This tour is escorted by a Rarotonga expat resident, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and explore four distinct and rarely visited islands of the Cook Islands southern group. The three of the four islands have virtually no beaches as they have been pushed up from the sea floor by volcanic activity and are surrounded by ‘Makatea’ (previously coral beds) that now form the cliff faces of the islands. Aitutaki is the opposite as it has a beautiful lagoon (in earlier times it was the landing base for the flying boats on the Pacific Coral route) with sandy beaches and crystal clear water. On each island the local guide will explain the crops that grow and the way of life. They will also brief you on local activities and options.
A morning departure on Air New Zealand, cross the dateline to arrive on the previous day.
Arrive mid-afternoon where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation at Sunset Resort for five nights. Welcome dinner tonight.
This morning an orientation tour of the island balance of the day free allowing time to relax/shop/explore. Late afternoon/evening a visit to Highland Paradise for dinner and show – the most authentic show and experience on the island.
Market Day this morning, an opportunity to visit and view all aspects of local life and craft. A local bus leaves from outside your accommodation. The rest of today is yours to relax.
Morning free to visit a local church to experience their singing. Lunch venue today will be determined by local guide.
Today’s venture is a glass bottom lagoon cruise, it includes a local lunch.
This morning fly to world renowned Aitutaki lagoon. Accommodation is at Aitutaki Village Villas - set a few steps from the sandy lagoon. This afternoon enjoy an island tour. See the main village of Arutanga with its harbour and few stops and the CICC church - the oldest in all the Cook Islands. Mt Maunganui (407 feet) is the highest point and will offer great views of the island and lagoon. Visit a marae, pass plantations and inland villages.
Today is “Lagoon Cruise Day’. Walk across the road to your boat! Cruise the lagoon - visit several motu (islands). On One Foot Island stop for lunch of a BBQ fish, salads and fruit with time for a swim and snorkel in the warm water.
Our flight today takes us to Aitu. On arrival we are transferred to our accommodation at Aitu Villas. On arrival and after your island briefing depart on the Punarea Tour that includes lunch. Late afternoon visit a Tumunu – a bush brewery with origins to the missionaries who disapproved of alcohol consumption. Return to our accommodation for dinner and two night stay.
This morning’s island Eco tour includes light refreshments. Travel the rural roads and see the simple island life. Life in the fine villages. See the rich soil where crops thrive. The island also has a number of complex caves. Your guide will keep a lookout for the birds the island is famous for. This afternoon an optional tour is available for the active person - Visit Anatakitaki Cave. Otherwise relax and perhaps explore the gardens near the villas
We fly to Mauke today. Our accommodation is in a guesthouse for 2 nights. Mauke is a volcanic plateau surrounded by Makatea (raised coral ) Our tour today includes the CICC church – uniquely one church to satisfy the two island villages was jointly built but divided by its decoration and had separate doorways. Today it is a united church. Mauke has rich volcanic soil and the tour of the island on unsealaed roads will illustrate this.
The outer islands take their religion seriously so you will be invited to Church this morning. This afternoon time for a swim. There are many swimming holes your guide will suggest to you or perhaps enjoy tiny ‘V’ shaped beaches tucked into the coastline. Sunset at the harbour is an ideal place for the best photos.
A mid-morning flight and on arrival transfer to your guesthouse for the next two nights. Mangaia is the oldest island in the Pacific-18 million years old! It is roughly circular in shape and rises to 4760m. After lunch visit one of Mangaia’s many caves and perhaps stop at a rock pool or a swim or visit one of the secluded beaches tucked away within the surrounding Makatea.
Today’s island tour includes a visit to the CICC – Cook Islands Christian Church. Garlands of delicate white pupu shells adorn its alter. If it is low tide you can see the Salagossa shipwreck of 1904 when she was carrying coal from Newcastle (NSW) to San Fransciso. Travel the backroads with its free range pigs, the odd goat and lush vegetatian beside the coral road.
After breakfast fly to Rarotonga and connect to your International flight to Auckland. Cross the international Dateline
Arrive Auckland this evening
• Return Air New Zealand Travel ‘The Works’ Auckland/ Rarotonga
• Five nights accommodation in Rarotonga
• Eight nights accommodation on four islands of the Southern Cook Islands group. Best available- some shared facilities
• Breakfast in Rarotonga • Dinner and Island Show
• Island tour Rarotonga
• Lagoon cruise - Aitutaki • Most meals transfers and touring on the outer islands
• Escorted by Local Host
• Group size 11 people maximum
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$6,377 | $7,893 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 2% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance (please ask us for a quote)
• Airline and airport taxes (approx $192)
• Meals not specified
• A deposit of $500 per person will secure a place on the tour
• Full payment is due no later than 15 July 2022
• From the date of booking to– loss of deposit
• After 15 July 2022– no refund
• For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy
Documentation
Climate • Temperatures are a very pleasant with a high of 25 and low of 21 • The outer islands will be very similar
Currency • The New Zealand Dollar – ATMs available on Rarotonga. Cash on all other islands.
• A good standard of health is required and clients should be mobile with the ability to
walk on uneven surfaces and steps.
• All visitors to the Cook Islands, aged 12 years and above, will need to be fully
vaccinated (except those with a medical certificate).
• All travelers must be fully vaccinated and be able to provide a copy of the Ministry of Health Vaccine Record Card with proof of your full Covid-19 vaccination.
Covid-19 Tour Disruption
• If this tour is cancelled/postponed due to Covid-19 Government travel restrictions Pukekohe Travel reserves the right, in addition to any supplier imposed amendment and cancellation fees, to charge a service and administrative fee of $350 per person.
• If self-isolation restrictions are imposed by the Ministry of Health whilst on tour, Pukekohe Travel accepts no liability for any additional costs incurred.
• Pukekohe Travel will assist in every way possible to ensure any additional travel arrangements required are made with the minimal amount of disruption and in the most cost-effective manner.
• You cannot begin or continue to travel if you have received a positive Covid-19 test in the last 14 days.
• If this tour is cancelled/postponed due to Covid-19 Government travel restrictions Pukekohe Travel reserves the right, in addition to any supplier imposed
amendment and cancellation fees, to charge a service and administrative fee of $350 per person.
• If self-isolation restrictions are imposed by the Ministry of Health whilst on tour, Pukekohe Travel accepts no liability for any additional costs incurred.
• Pukekohe Travel will assist in every way possible to ensure any additional travel arrangements required are made with the minimal amount of disruption and in the
most cost-effective manner.
• You cannot begin or continue to travel if you have received a positive Covid-19 test in the last 14 days.
Travel Insurance is compulsory. Please contact us for a quote.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change