At a Glance
Embrace true romance in the Cook Islands, with this intimate, 9-day package that showcases the best of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
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 thrilling days, discover the delights of Rarotonga and Aitutaki – just you and your loved one. See the highlights of Rarotonga on a private guided tour, kayak or paddle board the Muri Lagoon, witness a spectacular fire dance performance and overwater ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Fresh flower meet & greet on arrival, and a souvenir aluminium refillable water bottle with fresh, chilled water
- Private vehicle transfers to/from Pacific Resort Aitutaki
- Flights to/from Rarotonga to Aitutaki
- 5-nights’ accommodation at Little Polynesian Resort, Rarotonga, on a twin share basis
- 3-nights’ accommodation at Pacific Resort Aitutaki on a twin share basis
- Meals: 8 x Breakfast, 3 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
- Private vehicle transfers to/from Little Polynesian Resort
- Private full day lagoon cruise
- Private Island Discovery Tour with lunch
- Te Vara Nui Village cultural experience followed by Overwater Island Night Show & Dinner
- Kitesup Lagoon Explorer including professional guides, kayak or paddle board, snorkelling gear, wetsuits, reef shoes, life jackets (on request) and light refreshments
- Kitesup “Fire On Water” Night Paddle Tour including professional guides, fire show, LED light up kayak or paddle board, wetsuits, reef shoes and life jackets (on request)
Itinerary
Arrive at Rarotonga Airport, where a private chauffeur will meet and transfer you to Little Polynesian Resort. 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 pool side at the Little Polynesian Restaurant in an open-air setting with spectacular views of the Titikaveka Lagoon. In the evening, celebrate your arrival in paradise with an intimate, private dinner for 2 on the beach. |
Explore Rarotonga from the comfort of a private air-conditioned car or van, with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. This tour is a must do as soon as you arrive on the island – it’s the perfect introduction to the island’s rich culture, legends and history. Your tour begins the moment you are picked up from your hotel. You’ll be given an overview of the island and the many points of interest you will see along the way. As you travel along the ancient ‘Ara Metua’ or ‘Road of Toi’ – built in 1050AD as an all-weather paved road – you will pass ancient maraes (ceremonial sites) and local plantations. Highlights of the tour include the Maire Nui Tropical Gardens, the first limestone church built on the island in the 1800s, and Black Rock – a volcanic boulder, traditionally believed to be the departure point of the spirits to the Avaiki (the afterlife). You’ll also visit Muri Lagoon and the Te Ara Museum, home to the fascinating Vaka Migration Map. Souvenir stops include Takerau Jim’s mother-of-pearl shell carving and jewellery store, and the Rito Factory, a boutique cold-pressed coconut processing facility that specialises in beauty and health products made with cold pressed virgin olive oil. Lunch is included at The Mooring Fish Café, the original fresh fish sandwich shop in Rarotonga. |
Explore the beautiful turquoise waters of Muri Lagoon on a guided kayak or paddleboard tour. With its four motu (islets), Muri is the most beautiful section of Rarotonga’s encircling lagoon. The blue water is packed with tropical fish and the odd turtle or stingray, especially around the motu, and out towards the reef. Taakoka motu is volcanic while the others are sand cays. The swimming is wonderful over sparkling white sand! Lunch is served picnic-style atop one of the motus. Enjoy delicious fruits and sandwiches with your sand between your toes! |
Start your day with a self-guided tropical garden tour at the resort. Then, head out onto the water to make use of the resort’s complimentary snorkels, kayaks and paddle boards. Alternatively, why not pamper yourself at the Te Manava Spa? Here, internationally trained therapists provide a full range of spa and beauty treatments in a tranquil water and garden setting. The stresses of everyday life will feel worlds away! In the evening, return to Muri Lagoon to kayak or paddleboard beneath the starry night sky. Special LED lights will guide your way, offering a completely different – and surreal – experience. Your evening culminates with a breathtaking fire dance performance that guarantees to get you involved! |
Spend today doing as much or as little as you please. In the late afternoon, venture to to Te Vara Nui Village for a fascinating 2-hour cultural village tour. Set among picturesque rock waterfalls and lush tropical gardens, Te Vara Nui is the perfect place to learn about traditional methods including weaving and carving, medicine making, navigation techniques and the preparation of dance costumes. You will visit a marae (a sacred enclosure for religious ceremonies) where the High Chiefs of the village once met for ceremonies and any issues surrounding the village and its people. After the tour, enjoy a delicious Cook Islands feast prepared by local and international chefs followed by a spectacular over-water show presented to you by Rarotonga’s finest dancers and musicians. By flaming torch light, these passionate dancers will perform for you through song and dance and on floating and fixed stages, the Legend of their ancestor “Tongaiti”, a voyaging warrior who set sail from a faraway land with his tribe, and how he came to settle in Rarotonga. |
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 revelling in each other’s company and the jaw-dropping surroundings. You’ll stay the next 3-nights at Pacific Resort Aitutaki. Situated on a triangle-shaped atoll rising 4,000-metres from the floor of the Pacific Ocean, this 5-star, small luxury hotel offers just 29 absolute beachfront hideaways, all just steps from the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon. Soak in the infinity freshwater pool, pamper yourself at the Tiare Spa and choose from a variety of dining options including poolside dining at Black Rock and fine dining at Rapae Bay. |
Cruise the tempting turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon on your very own private boat. Teariki Reva George – owner, captain and tour guide of Teking Lagoon Cruise – is the self-proclaimed ‘King of the Lagoon’. His name (Teariki) means ‘The King’ and is one he takes proudly. Teking has 3 boats in total, ranging from small to large, all of which come fully equipped with top safety equipment and are operated by trained and professional staff. The great thing about these boats is that they are small, which means they can access many parts of the lagoon that larger boats cannot. 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. |
Spend today doing as much or as little as you like. Delve deeper into the lagoon, laze by the swimming pool, or retreat to the Tiarae Spa for a decadent massage or spa treatment. You could also make use of the hotel’s complimentary kayaks and paddleboards or venture further afield on hired bicycle or motor-scooter. In the afternoon, head into Black Rock for a refreshing cocktail or a casual meal by the pool. Room service is also available if you prefer to dine from the comfort of your own room. |
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. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season. Please contact us for group bookings and quote.
More Info
The start point and finish point is Rarotonga, Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, they have a typically tropical oceanic climate, with temperatures stable all year round. The average maximum temperatures vary between 25 ° C and 29 ° C, while the average minimum temperatures vary between 18 ° C in July and August and 23 ° C in January and February.
Seasonal differences are mainly due to the rainfall regime. The Cook Islands alternate between two seasons, a wet and rainy season from December to March, and a mild and dry season from April to November. During the rainy season, from December to March, the Cook Islands can sometimes be hit by tropical cyclones and hurricanes.
The annual average rainfall is around 2,100 mm, the rainiest months are between December and April, the least rainy months are between June and October. Anti-mosquito repellents are especially needed during the wet and hot season (December-March), especially on the island of Aitutaki.
The average annual sea water temperature in Rarotonga is 26 ° C, with a maximum temperature of 28 ° C in February and a minimum of 24 ° C in August.
For a trip to the Cook Islands, the less rainy months from May/June to October are generally preferable.
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.