12 Days in Rarotonga - Aitutaki - Atiu
HOSTED GROUP DEPARTURE - 29 July, 2018
This tour links from our
DISCOVER FRENCH POLYNESIA TOUR featuring 7 night "Wind Spirit" cruise" and
Grand Northern Group Air Safari to Manihiki and Pukapuka
INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES EVERY SATURDAY YEAR ROUND FOR MINIMUM OF 2.
Maximum number on this tour is 10 owing to flight limitations.
| Day 1. Saturday | AUCKLAND - RAROTONGA | ||||
| Day 2. Saturday (again) | RAROTONGA - market visit and lagoon cruise | (BD) | |||
| Visit the main town of Avarua, capital of the Cook Islands including the main market.See the harbours of Avatiu and Avarua, the main theological centre, Cook Islands museum, and government areas before enjoying some entertaining hours with Captain Tama on a cruise on Muri Lagon with plenty of snorkelling and swimming time and a barbecue lunch on an uninhabited island. Enjoy an exciting evening at Te Vara Nui Village for an introduction to Rarotonga's culture with a spectacular evening cultural show and delicious Umu buffet | |||||
| Day3. Sunday. | RAROTONGA | (BD) | |||
| The day is free to relax and enjoy all the facilities and activities of your resort or explore the island at your leisure. We recommend a cross island hike for the reasonably fit. All activities extra expense except for non motorised equipment at your resort. | |||||
| Day 4. Monday - again! | RAROTONGA | (BL) | |||
| Enjoy a 4WD tour around the island. First set the Umu (underground oven), then off on the ancient "Ara Metua" inland road. Visit Wigmores waterfall, drive inland for panoramic views over the lagoon, visit local farms and learn of the agriculture, visit a perfume factory and taste the Noni juice. After the sightseeing its back to base to uplift and enjoy the Umu and try marinated raw fish. Return to the hotel early afternoon to relax and enjoy the lagoon. | |||||
| Day 5. Tuesday | RAROTONGA - AITUTAKI | (BL) | This morning visit the Highland Paradise Culural centre built on the historic Pa site of the Pinomana Tribe. Learn of the ancient way of life, traditional medicines, the importance of the coconut tree and of the ancient battles and sacrifices that took place here.Transfer to the airport and fly to the beautiful island of Aitutaki - renowned as one of the most beautiful atolls in the Pacific. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort. (Upgrade to Pacific Resort available for extra cost) | ||
| Day 7. Thursday | AITUTAKI | (B) | |||
| Enjoy a 4WD tour this morning including the site of the ancient marae, main village, historical landmarks, local plantations, and World War 2 bunkers. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the lagoon and island. | |||||
| Day 8. Friday | AITUTAKI - ATIU | (BD) | |||
| Transfer to the airport for the short flight to the island of Atiu. Excellent views of the uninhabited islands of Manuae and Takutea are available en route in fine weather. We will be met on arrival and transfer to the Atiu Villas with an orientation tour of the island en route including the Cape where Captain Cook landed in 1776, the harbour, the main village, a coffee plantation, and the Fibre Arts village. | |||||
| Day 9. Saturday. | ATIU | (BD) | |||
| Our full day sightseeing includes the Birdmans Eco tour for a unique introduction to the island. Atiu is surrounded by the "Makatea" fossilised coral cliff rising from a narrow reef and lagoon, and encompasses many caves. Walk through the rainforest to visit Anatakitaki cave, home of the Kopeka Swallow unique to Atiu (good walking shoes and reasonable fitness required). Why not try out a local restaurant this evening. Dinner not included. | |||||
| Day 10. Sunday | ATIU | (B) | |||
| The day is free to relax and enjoy the island. We do recommend a visit to a local church and enjoy the marvellous singing. | |||||
| Day 11. Monday. | ATIU - RAROTONGA | (B) | |||
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Fly back to Rarotonga and transfer to the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa on the sunset side of the island. | |||||
| Day 12. Tuesday/Wednesday | RAROTONGA - AUCKLAND | (B) | |||
| Free morning and transfer to the airport for departure | |||||
| Tour cost per person (excluding air fares to and from Rarotonga). | 2 per room | Single room |
| Beachfront rooms* | $4,990 | $6,590 |
| *Applies in Rarotonga and Aitutaki only. Everyone stays in standard villas on Atiu. | ||
Tour cost includes:
- Domestic air fares in the Cook Islands
- 5 nights accommodation at Rarotonga Lagoon resort and Spa, 3 nights at Aitutaki lagoon resort, 3 nights at Atiu Villa's, and 1 night at Rarotonga Beach resort. -
- 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 9 dinners.
- Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides including all admissions
- Services of tour host from Auckland subject to minimum of 6 travelling