Cook Islands: Escorted Group Tour

Your fare excludes:

Day 1 – Tuesday, 3 September 2024 (Welcome to Rarotonga / Orientation at Sunset Resort)
Arrive at Rarotonga International Airport and meet your local tour guide, Claire. Take your transfer to Sunset Resort and enjoy a tropical breakfast on arrival. Meet your fellow travellers with a refreshing welcome drink at the Birdcage Bar for your orientation, where your local guide will explain more about the exciting adventures in store! Enjoy your lunch onsite before exploring the island of Rarotonga at your own pace for the afternoon. You may want to relax by the beach, swim in the pristine blue lagoon, or catch the bus from right outside the resort that circles the entire island in less than one hour! Meet for dinner at the Anchorage Restaurant & Bar, located at the Sunset Resort.

• M​eals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 – Wednesday, 4 September 2024 (Unique Rarotonga Discovery Tour)
Kia Orana and welcome to your introduction to true Cook Islands culture! From the majestic volcanic peaks to the azure lagoon waters, we will visit scenic and historic sites, meet colourful locals and learn more about island life. Enjoy a traditional umu lunch, with an Invite Only unique experience that is not offered anywhere else! Relish in an afternoon of leisure before meeting for dinner at On the Beach Restaurant and Bar for a sunset over tropical paradise!

• M​eals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Thursday, 5 September 2024 (Muri Lagoon Cruise)
Today you will experience a day out with Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise, one of Rarotonga’s absolute must-dos! Be prepared for the real Cook Island’s hospitality as you feast on a fresh fish BBQ lunch cooked Raro-style. After the cruise, the afternoon is yours to do as you please! Why not hire a bike for a ride around the island, or strap on your hiking boots and explore the walking trails of Rarotonga? Dinner will be held at the stylish and contemporary Laguna Restaurant, offering a wide selection of exquisite Polynesian-influenced cuisine, mouth-watering cocktails and a large range of beverages to accompany your meal.

• M​eals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Friday, 6 September 2024 (Primary School & Highland Paradise Visits, Polynesian Island Night)
An absolute cultural treat awaits full of secret surprises and Invite Only Experiences! Follow the rich history of the Arorangi village through the ages, from warring tribal days through to the today’s generation of young, delightfully happy students who you will meet at the local primary school and engage in a traditional cultural performance and morning tea. It is then time to proceed up the mountain to Highland Paradise, home of the ancient Tinomana warrior tribe and the Cook Islands’ national heritage centre. Learn about the colourful, and often graphic, history from the Pirangi family and partake in a light lunch (no sacrificial cannibalism required!). You will then have a few hours of free time before heading back to Highland Paradise for the most authentic island night in the Cook Islands. Be enthralled by the beauty of the dancers and the pulsating beat of the drums, all performed by descendants of the Tinomana tribe!

• M​eals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Saturday, 7 September 2024 (Free Day / Optional Tour Extras)
This is the day to choose your own adventure! After indulging in another beautiful breakfast, it is up to you how you spend the day. Would you rather lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand, spot some turtles in the crystal-clear waters or explore new areas of the island via bus? We recommend the Aitutaki Day Tour to experience the world’s most beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon. Including airport transfers, flights, island tour and lagoon cruise with lunch, this tour has limited availability and must be booked prior to arrival in Rarotonga. If fishing is more your speed, why not join the knowledgeable guides for a Half Day Fishing Charter to the best fishing spots, chasing yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi and wahoo. You could also view the island from a different perspective and take to the skies on a Scenic Flight with Air Rarotonga. Adventure is everywhere, and you can recount your day’s journey over dinner with your fellow travellers at the Anchorage Restaurant & Bar.

• M​eals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 – Sunday, 8 September 2024 (Local Church Service & Te Ara Museum)
Titikaveka Cook Islands Chrisitan Church is the oldest standing church in Rarotonga. It was built by the local community out of coral in 1841, and is the setting for the traditional service you will be experience this morning. Hear the enchanting, melodic voices echo around the church before enjoying a relaxing and sumptuous morning tea. Afterwards, visit the wonderful Te Ara Museum for a private guided tour. There will be free time to browse through the gift shop or grab a bite to eat (at your own expense), before an afternoon of leisure at your own pace. Why not spend your day of rest getting pampered at the Miri Miri Spa? The evening sees you transferred to Rarotonga’s famous Muri Night Market, with a huge variety of food available (at your own expense). Soak up the island vibes at this iconic Sunday tradition!

• M​eals: Breakfast & Morning Tea

Day 7 – Monday, 9 September 2024 (Explore Local Arts & Crafts)
As the last full day in Rarotonga, it is time for some more unique experiences! Visit the local arts, crafts and local cottage industries, including a ukulele master-craftsman and a Raro style home factory most well-known for beautiful skin care products and high-quality coconut oil. You will then immerse yourself in another Invite Only Experience until it is time for lunch at the iconic Trader Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, offering spectacular ocean views. It is then time to transfer back to the resort for a leisurely afternoon enjoying the resort facilities, or make your own way home and take the opportunity for some last-minute shopping in town. You may want to buy a new outfit for your last dinner together as a very special evening awaits! Enjoy a complimentary drink at the hand-selected scenic and historic location, followed by a delicious three course dinner fit for an “Ariki”. 

• M​eals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – Tuesday, 10 September 2024 (Farewell Rarotonga)
This morning, we bid farewell to the Cook Islands after a wonderful week in paradise, discovering the hidden secrets and gems of the island, and experiencing the real Rarotonga! After going off the beaten track, meeting the friendly people, and learning about the rich heritage and culture, the magical island of Rarotonga cannot wait to welcome you back to paradise. Ka Kite!

• M​eals: Breakfast

A​bove itinerary is subject to change without notice

3-10 September 2024

• from $3,499 per person twin share
• from $4,799 per person for solo traveller

C​all 1300 414 198 to get a quote and make a booking.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Sunset Resort Rarotonga
Located on the beach on the stunning ‘sunset side’ of the island is Sunset Resort Rarotonga. Boasting lush gardens, two swimming pools & an onsite restaurant and bar, this property ticks all the boxes.

Poolside Garden Studio: The 21 Poolside Garden Studios are spacious self-contained units situated in a private relaxed setting which overlooks the pool and lush tropical gardens. Each unit has a king bed or twin singles plus fridge/ freezer, microwave and 2 burner cooktop.

Dining
The Anchorage Restaurant and Bar: An open-air facility operating 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Tropical breakfast is served daily or a cooked breakfast can be ordered off the menu. This fully licensed restaurant features full bar service and offers à la carte menus with live music three nights a week including our popular Sunday night BBQ with an island string band, warrior and island dancing.

Birdcage Bar: Open between 5.00pm - 7.30pm. This is a lovely time to get together with friends or to meet new friends after a days activity (or not) and enjoy delicious cocktails along with imported or local beers, wines and spirits at happy hour prices.

Facilities

• 2 x Swimming Pools
• Absolute Beachfront Location
• Laundry Facilities
• Restaurant & Bar
• In-Room Therapist Available

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended. 

Check-in: 12 noon / Check-out: 10am