Itinerary Details
Day 1: Depart North America
Today you depart North America on the first leg of your journey to the South Pacific. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches or warm island hospitality, your tropical escape starts now.
This suggested itinerary has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the active side of experiences available to you in the Cook Islands. As some activities operate on weekly schedules and are subject to weather conditions and seasonal availability, the order of experiences during your stay may vary. Availability may also change due to unforeseen circumstances. This itinerary is intended as a guide only and offers the flexibility to tailor your experiences to best suit your preferences. If you see an excursion that is not to your taste, Goway can customise your vacation accordingly.
Day 2: KiaOrana - Welcome to the Cook IslandsKia orana and welcome to the Cook Islands! Swap your travel shoes for sandals as you settle into a relaxed island pace, surrounded by sparkling lagoons and friendly smiles.
Enjoy your first day at leisure at the Sunset Resort Rarotonga, a small, boutique resort (inviting guests 15 years +) idyllically situated absolute beachfront on the highly sought-after 'sunset' coast of Rarotonga, next to the stunning ‘bluer than blue’ lagoon. Set amidst majestic palm trees with expansive lawns stretching down to the pristine white sand beach, and lush tropical gardens - the Sunset Resort is your PERFECT choice for a relaxing, tropical island getaway.
Ideally situated for convenience, the resort is a short 4km drive from the airport and 6km from the island’s main township of Avarua and the Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market. There is a local bus stop at the entrance to the resort. Over the road from the resort is an excellent bakery and within easy walking distance is the local Rarotonga Brewery, the golf course, and a convenience store. A number of popular restaurants and cafes are located close-by.
This small resort ‘with a big heart’ also has accessible walkways to both swimming pools, the restaurant, poolside bar, an expansive green lawn which leads to the deck at the private stunning beach. The friendly, local staff are known for their famous "Kia Orana" spirit, and will do everything possible to ensure your stay in this little piece of paradise is idyllic.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Day 3: Island Discovery TourStart your holiday in the Cook Islands with an orientated cultural tour of scenic Rarotonga in a modern air-conditioned coach. Explore the history and culture of the Cook Island people in the company of your qualified, friendly tour guides.
Follow the roads and paths used by our ancestors dating back to 1100AD; visit a sacred marae (ancient gathering place for royalty) and explore historical sites once inhabited by our people.
Learn where the best snorkelling spots are located in Rarotonga, see why the coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life.
Spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the complimentary facilities and tropical surroundings of Sunset Resort Rarotonga. Borrow one of the resort's complimentary kayaks and paddle along the calm lagoon waters, taking in the stunning views of the coastline and lush mountain backdrop. Alternatively, make use of the complimentary snorkelling equipment to discover the colourful marine life just offshore.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Storytellers Eco Cycle Explore Tour with LunchExplore pathways running between the coast, the Ancient Coral Road and hidden valleys. With plenty of village exposure and some pre-planned stops at local attractions that you may not find without a guide. Offering flexibility to cater to different interests of the tour group, but with the ever-present focus on stories relating to the local environment and cultural heritage set amongst the natural habitat that can quite literally take your breath away. You cover 12 to 16 kilometers at a moderate pace, with up to 4 hours of riding, followed by a delicious local lunch and the option to cool down with a swim at a beautiful secluded beach. With a combination of road and track riding, suiting average fitness and riding experience, this tour is perfect for the explorer at heart.
Spend the afternoon at leisure at your resort, unwind by one of the resort's swimming pools, relax beneath a swaying palm with a good book, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beachfront as the warm island breeze drifts by. As the afternoon unfolds, settle in with a refreshing drink and watch the sun begin to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky with beautiful shades of gold and pink. After an exhilarating morning, this relaxed afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to experience the laid-back charm and natural beauty of Rarotonga at your own pace.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Lagoon CruiseCaptain Tamas award winning Lagoon Cruise is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover and experience the stunning Muri lagoon. Be entertained by Captain Tama’s and his crew on this once in a lifetime, most unforgettable experience. Watch the magical ocean through the glass bottomed boat, listen to island stories with typical Cook Island humour.
