Aitutaki, the radiant gem of the Cook Islands, invites you to behold its breathtaking turquoise-blue lagoon, a sight that is truly unmatched. This is a place where you can completely immerse yourself in the splendor of nature, a spot that shines even among the most stunning places on Earth. And when you set foot in New Zealand, be prepared to be enchanted by its postcard-perfect landscapes, a sight that will leave you spellbound at every corner.
As you touch down in Rarotonga, a world of adventure awaits. You can paddle through the pristine lagoon on a kayak, savor your first cocktail, or simply unwind by the poolside of your luxurious resort. After recharging in Raratogo, New Zealand opens its doors to a myriad of experiences. From conquering the majestic Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, to exploring the quaint town of Queenstown, aptly named for its regal beauty, and witnessing the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, often hailed as the '8th Wonder of the World', there's an adventure for every soul.
Day 1: Arrival Cook Island - Rarotonga - Aitutaki Island (3 nights)
- These remote islands – and there's a lot of them – are bursting with ancient cultures, fascinating festivals and wallpaper-worthy scenery.
- Just a 40-minute flight from Rarotonga, Fly modern jet-prop from the mainland to Aitutaki up to five times daily, landing and taking off from the same runway built during the Pacific war, upgraded with asphalt sealing and night lighting.
Day 2: Aitutaki Lagoon
- Aitutaki's most renowned feature is its serene turquoise lagoon. This natural wonder is not just a place of legends and a rich source of inner reef seafood but also a tranquil island paradise. Here, visitors can unwind on the motu (small islets) and truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Aitutaki offers a plethora of activities to cater to every traveller's interests. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, there's the option to relax on a secluded white sand beach with a book or cold beverage in hand. Aitutaki is also a global hotspot for kitesurfing and bonefishing, adding excitement to your Polynesian adventure.
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Aitutaki, with its 20 churches for a population of 2,000, boasts the highest church density in the world. These churches, a cornerstone of the island's culture, are not just architectural marvels but also vibrant hubs of community life. The church services, filled with beautiful chants, offer a unique cultural experience in which visitors are always welcome to participate.
Day 3: Aitutaki Lagoon
- Experience the Aitutaki at your pace by swapping a group lagoon cruise for a private charter. Imagine yourself on a private boat, cruising through the crystal-clear waters of Aitutaki. No matter where you are or where you look, the colours of blue are so intense that you think you go blind – even with two sunglasses on. Of course, there are white sandy beaches everywhere. Inside the lagoon, you'll find heaps of snorkelling spots. Along the southern atoll edge, the purple and green-yellow coral banks make an excellent environment for dazzling marine life, with schools of tiny reef fish and a couple of turtles.
- Embark on a thrilling adventure with spearfishing, the number one fishing method throughout the Cook Islands. It's not just about the catch but the exhilaration of the hunt. For the locals in the outer Cook Islands like Aitutaki, it's a way of life. This is why many tour operators offer spearfishing trips to their visitors. It's a unique and exciting experience that should definitely be on your list of things to do in Aitutaki. Or: From July to October, whales migrate to the warm waters of the Cook Islands where, in Aitutaki, you have the incredible opportunity to see these gentle giants from both above the surface and when snorkelling alongside them.
Day 4: Aitutaki - flight to Rarotonga (3 nights)
- A must for first-time visitors to Rarotonga, there are a couple of local island tours to get you acquainted with the island and discover some of the hidden gems.
- Enjoy a therapeutic massage or other island spa treatment at Rarotonga spas. A selection of resorts specialises in spa treatments, from Vichy Shower treatments to traditional Cook Islands massages.
- The more you explore the Cook Islands, the more local authentic cuisine you’ll discover, ranging from simple, fresh fish enjoyed with your feet in the sand to high-class restaurants and everything in between.
Day 5: Rarotonga
- Guarantee a sighting of gorgeous sea turtles in their natural environment on one of Rarotonga’s turtle swimming tours. Whether focused on sea scooters or underwater photography, there are several options for turtle swimming across Raro.
- Watch talented dancers adorned in traditional costumes at one of the Cook Islands’ cultural shows, also known as “island nights.” The performance is not all there is to look forward to; however, devouring plate after plate of traditional Cook Islands dishes from the buffet is also a reason to join in.
Day 6: Rarotonga
- A must-see attraction on the island of Atui Anatakitaki Caves is a series of caves with extraordinary limestone stalactites. These caves are home to a rare bird that uses sonar like a bat! Join Atiu Eco-Adventure Anatakitaki Cave Tour for a three-hour guided experience that takes you through the dense rainforest to three spectacular caves.
- Discover more about our Cook Islands culture by exploring the local markets. On Saturday mornings, take a trip to the Punanga Nui Markets for local food stalls, drinks, head EI’s, pareus and souvenirs (to name a few).
Day 7: Cook Island - Flight to New Zealand -Christchurch
- This vibrant city offers spectacular culture, heritage, and nightlife – along with the world's most stunning scenery, right on its doorstep.
Day 8: Christchurch - Mt Cook National Park (2 nights)
Day 9: Mt Cook National Park
- Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to glimpse Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand. See glaciers and snowy peaks set under a star-studded sky.
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Taking a helicopter flight is a unique experience. It takes you from Tekapo, winding through our remote alpine valleys, up close to the mighty Aoraki / Mount Cook at over 3724 meters. Learn about our high country areas before crossing into Mount Cook National Park for fantastic views of our highest peaks and longest glaciers. The flight includes a snow landing on Liebig Dome (7700′), where you can enjoy a panorama view of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding mountains. ** Snow may be limited in February and March.
Day 10: MT Cook - Fiordland National Park (2 nights)
- Located in the beautiful Central Otago, Gibbston Valley Winery and Restaurant is world-renowned for handcrafting award-winning wines and for being home to the country's largest wine cave.
- Nestled on the edge of a lake, Te Anau is the perfect town to base yourself on when visiting Milford Sound.
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Fiordlands' remarkable natural environment features stunning fiords, spectacular waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains, waterfalls tumble hundreds of meters into massive fiords, and shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago.
Day 11: Fiordland National Park - Milford Sounds
- Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is breath-taking in any weather - with its fiord's cliffs, mountainous peaks and waterfalls as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, which often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect.
- Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of Fiordland National Park, one of the most spectacular parts of our beautiful country. Join us aboard the Milford Adventurer at Cruise Milford and enjoy this "must-do" New Zealand experience.
Day 12: Te Anau - Queenstown (3 nights)
- Arrowtown is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander the tree-lined streets of restored cottages and explore gold mining sites.
- Lake Wakatipu, shaped like a lightning bolt, is the third-largest lake in New Zealand. Queenstown is an adventure hub with towering mountains and a lakeside location bursting with adrenaline and fun. Queenstown's busiest burger joint, Fergburger, is world-renowned for its creative, delicious gourmet burgers.
- Take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Queenstown is world-famous for delicious food, fantastic wine, and epic nightlife.
Day 13: Queenstown- Day trip to Wanaka
Day 14: Queenstown - Day trip to Glenorchy
- Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu & is the gateway to hiking trails and Middle‑earth™ magic. Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, Glenorchy's surroundings are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
- Dart River Adventures combines breathtaking world heritage area scenery, exciting braided river jet boating, Maori heritage and inspiring adventure. Your Wilderness Jet is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park with the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River.
Plan Your Tour
