THE HIBISCUS SPECIAL
11 Hosted Days in Rarotonga - Atiu - Aitutaki

2010: Depart Auckland Friday October 15, 2010
Labour weekend special


Guaranteed to operate for minimum of 2 (subject to space availability) - Hosted for minimum of 6.
Maximum number on this tour is 12 owing to flight limitations.
This tour links to our Puka Puka, Manihiki and Penrhyn air safari commencing Rarotonga October 24.

Day 1. Friday/Thursday AUCKLAND - RAROTONGA
Meet your host at Auckland airport and fly to Rarotonga this evening. Cross the dateline and arrive Rarotonga around midnight thursday. We transfer to the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa for a welcome juice and check in.
 
Day 2. Friday (again!) RAROTONGA (BLD)
We will be picked up by Tangaroa Tours for 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. Dinner at the hotel tonight.!
 
Day 3. Saturday. RAROTONGA(BLD)
Transfer to the main village of Avarua to visit the main market and explore the shops. Mid morning we meet our local guide for a 1.5 hour historical walking tour of Avarua tracing the settlement of the country by Polynesians, Missionaries, and New Zealand officials. Explore the harbours of Avatiu and Avarua, the main theological centre, and visit the Cook Islands museum. Late morning we depart for the beautiful lagoon of Muri and see the pass from where the great migration left for New Zealand. After lunch on the beachfront you have time to snorkel and swim in the lagoon and use the non motorised water sports equipment. return to the hotel later in the afternoon. This evening visit Highland Park cultural centre for a fascinating introduction to pre european culture on an ancient marae and enjoy the pulsating sounds and scenes of the dance party.
 
Day 4. Sunday. RAROTONGA (BD)
The day is free to relax and enjoy all the facilities of your resort. The hotel offers a range of free activities which includes guided Lagoon snorkelling and fish feeding, learn to play the island drums, make Ika Mata - raw fish, beach volleyball contest etc.This evening the Sunday Carvery Roast is included. We do recommend a visit to a local church to enjoy the beautiful singing.
 
Day 5. Monday RAROTONGA - ATIU (BLD)
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to the island of Atiu, some 215 km northeast of Rarotonga. We will be met on arrival and transfer to the Atiu Villas with an orientation tour of the island included. A light lunch is provided at the Villas and this afternoon enjoy the Birdmans Eco tour for a unique introduction to Atiu. Dinner at the Atiu villas restaurant this evening.
 
Day 6. Tuesday ATIU (BLD)
Most of the day is spent sightseeing with your local guides. 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). Also visit the Cape where Captain Cook landed in 1776, the harbour, the main village, a coffee plantation, and Fibre Arts Studio. A picnic lunch is included.
 
Day 7. Wednesday ATIU - AITUTAKI (BD)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to beautiful Aitutaki Island. Excellent views of the uninhabited islands of Takutea and Manuae are available en route - subject to weather. Arrive Aitutaki early afternoon and transfer to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa. Dinner at the hotel tonight.
 
Day 8. Thursday AITUTAKI (BLD)
Enjoy a full day cruise on beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon to Barefoot and Akiami Islands with snorkelling time on the main reef - weather permitting. A barbecue lunch is included today. Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.
 
Day 9. Friday AITUTAKI (BD)
This morning enjoy a 4WD tour including the site of the ancient Marae, Main village, historical landmarks, a local plantation, and world war 2 tracks and bunkers. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the lagoon and facilities of your Resort. Dinner included at the hotel.
 
Day 10. Saturday AITUTAKI - RAROTONGA. (BD)
Fly back to Rarotonga and the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa.
You are welcome to extend your stay in Aitutaki and/or Rarotonga. For extra night and late check out rates see our Cook Islands a la carte page.
 
Day 11. Sunday/Monday RAROTONGA - AUCKLAND (B)
Free morning and transfer to the airport for departure mid afternoon aboard Air New Zealand B777. Crossing the dateline means arrival Auckland Monday evening.
Tour cost per person from Auckland back to Auckland 2 per room Single room
Garden* $4,680 $5,660
Beachfront* $5,380 $7,540
*Applies in Rarotonga and Aitutaki only. Everyone stays in standard villas on Atiu.

Tour cost includes:

If you need to return early fly to Rarotonga Friday for Friday afternoon or evening flight to Auckland arriving late Saturday or early Sunday.

Cost deduction per person 2 per room Single room
Garden $500 $690
Beachfront $840 $1210

COOK ISLANDS DISCOVERY TOURS (A Division of Connoisseur Holidays)
Phone (09) 309 1831 Email: info@cookislandsdiscoverytours.com
P.O. Box 6145, Auckland, New Zealand 1141