Leap off the boat, snorkel and meet the reef fish up close and personal. Or chill out and float above the coral paradise. Muri beach offers beautiful clear, shallow water – so it’s ideal snorkelling fun for everyone, from beginners to advanced and if you can’t snorkel, don’t worry, the crew will teach you. After your snorkel the boat heads to a small island in the lagoon to enjoy a delicious fresh fish BBQ which includes: Fish cooked “Raro style” over an open fire, BBQ bananas (the captains speciality), a range of salads all accompanied by seasonal fruits and French bread. Captain Tama’s and his entertaining crew have been sharing their tropical island playground with visitors since 1992 on this award-winning Muri Lagoon cruise.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Full Day at Leisure in RarotongaEnjoy a full day at leisure to experience the relaxed pace and natural beauty of Rarotonga. Start the morning with a stroll along the beach or a refreshing swim in the lagoon before taking advantage of the resort's complimentary snorkelling equipment to explore the vibrant marine life just offshore. Guests can also borrow a complimentary kayak and paddle along the coastline, enjoying spectacular views of the island's lush interior and crystal-clear waters.
For those interested in local culture, Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to attend a traditional church service. The beautiful singing and warm community atmosphere offer a memorable insight into Cook Islands life and culture. Many visitors consider experiencing a local church service to be one of the highlights of their stay on the island. If Day 6 is not a Sunday, Goway can customise your vacation to fit in a Sunday church service.
In the afternoon, relax by the swimming pool, unwind beneath the shade of a palm tree, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the white-sand beach. As the day draws to a close, settle in and admire another spectacular tropical sunset, soaking up the tranquil island atmosphere that makes Rarotonga such a beloved South Pacific destination.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: Turtle Sea Scooter SafarDiscover Rarotonga’s most unforgettable turtle tour. The Turtle Sea Scooter Safari is a spectacular way to see and swim with Pacific Green and the endangered Hawksbill turtles. This premium sea scooter experience offers safe, guided encounters with beautiful turtles in a stunning blue lagoon. Glide effortlessly with state-of-the-art sea scooters, perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkellers alike. The 90 minute adventure starts with a quick safety brief, then we fit you with mask, snorkel and fins and you'll complete your Sea Scooter Operators course. Then we launch into the water off the beach and inside the lagoon. As you drift out with the current our professional Guides are pointing out marine and environmental points of interest along the way. It's simply amazing. Your first turtle encounter can be simply magical. Listen to your Guide as they teach you how to share their underwater world and minimize disruption to them and the environment. Keep a sharp lookout because you'll probably swim over more than you can see.
Return to the resort in the late afternoon and spend the remainder of the day unwinding by the pool or strolling along the beachfront. As evening approaches, find a comfortable spot to watch another spectacular Cook Islands sunset, with vibrant colours reflecting across the lagoon and the peaceful sounds of the South Pacific providing the perfect ending to your day.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8: Cross Island Trek with a Local GuideTravel across the scenic interior of the Island of Rarotonga with a local Islander guide. This tour will take you from the northern coast of the island across Avatiu Valley up steep inclines, across riverbeds and fern land, up the base of the Needle, eventually ending at Wigmore's waterfall and the southern coast of Rarotonga.
Along the way, your guide will demonstrate the many uses of local plants in the making of traditional herbal medicines. The fauna and flora has great significance in local culture and makes for a very informative tour.
A highlight of the tour is the climb to the base of a volcanic pinnacle called the Rua Manga - the Needle. This is approximately at the centre of the island and offers great views of the coast and valleys. From here the rest of the trek is downhill.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9: Jungle Quad AdventureIf true adventure is what one seeks, the Jungle Quad Adventure is perfect offering thrills and challenges driving your own 4 Wheel Quad. Follow your experienced Tour Guide through mountains to spectacular wild island jungle, crossing streams and rough and rugged terrain to remote areas.
Enjoy the chance to observe the beautiful scenery of the interior of the island while being shown the abundant distinctive local flora and fauna. Finish off the tour with a swim in a fresh water creek up the mountain in one of the hidden local swimming spots. Your 4WD Yamaha Quad is fully automatic and easy to drive, and your experienced guides will provide an orientation at the beginning of the tour. Explore the roads less travelled!
Savour your final afternoon in paradise with some free time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Rarotonga at your own pace. Take a last swim in the crystal-clear lagoon, unwind by the pool, or stroll along the beach as you soak up the island's tropical beauty. If time permits, make use of the resort's complimentary snorkelling equipment or simply relax beneath the shade of a palm tree with views across the sparkling South Pacific.
Hotel: Sunset Resort Rarotonga (3 Star Rating)
Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10: Farewell to the Cook IslandsAs departure time approaches, collect your belongings and reflect on the unforgettable experiences and warm Cook Islands hospitality you've enjoyed during your stay. You will then be transferred to Rarotonga International Airport for your onward flight, taking with you lasting memories of this idyllic South Pacific escape.
Meal(s): Breakfast
