The Best of the Cook Islands: Rarotonga & Aitutaki

Arrive Rarortonga and take your coach transfer to your chosen hotel.

Rarotonga is a stunning island paradise that combines natural beauty with rich culture and a laid-back pace of life. Encircled by a vibrant coral reef and calm turquoise lagoon, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. Inland, you’ll find dramatic volcanic peaks, rainforest trails, and lush valleys to explore. The island is small enough to feel intimate, yet full of variety—from lively markets and local eateries to scenic lookouts and hidden beaches. Whether you’re after adventure or relaxation, Rarotonga offers an easygoing escape that feels worlds away, yet warmly familiar from the moment you arrive.

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a 3.5 hour tour of the island.

Enjoy a brief overview of Rarotonga’s history and culture; this tour covers several of the highlights in just a few hours. This tour gives you a sense of the island and its landmarks that will serve you well if you want to explore on your own. See beyond the gloss of the tourist area and learn more about the natural, cultural, and political heritage which makes this place unique. Visit limestone churches, lagoons, and The Garden of Seven Canoes.

The rest of your day will be at leisure.

Spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying some gentle active adventures on Rarotonga’s favorite Muri Lagoon. Aboard a glass-bottom boat, spend the afternoon floating over the turquoise waters, stopping to snorkel at the reef along the way. Stop on dry land for a barbecue lunch and some island-style fun and entertainment.

Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Aitutaki.

Aitutaki is the Cook Islands’ crown jewel—a breathtaking atoll renowned for its impossibly clear turquoise lagoon, dotted with uninhabited islets and fringed by powder-white sands. Smaller and more tranquil than Rarotonga, it offers a true escape from the everyday. Days here are spent snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, cruising across the lagoon to secluded motus, and soaking in world-class sunsets that seem to stop time. It’s a favourite for honeymooners and those seeking serenity, yet there’s plenty for the curious traveller too—cultural tours, traditional craft, and warm village hospitality. Aitutaki is where romance, peace, and natural beauty come together in unforgettable harmony.

Return to Rarotonga today for your onwards flight.

We can arrange connections to New Zealand, Australia or the USA – so why not make this part of a round the world adventure.