11 Days in Rarotonga - Atiu - Aitutaki
HOSTED GROUP DEPARTURE - 10th August, 2012 - hosted subject to minimum of 6 travelling.
Departs every friday for a minimum of 2 passengers. Any departure will be hosted for a minimum of 10.
This tour links to our Grand Northern Group Air Safariand Manihiki plus Pukapuka options.
Maximum number on this tour is 12 owing to flight limitations.
| Day 1. Friday/Thursday | AUCKLAND - RAROTONGA | |
| Depart Auckland this morning with Air New Zealand (or this evening with Air New Zealand or Pacific Blue) and fly to the beautiful island of Rarotonga. Cross the dateline and arrive Rarotonga. Transfer to the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa for a welcome juice and check into your hotel. | ||
| Day 2. Friday (again!) | RAROTONGA | (BL) |
| You 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. | ||
| Day 3. Saturday | RAROTONGA | (BD) |
| Transfer to the main village of Avarua to visit the main market and explore the shops. Enjoy a historical walking tour of Avarua tracing the settling 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. See the pass from where the great migration to New Zealand is reputed to have left from. You have time to swim and snorkel in the lagoon before returning to the hotel. This evening enjoy the island night feast and cultural display. | ||
| 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. We do recommend a visit to a local church to enjoy the beautiful singing. Dinner included at the hotel tonight. | ||
| Day 5. Monday | RAROTONGA - ATIU | (B) |
| Transfer to the airport for the short flight to the island of Atiu, some 215 km northeast of Rarotonga. You will be met on arrival and transfer to the Atiu Villas with an orientation tour of the island included. This afternoon enjoy the Birdmans Eco tour for a unique introduction to Atiu. | ||
| Day 6. Tuesday | ATIU | (B) |
| 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. | ||
| 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 included at the hotel tonight. | ||
| Day 8. Thursday | AITUTAKI | (BL) |
| Enjoy a full day cruise on beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon to Barefoot and Akaiami 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 | (B) |
| 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. | ||
| Day 10. Saturday | AITUTAKI - RAROTONGA. | (B) |
| Fly back to Rarotonga and the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa. Group departure only - dinner included at a leading Rarotonga restaurant tonight. You are welcome to extend your stay in Aitutaki and/or Rarotonga. For extra night and late check out rates see Rarotonga a la carte |
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| 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 |
| Beachfront rooms* | $5,490 | $7,290 |
| *Applies in Rarotonga and Aitutaki only. Everyone stays in standard villas on Atiu. | ||
Tour cost includes:
- Economy class return air fares from Auckland to Rarotonga
- Domestic air fares in the Cook Islands
- 8 nights accommodation at Rarotongan Beach and Aitutaki lagoon resorts - 2 nights at Atiu Villas
- Continental breakfast daily plus 3 dinners and 2 lunches. 2 DINNERS ON ATIU AND FAREWELL DINNER IN RAROTONGA INCLUDED FOR GROUP DEPARTURE ONLY
- Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides including all admissions
- Services of tour host from Auckland subject to minimum of 6 travelling
SHORT OF TIME - WEDDED TO THE WEEKENDS???
We are flexible. If you need to return early connect directly to saturday afternoon flight to Auckland arriving Sunday afternoon.
| Cost deduction per person | 2 per room | Single room |
| Beachfront | $240 | $420 |