[ Print This Page ]
30-Nights Cook Islands Stay Awhile Snowbird Retreat with Airfare from $5,189
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722537
Epic Scenery, Unique Accommodation Unwind in the Cook Islands, where untouched beauty, warm hospitality, and a tranquil pace of life create the perfect South Pacific escape.
Trip Overview:
Welcome to the secret of the Pacific. Breathe in the fresh pure air. Wade into the cool, calm, blue lagoons. Let the untouched charm of the beautiful Cook Islands capture your spirit and hold your heart.
The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, scattered like fragrant frangipani petals floating across 2.2 million square kilometres of a seductive, sensual ocean. Boasting rare beauty, an idyllic climate, warm welcoming people with the widest white smiles and a pace of life unsurpassed for peace: the Cook Islands is Paradise.
The 32km circumference of Rarotonga is surrounded by a sparkling blue lagoon – the shimmer of technicoloured tropical fish caught in the sunlight adds a shot of colour. The fringe of pearly white sand is lined with swaying palms and a coral reef on which crashing waves call the intrepid fishermen to cast their lines.
Tradition and cultural heritage are trademarks of the island. Music is a part of island life, and marks the daily routine in Rarotonga; from the chants and hymns heard in the churches, to the string bands with their combos of electronic and traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells.
Traditional arts and crafts of weaving, carving and painting are an integral part of a heritage which, though strictly modern in its currency today, contains all the mores of a cultural background which is nourished and nurtured with pride. With not a traffic light to be seen, getting around Rarotonga can be a casual meander on the island bus – which uniquely travels both clockwise and anticlockwise around the road that circles the island and obliging drivers will pick and drop at will. Or the plethora of scooters which are synonymous with the town – where wheels are weighted down by mamma or papa and sometimes more than one chubby toddler clinging on for dear life.
Whichever way you go – villages, beaches, paw patches, and fields of taro, mango, bananas and the health-filled noni can be spotted on either side – providing an instant study of island life. An extraordinary array of flora and fauna flourishes. From inland to the outreaches of the lagoon, water is paramount to this island style of life. Fishing, scuba diving, trawling, bonefishing, paddling, snorkelling, sailing, swimming or simply splashing in the sea are vital components of this island’s lifestyle. All revealing that there is a lot more to the island of Rarotonga than simply a pretty place to escape.
Highlights:
- Arrive in Rarotonga and settle into island life surrounded by turquoise lagoon and palm-fringed beaches.
- Explore ancient marae and local legends on a guided Island Discovery Tour through lush, cultural landscapes.
- Drift across Muri Lagoon on Captain Tama’s cruise, snorkelling coral gardens and savouring a beachside feast.
- Fly to Aitutaki for a day among dazzling blues, where One Foot Island awaits in serene perfection.
- Unwind with long, unhurried days in paradise—swimming, strolling, and soaking in Rarotonga’s golden sunsets.
Included Services:
- Round-trip Airfares with Air Tahiti Nui (and Partner Airlines - Air Rarotonga or Air Tahiti) from Los Angeles to Rarotonga, via Papeete, in each direction
- Taxes on International Airfare
- Meet and greet on arrival in Rarotonga
- Shared airport transfers in Rarotonga
- 29 nights moderate accommodation in Rarotonga
- Shared Island Discovery Tour
- Shared Captain Tamas Lagoon Cruise
- Shared Progressive Dinner Tour
- Shared Aitutaki Day Tour
- Daily Room Servicing (Towel Change only on Sundays)
- Complimentary use of guest BBQ, snorkel equipment, kayaks, beach chairs, and beach towels
- Tropical (Continental) Breakfast daily (except Day 1 & 2), 1 lunch & 1 dinner
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Hotel day-use room in Papeete if an extended stay is required due to flight times
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
30 nights from $5,189 per person
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.
Day 2: Welcome to the Cook Islands
Kia orana and welcome to the Cook Islands! You’ll be met on arrival by a local representative, ready to help you trade your travel shoes for sandals and ease into a relaxed island pace.
Hotel: Palm Grove (3 Star Rating)
Set in the enchanting area of Vaima on the stunning Southern coast, Palm Grove enjoys the peace and tranquillity of one of the best locations on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Thirteen garden bungalows set amongst hibiscus and tipani flowers are complemented with thirteen beachfront bungalows set alongside the secluded beach. Sit back, relax, and find your own private piece of paradise!
Day 3: Island Discovery of Rarotonga's Rich Culture & History
Start 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.
Day 4: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 5: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 6: Progressive Dinner Experience
Leave behind the familiar surroundings of your resort and venture out to local villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle, when you visit with locals in their homes! Enjoy a Progressive Three Course Dinner, where each course is hosted in a different local home.
Walkthrough the tropical garden at the home of your first host, who serves your 'first course' for the night. Then it is off to enjoy your "main course", where you will be treated to a buffet feast, similar to what you would expect at a large Cook Islands family gathering. Then, your "dessert" host will delight you with local sweets, fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee. When enjoying your meals at each home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band that will accompany you throughout your local dining experience.
Day 7: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 8: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 9: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 10: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 11: Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruise
Captain 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.
Day 12: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 13: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 14: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 15: Amazing Aitutaki
The day starts with a transfer from your Rarotonga accommodation and a 40 minute flight to Aitutaki. On descent, the stunning colours of the lagoon come into view and this is usually where everyone has their phone against the windows - capturing the magical landscape below.
On arrival at Aitutaki, take a 45 minute tour of the island by "Les Truck" taking in views of inland plantations and the main villages. Then the highlight of the day. The renowned Vaka Cruise - six hours of cruising the magnificient blue lagoon aboard the Polynesian styled vaka Titi-ai-Tonga. Visit three (Moturakau, Akaiami, One Foot Island) small motu (islets) fringing the lagoon with time for snorkelling at each one. Experience the solitude of pristine white sand beaches and warm crystal clear water.
Highlights include the iconic One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) and Akaiami - where giant TEAL flying boats used to stopover for refuelling on the famous Coral Route between Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti.
Lunch is served on board. A delicious medley of barbecued pelagic fish steaks served with a variety of fresh salads and tropical fruit all sourced from local farmers. Lunch is accompanied by complimentary tea, coffee, and water, and a cash bar for wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks is available. The day ends with an arrival back in Rarotonga at 5.30pm and a transfer back to your accommodation.
Day 16: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 17: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 18: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 19: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 20: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 21: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 22: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 23: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 24: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 25: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 26: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 27: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 28: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 29: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 30: Rarotonga at Leisure
Day 31: Farewell to the Cook Islands
Time permitting, savour a leisurely breakfast, one last stroll along the beach or some last-minute souvenir shopping before your flight home, taking warm island memories with you.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Rocky Mountain Travel King, Inc.
2020 Evergreen Ct.
Ft. Collins, CO 80521
USA
(970) 484-5566
(800) 525-5306