At a Glance
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Immerse yourself in the legends and mystery of the Cook Islands Southern Group, with this partially guided, 9-day remote island hopper package.
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 9 incredible days, journey to the Cook Island’s Southern Group, home to 4 of the world’s most unspoiled islands: Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu. Here, life is uncomplicated, inoffensive, colourful and utterly charming. These islands are tranquil and picturesque, each ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Return airport transfers on all islands
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- An island tour on each island
- 8-nights’ accommodation (2-nights on each island) on a twin share basis
- Airfares – Rarotonga/Mangaia/Mauke/Mitiaro/Atiu/Rarotonga
- Cook Islands Christian Church experience in Mangaia on Sunday, followed by a swim and picnic lunch at the beach
- Additional tours: Weaving with the Mamas in Mitiaro, and Anatakitaki (Kopeka Bird) Cave Tour on Atiu
Itinerary
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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. Marvel at the surrounding band of makatea (raised coral cliffs), as well as the sunken interior plateau, lush wetlands, hidden caves, golden shells and stone carvings.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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. The price guide is based on a small group of 8 people. Please contact us for a quote if you have different group sizes. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings.
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.