Rarotonga & Aitutaki
A relaxed Cook Islands escape combining Rarotonga, Aitutaki & local island life.
23 June - 1 July 2027
9 days / 8 nights
$8,490
(NZD) pp twin share
$10,890
(NZD) pp single
Bask in sunshine, blue skies, turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches as you discover the beauty of Rarotonga and Aitutaki on this relaxed small-group Cook Islands tour. Over nine tropical days, enjoy stylish resort stays, unforgettable lagoon scenery, local culture and time to simply slow down and enjoy island life.
Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore colourful markets, meet warm-hearted locals and experience the spectacular beauty of Aitutaki Lagoon. With carefully chosen accommodation and a dedicated Seemore Tours host, this fully escorted Cook Islands holiday offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, culture and time to unwind.
Why you'll love this tour
Designed especially for mature travellers looking for a relaxed, fully escorted small-group holiday.
Four nights at Muri Beach Club Hotel
Four nights in beautiful Aitutaki
Cruise the spectacular Aitutaki Lagoon
Discover Rarotonga beyond the resort
Plenty of time to relax and explore both islands
Meet local people and visit the markets
Small-group touring with Seemore Tours
Hosted by someone who knows the islands
Itinerary
DAY 1. Fly Auckland to Rarotonga & Muri Lagoon
Tuesday 22 June (NZ Wednesday 23 June).
Stay: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Our Cook Islands holiday begins with an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Rarotonga.
Crossing the International Date Line means we leave New Zealand on Wednesday and arrive in Rarotonga on Tuesday, gaining a day along the way.
On arrival, we transfer to Muri Beach Club Hotel, our home for the next four nights. This adults-only resort sits beside beautiful Muri Lagoon, surrounded by tropical gardens and just steps from the water.
After settling in, there is time to relax before meeting for a welcome drink and dinner together at the hotel.
Breakfast is included each morning during our hotel stays. Other included meals are marked in the itinerary, leaving you free to explore the islands’ dining options at other times.
Air New Zealand Inflight meal included.
DAY 2. Around Island Orientation
Wednesday 23 June.
Stay: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Ease into island life with a relaxed morning beside Muri Lagoon.
Later, your Tour Manager takes us on an orientation tour around Rarotonga, introducing some of the island’s villages, beaches, landmarks and local character.
In the evening we wander down to the Muri Night Markets, where food stalls offer a relaxed taste of local island life.
Breakfast.
DAY 3. Muri Lagoon Cruise & Progressive Dinner with Locals
Thursday 24 June.
Stay: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Today is all about the water and the people who call Rarotonga home.
Those joining the optional Muri Lagoon cruise board a glass-bottom boat to explore the lagoon, spotting colourful tropical fish, giant clams and other marine life along the way. There is time for snorkelling before heading ashore for a fresh fish barbecue lunch.
This evening, another optional experience offers a wonderful insight into island hospitality with a progressive dinner hosted by local families, enjoying three courses in different locations accompanied by local music and conversation.
Breakfast | Optional Lunch | Optional Dinner
DAY 4. Rarotonga Organic Garden & Sunset Dinner
Friday 25 June.
Stay: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Enjoy a slower morning before visiting a local regenerative organic garden.
Learn how island residents grow tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants naturally while caring for the soil, biodiversity and wider community.
Tonight we gather for dinner as the sun sets over Rarotonga, marking our final evening before tomorrow’s flight to Aitutaki.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 5. Punanga Nui Market & Fly to Aitutaki
Saturday 26 June.
Stay: Resort Tava’e
This morning we visit Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, Rarotonga’s main town, where stalls showcase island produce, crafts, coffee, pearls, artwork and souvenirs.
Later we board the short Air Rarotonga flight to Aitutaki.
The approach is part of the experience, with spectacular views across the lagoon before landing on this beautiful island.
On arrival we transfer to Resort Tava’e, our home for the next four nights, and settle into a wonderfully relaxed pace of island life.
Breakfast
DAY 6. Aitutaki Sunday, Church Singing & Local Life
Sunday 27 June.
Stay: Resort Tava’e
Enjoy a leisurely Sunday in Aitutaki.
Those who wish can attend a local church service and experience the powerful harmonies and singing for which Cook Islands churches are so well known.
There is also the opportunity to spend time with locals before returning to the resort.
This evening we enjoy a barbecue dinner hosted by a neighbouring resort.
Breakfast | Optional Lunch | Dinner
DAY 7. Aitutaki Island Tour with a Local Host
Monday 28 June.
Stay: Resort Tava’e
Today offers another chance to enjoy Aitutaki at your own pace.
Those joining our optional island tour travel with a local host to discover some of the island’s villages, homes, gardens and community life.
The route combines planned visits with spontaneous stops, stories and conversations, giving us a more personal insight into life on Aitutaki.
This evening we dine at a local restaurant.
