of islands across 2 million square kilometres of wild Pacific Blue, the Cook Islands are simultaneously remote and accessible, modern and traditional. Escape the stresses of everyday life with bright blue water, refreshing inland lagoons, true South Pacific culture and diverse tropical wilderness. The picturesque surrounds, ever-changing days and, of course, the friendly locals make the Cook Islands feel like a home you never want to leave.
Over 6 thrilling days, experience the highlights of Rarotonga including Muri Lagoon and The Needle. Traverse the island from one end to the other on foot, by bike and by buggy, kayak or paddle board the Muri Lagoon and enjoy plenty ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Pa’s Cross Island Trek
- Kitesup Night Paddleboard
- Meals: 5 x Breakfast, 3 x Lunch
- 5-nights’ accommodation at Pacific Resort Rarotonga*
- Private vehicle transfers to/from Pacific Resort Rarotonga
- Raro Buggy Tours Jungle Adventure with return transfers (if required)
- Fresh flower meet & greet on arrival, and a souvenir aluminium refillable water bottle with fresh, chilled water
- Kitesup Sea Scooter Tour (if travelling with a child then substitute for the Lagoon Explorer)
- *Upgrades available at an additional cost/possible to extend to 8 days, 7 nights at an additional cost
- Storyteller’s Discover Cycle Tour
Itinerary
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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 magnificent Muri Beach. Dine with the sand between your toes at Sandals Restaurant or enjoy a tropical cocktail and watch the sunset at the Barefoot Bar. The complimentary Kids Club, meanwhile, provides some great activities for the little ones. In the evening, take to the water on a guided kayak or paddleboard tour that takes you across the beautiful blue waters of Muri Lagoon to one of the ‘motus’ or reef islets under the starry night sky. You’ll paddle your own vessel or children can share with an adult. A highlight of the night is a special fire dance performance that guarantees to get you involved! This will be the last activity on the tour before everyone makes their way back to the shore. (You don’t need previous paddling experience to do this tour, however, some level of fitness is required). |
Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Rarotonga
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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, Bruce, is the nephew of renowned ‘medicine man’ Pa, whom has been documented and written about in many countries around the world. Pa has shared with Bruce his 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. |
Pacific Resort Rarotonga, RarotongaBreakfast, Lunch |
Get off the beaten track on guided cycling tour along the ancient Coral Road, also known as Ara Metua. Led by a knowledgeable and experienced guide, this tour takes you 8 – 12-kilometres (5-7.5mi) along mainly sealed roads at an easy pace, allowing plenty of time for you to enjoy your surroundings, taste fresh produce, learn about island life, and even husk a coconut, if you want! The tour finishes with a delicious local lunch. |
Pacific Resort Rarotonga, RarotongaBreakfast, Lunch |
Advance your snorkelling skills and become more confident and comfortable in the water with a sea scooter tour. There are 3 tour options to choose from, each one tailored to your comfort zone, fitness ability, and most importantly your experience level. The ‘Tai’ (Lagoon) Sea Scooter Snorkel is a beginner’s level – it covers safety, equipment use and swimming technique while you swim among Giant Trevally, moray eels, clams and more. You will be taught the correct way to approach marine life to prevent future harm to the eco system. Groups are kept small to a max of 6 people to allow for an intimate experience with nature. The ‘Moana’ (Ocean) Sea Scooter Snorkel takes you out into the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. This tour focuses on improving your snorkelling skills and includes an introduction to basic free diving skills and techniques. Experience the deep colour of the open ocean at the ‘drop off’ and swim over beautiful reef to find the H.S.S Mai Tai Shipwreck in the shallows. Lastly, the ‘Ava’ (Passage) Sea Scooter Snorkel is the most advanced tour that takes you to a naturally cut passage that is not accessible without an experienced guide. There is an excellent chance to encounter turtles and also possibly eagle rays and reef sharks, if you’re lucky. After, the rest of the day is yours to make use of the resort’s complimentary snorkels, kayaks and paddle boards. Alternatively, why not take a moment to explore the resort’s tropical gardens? Or else just relax by the swimming pool or in your room? |
Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Rarotonga Breakfast |
Hit the dirt on an exhilarating buggy tour – one of the few ‘drive it yourself’ guided 4-wheel adventure tours available in Rarotonga. Your choice of transport is either an automatic or manual 800CC 4-wheel buggy, which takes you through the many land areas – predominantly inland – to view and visit the island’s many local historical and culturally significant sites. Your friendly local guide will take you on a journey first on the main and then through the back road known locally as the Ara Metua. You will venture around the island until you get to the waterfall, where you park and everyone can enjoy a swim and quick cool off before it’s time to head off to a mini golf course for a few putts. All morning tours include a hearty lunch and a complimentary drink at the Food Box and afternoon tours include a complimentary drink and an additional driving circuit before the end of the tour. After, the rest of the day is yours to spend in ultimate relaxation at the Te Manava Spa (own cost). Here, internationally trained therapists provide a full range of spa and beauty treatments in a tranquil water and garden setting. The Pacific Resort Rarotonga Nail Lounge is also available for express manicures and pedicures, as well as nail art and spa manicures and pedicures. |
Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Rarotonga Breakfast, Lunch |
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. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season. Please contact us for family/group bookings and quote.
More Info
The start point and finish point is Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
