This tour is escorted by a Rarotonga resident and it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and explore four distinct and rarely visited islands of the Cook Islands southern group.
These islands have virtually no beaches as they have been pushed up from the sea floor by volcanic activity and are surrounded by ‘Makatea’ that were previously coral beds that now form the cliff faces of the islands. Aitutaki is the opposite as it has a beautiful lagoon with sandy beaches and crystal clear water. On each island a local guide will brief you on the 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 accommodaton at the Sunset Resort for three nights. Welcome dinner tonight.
Today’s venture is a glass bottom lagoon cruise and includes a local lunch.
This morning an orientation tour of the island. Balance of the day free to relax/shop/explore. This evening, visit Te Vara Nui Village for a spectaular show and buffet dinner – the most authentic show and experience on the island.
Transfer to the airport for you flight to Mangaia. 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.
The outer islands take their religion seriously so you will be invited to church. During our stay an island tour is included.
We fly to Mauke today. Our accommodation is in a guesthouse for two nights. Mauke is a volcanic plateau surrounded by Makatea (raised coral beds) and home to 300 people.
Today enjoy a tour of the island including the CICC church. Due to a village dispute it was divided into two with each side decorated differently, today the partition has been removed. Afterwards enjoy a swim at Vai Tango, fresh water cave pool.
Our flight today takes us to Atiu. On arrival, transfer to your bungalow accommodation and enjoy valley views from your private verandah. Aitu is known for its limestone caves along the coast and rich soils in the centre.
This morning’s tour includes bird watching and visiting the cave to see tiny Kopeka birds that use sonar to navigate the dark. See where the Aitu coffee is grown and view Tivaevae, the Cook Islands appliqué work.
This morning fly to world renowned Aitutaki lagoon. Accommodation is at Aitutaki Village Villas - set a few steps from the sandy lagoon. Later in the day we explore Aitutaki on an island tour.
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 BBQ fish, salads and fruit with time for a swim and snorkel in the warm waters.
Farewell the Outer Cooks today with a flight back to Rarotonga and connect to your return Air New Zealand flight home.
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$7,987
|
$9,288
|
|
Premium Economy
|
P.O.A |
P.O.A |
*This is a cash / direct debit price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% 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 $150)
• Meals not specified
• A deposit of $500 per person will secure a place on the tour
• Full payment is due no later than 28 June 2024
• From the date of booking to– loss of deposit
• After 28 June 2024– no refund
Travel Insurance is compulsory. Please contact us for a quote.
Documentation
• A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel
• No visa is required for NZ passport holders
• All other passport holders please ask
Climate
• Temperatures are a very pleasant with a high of 23 and low of 19
• 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.
• For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change