Cook Islands Remote Island Hopper 9D8N

Travel 40-minutes by air to Mangaia. Traditionally known as Au’au Enua, Mangaia estimated to be 18-million-years-old, making it one of the oldest islands in the Pacific.

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your hosts and taken on your first island tour.

You’ll stay the next 2 nights at Babes Place, a simple but clean and well-presented property located in the main village of Oneroa. Room options at Babes Place include 4 basic units - each with their own private bathroom, and 2 double bedrooms in the main house - these rooms share a bathroom. Also in the main house is the communal kitchen, dining, lounge and self-laundry facilities. Dinner is hosted onsite.

Pay a visit to the Golden Shells. Here, you will learn the process of making the famous golden shell necklaces of Mangaia or ‘Ei pupu’, which is unique to the island. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase these gorgeous works of art and other souvenirs.

In the evening, celebrate your final night in Mangaia with a thrilling dinner and show. There’ll be singing and dancing and music well into the night.

Travel 40-minutes by air to Mauke. Traditionally known as Akatokamanava or ‘the place where my heart rested’, Mauka is one of the 3 close islands of the Southern Group known as ‘Nga-Pu-Toru’, which also includes Mitiaro and Atiu.

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your hosts and taken on a tour of the island. You’ll roll around the coral roads, curving gently through coconut palms and hard-wood trees. Every so often a small sandy beach will emerge, bordered by coral rocks. You’ll quickly notice that the island is an all-round farm, with goats chewing away and lose pigs running out to greet you as you drive around the southern and eastern sides of the island. Your tour culminates with a refreshing swim at Vai Tango Cave, with its deep waters and rocky icicle ceiling.

You’ll stay the next 2-nights at Ri’s Hideaway. Rurally located on the south coast – a 15-minute drie from the main town and 20 minutes from the airport, Ri’s offers 5 self-contained bungalows, each with a lovely view through the pandanus trees to a private beach cove. There is also a 2-bedroom house right across the road.

Attend a local church service and learn about the part religion plays in the Cook Islands culture. Although the majority of the service is conducted in the local language (Cook Islands Maori), the people’s hospitality and warmth will make you feel welcome. The harmonious acapella singing is universally enjoyable.

Feeling peckish? Look no further than Toko’s bakery. They sell locally baked goods and can arrange for your very own catered style local kai.

In the late afternoon, the harbour is the ideal spot to take that picture perfect sunset shot. Its vibrant colours – orange, yellow and red – offer a deep satisfaction to the end of the day.

Travel 10-minutes by air to Mitiaro. Traditionally known as Nukuroa or ‘the three roots’, Mitiaro was once a volcano that sank into the ocean, becoming a coral atoll which then, about 10,000 years ago, raised 20 feet above sea level to become the flat island it is today.

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your hosts and taken on a tour of the island. You’ll see some of the most stunning subterranean limestone caves and pools to be found in the Pacific, as well as white sandy beaches, fossilised coral formations and coconut palms reaching high into a strikingly blue sky. You’ll also visit the two freshwater lakes in the centre of the island: Rotonui (a large lake that is half the size of the island) and Toto Iti (a smaller lake). Startling in size for such a small island and fringed with lush greenery, they harbour a teeming population of sea life - the Itiki is a Cook Islands delicacy and when wrapped in leaves and baked in the umu (earth oven), vanishes in a flash at any feast.

You’ll stay the next 2-nights at the Divine Retreat, a large modern home with 3 room options. There are 2 bedrooms within the house that share a bathroom. The suite is accessed from the veranda and has its own private bathroom. Separate to the house are 2 individual studio units. While all meals are prepared for guests, there is a large kitchen that you may use. On the large veranda is the dining area, and several lounge suites that are just perfect for whiling away the day.

Start your day with a weaving demonstration and early lunch with the local women of Mitiaro. The women are deeply curious, very friendly and hospitable. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to squeeze in a visit to the local primary school to meet the local children.

Spend the rest of the day doing as much or as little as you please. Perhaps you’ll stumble on your own private beach cove, find an ideal shady spot for a picnic or sun nap, or pick up some wild fruit ripe for the taking.

Your last stop is Atiu. Traditionally known as Enuamanu or ‘the land of birds’, this island is a true eco-escape with no nightclubs, virtually no township and a couple of cafes with precious little traffic.

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your hosts and taken to your accommodation for check-in. Then, it’s off to the Anatakitaki Caves, home to the famous Kopeka birds. These swift-like birds nest deep within the caves and navigate in the dark by using an echo-locating series of clicks. The caves themselves are a sight to behold – magnificent, towering limestone caverns with huge stalactites reaching to the floor and massive stalagmites that sparkle in the light. It is breathtaking and attracts film crews from around the world.

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 2 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.

Set out on a thrilling island eco tour with local celebrity Birdman George. Employed by the Takitumu Conservation Area, George looks after the 30 Rarotongan Flycatchers (Kakerori) that were transferred to Atiu from 2001 to 2003. Over 3 or so hours, George will show you these birds and all the other birds of Atiu. He will also show you the ancient trails and beautiful beaches and explain the different types of plant and their uses.

In the evening, celebrate the last night of your adventure with a traditional (umu) feast. To cook food in an umu, a fire is lit in a shallow pit and volcanic rocks placed on the fire. When these are red hot, the fire coals are cleared away and the umu food, wrapped in banana leaves and tied with kikau, is placed on top of the hot stones. Layers of dirt and then banana leaves are heaped on top to trap the heat and the food is steamed to keep in all the natural juices and flavours – for around 4 hours. When the food is cooked, it is taken out and placed on a table decorated with flowers. Delicious!

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.