Cook Islands-6-day-itinerary

August 5, 2024

Cook Islands 6-Day Itinerary

Arrival: Arrive at Rarotonga International Airport
Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation (approximately $20-$30 NZD)
Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel or resort, such as the Edgewater Resort & Spa or Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Things to Know:
- Cook Islands are 19 atolls scattered across the South Pacific
- Rarotonga is the largest island and most populated
- Time zone: UTC-13 (12 hours behind NZT)
Visa Requirements: Citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Canada, US, and EU countries do not require a visa for stays up to 31 days. Check with your government’s travel advisory website for specific requirements.
Daytime Activities:
- Visit the Rarotonga Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) for local handicrafts and souvenirs
- Explore the Cross-Island Walk, a scenic trek through the island’s interior (approximately 3 hours)

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation or try local cuisine at The Waterfall Restaurant
Morning Activities:
- Visit the Punanga Nui Village, a replica of a traditional Cook Islands village
- Explore the Raro Hot Springs, natural hot springs and spa facilities (approximately $30 NZD per person)
Lunch: Grab lunch at a local eatery, such as The Waterfall Restaurant or Cafe Salsa
Afternoon Activities:
- Visit the Avarua Wharf, a bustling waterfront area with shops and restaurants
- Take a Snorkeling or Scuba Diving Tour to explore Rarotonga’s stunning marine life (approximately $100-$150 NZD per person)

Transportation: Take a domestic flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki (approximately $200 NZD return)
Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel or resort, such as the Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Daytime Activities:
- Explore the Coconut Crabs and Beach Tour, a guided tour of the island’s stunning beaches (approximately $60 NZD per person)
- Visit the Aitutaki Lagoon, one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Pacific
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your accommodation or try local cuisine at The Lagoon Restaurant

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation or try local cuisine at The Lagoon Restaurant
Morning Activities:
- Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour, exploring the lagoon’s stunning marine life (approximately $60 NZD per person)
- Visit the Aitutaki Island Market, a small market selling local handicrafts and souvenirs
Lunch: Grab lunch at a local eatery, such as The Lagoon Restaurant or Cafe Salsa
Afternoon Activities:
- Take a Sunset Cruise, enjoying the stunning views of Aitutaki’s lagoon (approximately $100 NZD per person)

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation or try local cuisine at The Waterfall Restaurant
Morning Activities:
- Visit the Raro Hot Springs, natural hot springs and spa facilities (approximately $30 NZD per person)
- Explore the Cross-Island Walk, a scenic trek through the island’s interior (approximately 3 hours)
Lunch: Grab lunch at a local eatery, such as The Waterfall Restaurant or Cafe Salsa
Afternoon Activities:
- Visit the Punanga Nui Village, a replica of a traditional Cook Islands village
- Take a Snorkeling or Scuba Diving Tour to explore Rarotonga’s stunning marine life (approximately $100-$150 NZD per person)

Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle back to the airport for your departure flight
Things to Know:
- Check-in for your return flight at least 2 hours prior to departure
- Don’t forget to exchange any remaining NZD currency for foreign currency (if applicable)

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation: approximately $1,500-$2,000 NZD for the entire stay (depending on hotel or resort choice)
Transportation: approximately $200-$300 NZD return flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki
Food and drink: approximately $500-$700 NZD per person for the entire stay (depending on dining choices)
Activities and tours: approximately $1,000-$1,500 NZD per person for the entire stay (depending on tour choices)

Total: Approximately $3,200-$4,800 NZD per person for the 6-day itinerary