Breakfast | Optional Lunch | Dinner
DAY 8. Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise & One Foot Island
Tuesday 29 June.
Stay: Resort Tava’e
Today we experience one of the great highlights of any Aitutaki holiday — a full lagoon cruise.
We are collected from our resort for a full-day adventure across Aitutaki’s spectacular lagoon, travelling between beautiful motu including islands such as Akaiami, Moturakau and famous Tapuaetai — One Foot Island.
There is time to snorkel around coral heads and discover colourful marine life, with snorkelling equipment and towels provided.
On board, enjoy a barbecue lunch featuring freshly caught ocean fish, while the crew adds to the atmosphere with live music and cultural demonstrations.
Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner and reflect on a wonderful week in the Cook Islands.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 9. Aitutaki to Rarotonga & Return to New Zealand
Wednesday 30 June (NZ Thursday 1 July).
This morning we farewell Aitutaki and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Rarotonga, connecting onwards to Auckland.
As we cross the International Date Line once again, we arrive back in New Zealand on Thursday 1 July 2027, bringing home memories of turquoise lagoons, warm island hospitality and a wonderfully relaxed Cook Islands escape.
Breakfast | In-flight meal
Two Islands. One Relaxed Cook Islands Escape.
Many Cook Islands holidays stay entirely in Rarotonga or visit Aitutaki only as a day trip.
On this Seemore Tours journey, you'll spend four nights on each island, allowing you to experience the very different character of both.
Rarotonga combines tropical scenery with markets, restaurants, island communities and the beautiful waters of Muri Lagoon.
Aitutaki is quieter and more remote, centred around its extraordinary turquoise lagoon and scattering of tiny motu.
Together they create a wonderfully balanced Cook Islands holiday — part sightseeing, part local experience and part genuine island escape.
FIRST FOUR NIGHTS:
Muri Beach Club Hotel, Rarotonga
Begin your island escape with four nights at the chic and contemporary Muri Beach Club Hotel, perfectly positioned on the powdery sands of Rarotonga’s famous Muri Lagoon. This award-winning, adults-only retreat is renowned for its warm hospitality, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning beachfront location. Wake to breathtaking lagoon views, take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool, or step directly from the hotel onto the beach where crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, snorkel, or paddle.
The on-site restaurant serves fresh, island-inspired cuisine paired with excellent service, while the intimate bar is the ideal spot to unwind as the sun sets. With its boutique charm and Travellers’ Choice recognition, Muri Beach Club Hotel promises the perfect beginning to your Cook Islands adventure.
SECOND FOUR NIGHTS:
Resort Tava'e, Aitutaki
Your journey continues in Aitutaki with four unforgettable nights at the stunning Resort Tava’e, a boutique hideaway nestled beside the island’s bluest lagoon. TripAdvisor guests consistently rate it 4.9 out of 5, awarding it the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award for its outstanding service and setting.
All travellers will enjoy beautifully appointed poolside rooms, each with direct access to one of the resort’s twin pools. From there, it’s just steps to the beach, where you can wander along white sands or dip into the turquoise lagoon.
The resort’s restaurant serves delicious island-inspired cuisine, combining fresh local produce with international flavours. Combined with warm, personal hospitality, breathtaking views, and tropical gardens, Resort Tava’e is the perfect base to relax and soak up the magic of Aitutaki.
RAROTONGA & AITUTAKI
23 June - 1 July 2027
9 days / 8 nights
$8,490
(NZD) pp twin share
$10,890
(NZD) pp single
Inclusions & Highlights
General
Transfers to/from home (conditions apply)
Dedicated Seemore Tours Tour Manager
Return Air New Zealand flights between
Auckland and Rarotonga
Return domestic flights between
Rarotonga and Aitutaki
Four nights at Muri Beach Club Hotel,
Rarotonga
Four nights at Resort Tava'e, Aitutaki
Airport transfers throughout
Small-group ground transport
Highlights Rarotonga
Rarotonga Island orientation tour
Muri Night Markets
Progressive Dinner with Locals
Organic Garden Tour
Punanga Nui Market
Sunset Dinner Experience
Koka Lagoon Cruise and BBQ Lunch
Snorkelling / Kayaking Muri Lagoon
Highlights Aitutaki
Scenic flight to Aitutaki
Sunday church experience
Local Markets
Aitutaki Island Tour with Local
Full day Aitutaki Island Cruise
One Foot Island
Snorkelling and motu visits
Fresh fish BBQ lunch
Farewell dinner
Your host: Tracey Davis
Tracey used to live on Rarotonga and is the perfect host to ensure all your needs are taken care of.
With a vehicle exclusively for our group, Tracey can help arrange market visits, shopping trips and local exploring.
All experiences are optional, so you can do as little, or as much, as you like. These activities will, however, need to be confirmed prior to your departure.
With Tracey’s knowledge and support, combined with the flexibility to set your own pace, this truly makes for the perfect island holiday.