An evening flight direct from Sydney takes us through to Rarotonga, for an early morning arrival where we have arranged for the hotel rooms to be ready on arrival.

Please Note: This flight is approximately 6 hours but due to crossing the International Date Line we actually gain a day and will arrive on the Friday morning.

This morning we arrive in Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 islands that make up the nation of the Cook Islands. Our home for the next week will be the Edgewater Resort, which is nestled amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens and bordered by a white sandy beach overlooking a beautiful lagoon. At the Resort we will check in early and freshen up before a tropical breakfast and a brief resort orientation.

This afternoon is at leisure before we will enjoy dinner together.

After breakfast we are off to the Punanga Nui Cultural Markets, the “place to be” on a Saturday morning. Here we will have the opportunity to mingle with the locals, enjoy island food, and take in the fun atmosphere of the many stalls as well as music and a live show. With so different island products and crafts for sale – from black pearls and wooden carvings to handmade quilts and vibrant sarongs to the fragrant Ei Katu (floral head garlands) – you are sure to find a wonderful souvenir.

This afternoon is to be spent at your leisure, relax around the resort or continue to wander around Avarua, the islands main township (you can catch the island bus back when you choose – it will drop off at Resort reception).

Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Today we will experience one of the highlights of a visit to the Cook Islands when we attend morning worship at the Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church, built in 1841 from hand cut coral blocks. Visitors are warmly welcomed to these uplifting church services where the locals “raise the roof” with their renowned beautiful singing. After the service we will join church members for morning tea and get a chance to really talk to the local people.

After lunch you have the afternoon at your leisure before we come together for a BBQ dinner at our resort.

After breakfast, we will meet our driver for our very own Circle Island Discovery Tour. This tour is an excellent introduction to the Cook Islands, and provides information on the country’s history and culture, stopping along the way at fascinating historical and ceremonial sites. Light refreshments are included on tour. We will the return to the resort for an afternoon at leisure.

Tonight we will enjoy a special Plantation Homestead dinner with the opportunity to interact with a local “Cooks” family. We will walk through the family’s plantation garden as our host explains the local flora and its many uses for the local people. We will then enjoy a delicious dinner made with the finest local organic ingredients with a touch of Asian flavour and Polynesian flair – a truly unique experience and a must for any “foodie”.

After breakfast we have a special treat for you as we join “Koka Lagoon Cruise” on the world famous Muri Lagoon. We will board a glass bottom boat and cruise around this protected lagoon to the inner reef area to view the many varieties of tropical marine life (don’t forget your swimmers, hat, sunscreen and towel)!

A sumptuous BBQ lunch is provided today along with lots of fun! This afternoon is for you to enjoy at leisure. Dinner tonight will be at the resort.

This morning we visit Highland Paradise, high up in the rugged mountains of Rarotonga.

This fascinating “open air museum” boasts spectacular views, and showcases evidence of an historical lost village and the survival of the Polynesian people. Learn how the locals used the stars and “navigational stones’ to guide their “vakas” to Aotearoa (New Zealand) before meandering through the gardens of medicinal and ritual plants. After a light lunch we will return to the resort for an afternoon at your leisure before coming back to Highland Paradise in the evening; here we will enjoy an authentic night of cultural entertainment and feasting – prepare yourself for an evening of true Cook Islands fun!

This morning we will visit a Local Primary School where we have the opportunity to mingle with the school children who are known for their friendly smiling faces and wonderful curiosity about people from other countries. If you wish feel free to bring educational material for the children, such as pens, pencils, erasers, colouring in books etc.

Take the opportunity to do any last minute souvenir shopping or to soak up the relaxing ambience that is “Cook Island time” before an afternoon transfer to the airport.

We say “Aere Ra e Kia Manuia” to the “Cooks” and fly back to Australia.

Having once again crossed the International Date Line we will arrive Friday evening in Australia.