14-Day 4-Island Trip to the Cook Islands: Including Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke and Mitiaro!
Itineraries Crafted from Real Journeys
Most visit the Cook Islands and only spend their time on Rarotonga and/or Aitutaki. If you’re a more intrepid traveller, however, you have the time in 2 weeks to experience the “real” Cook Islands. We’ll show you how in this Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke and Mitiaro itinerary for 14 days!
With 14 full days to explore, you can certainly afford to explore the many different sides of the Cook Islands, from the resort experience on Rarotonga to the serene lagoon of Aitutaki to beaches all to yourself on the rocky coral islands of Mauke and Mitiaro. So pack your bags and get ready for 2 weeks in paradise with this intrepid itinerary specially curated for travellers with wanderlust.
While you’re here, don’t forget to open The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide, which is your bible to a getaway to the Cooks!
Side note: Our itineraries are crafted by travel writers who’ve personally experienced the Cook Islands – no AI-generated content here! Scroll down to the bottom of the page to discover more about us.
Table of Contents
Overview: Cook Islands 2-Week (14-Day) Itinerary
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comHow to Get Around the Cook Islands in 2 Weeks
This Cook Islands’ Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke and Mitiaro itinerary for 14 days (2 weeks) includes travel on various islands, as well as between islands. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get around the Cook Islands in 2 weeks.
Road Transport in the Cook Islands
The first road transport you’ll encounter on each of the islands you visit is your airport transfer. On Rarotonga, this must be booked in advance with your resort or with one of the airport shuttle companies, as outlined in the 10 Best Airport Transfers.
On the outer islands of this itinerary – Aitutaki, Mauke and Mitiaro – airport transfers are provided free of charge.
For travelling on each of the islands, the most private and convenient options include car and scooter rentals. Start your car rental research with What You Need to Hire a Car in the Cook Islands, and for scooters, 10 Tips for Riding a Scooter in the Cook Islands.
Alternatively, Rarotonga offers a more budget-friendly option: riding the island bus. Discover more about the bus in our comprehensive guide, ‘The Bus in Rarotonga: Bus Fares, Timetable & More.’ You can also compare all of the above with Which is Better, Renting a Car or Taking the Bus on Rarotonga?
Interisland Transport in the Cook Islands
The only manageable way to get between islands in the Cook Islands is via domestic flights. Flights to each of the Southern Group islands mentioned on this itinerary are approximately 50 minutes from Rarotonga. In comparison, flights are also available between Mauke and Mitiaro at around 20 minutes one-way.
Check out the most up-to-date airfares in our guide, Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.
For all of your transport options, check out the Cook Islands Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around the Cook Islands.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 1 – Arrive in Rarotonga
Welcome to Rarotonga! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals hall to the sounds of “Kia Orana” and a floral ‘ei put over your head. It’s the customary Cook Islands greeting that most airport transfers supply with enthusiasm!
Since it’s your first day in the Cook Islands, take it easy and get settled at your chosen accommodation. After check-in, relax by the pool, have a paddle with the kayaks provided at your resort, sip on cocktails and transition to “Raro time”. We’ll go over a few things you can do on Rarotonga tomorrow.
Rarotonga Budget Accommodation
- Rarotonga Backpackers
- Ariki Bungalows
Rarotonga Mid-Range Accommodation
Rarotonga Luxury Accommodation
… And that’s just a handful of accommodations and resorts available! Check out Where to Stay on Rarotonga: The Best Rarotonga Accommodations for a comparison of all of Raro’s top stays.
Dining Recommendations
For your first night, if you’re staying at an accommodation with a restaurant on-site, such as Edgewater Resort & Spa, Club Raro Resort, Little Polynesian, Manuia Beach Resort, Crown Beach Resort & Spa, Nautilus Resort, or Castaway Resort, make things easy for yourself by dining at their reputable restaurants. You’ll have enough time to explore the rest of Rarotonga’s dining scene later.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 2 – Relaxation or Adventure on Rarotonga
It’s time to explore Rarotonga your way, whether you prefer to spend your time seeking adventure or getting some much-needed R&R.
Ways to Relax on Rarotonga
For a day that trip that honours relaxation, treat yourself to an island massage at one of Rarotonga’s spas or boost your zen with a stand-up paddleboard yoga session at Muri Beach. See more details and examples in the 10 Most Relaxing Things to Do in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Adventure Experiences on Rarotonga
If you’re looking for something more active, today could be a great day to hit the Cross-Island Trek (weather permitting). Alternatively, join an exhilarating quad bike tour or explore the deep with a scuba diving trip.
For more details on all of these activities and more, check out the 10 Best Adventure Activities in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Dining Recommendations
It’s time to explore some of Rarotonga’s delectable eateries. For superb South Pacific cuisine, head to The Anchorage Restaurant. Alternatively, try some fine dining at Antipodes or Tamarind House – bookings are essential!
Alternatively, Muri Night Market is a vibrant evening affair in Muri Beach Village. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 pm, it’s a great place to experience local cuisine and atmosphere. Bring cash to enjoy the diverse food stalls.
For more dining inspiration, check out The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Drinking Recommendations
For drinks with friends or loved ones, the beach bars have an awesome vibe, such as Shipwreck Hut or the classy Sunset Bar of OTB. Castaway Beach Bar serves island-style food, cocktails, and snacks, complete with beachside seating, happy hour, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you’re looking for a party, hop on one of the “party buses” taking you around the bars and clubs of the island, returning you to your accommodation at the end of the night. Find out more in The Ultimate Guide to Rarotonga Nightlife + Happy Hour List.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 3 – Explore Rarotonga
If there’s anything that you missed yesterday, then you have another chance to do it today! Otherwise, how about exploring the island via car/scooter rental or the island bus?
Road Trip Around Rarotonga
Explore Rarotonga’s main road and scenic back roads today to discover historical sites like Arai-Te-Tonga Marae, awesome snorkelling beaches like Tikioki Beach, natural attractions like Black Rock and much more. We detail how to visit these sights and much more in our complete day trip itinerary, A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Rarotonga.
Of course, there’s a lot more to do on Rarotonga, which we cover extensively in the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga.
Dining Recommendations
For your final night before heading to Aitutaki, Sandals Restaurant & Barefoot Bar at the Pacific Resort and Nautilus Restaurant at Muri Beach are highly recommended. Charlie’s in Titikaveka offers reasonable prices for its unusually large sandwiches, among other treats.
Alternatively, explore The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants for more information and recommendations.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 4 – Rarotonga to Aitutaki
Return your rental car or scooter if needed, then take an airport transfer to the domestic terminal of Rarotonga Airport, where you’ll board your flight to Aitutaki. See our Aitutaki Transport Guide for more details.
After a scenic 50-minute flight, you’ll meet your accommodation representative at Aitutaki Airport, who will shower you in flower ‘eis and transfer you to your chosen accommodation for check-in.
Aitutaki Budget Accommodation
Aitutaki Mid-Range Accommodation
Aitutaki Luxury Accommodation
Compare accommodations further in our guide, Where to Stay on Aitutaki: The Best Aitutaki Accommodations.
Dining Recommendations
You’ll have plenty of time to explore Aitutaki in the next couple of days, so relax at your resort. Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, Aitutaki Village and Tamanu Beach Resort each have delightful dining options.
Otherwise, for self-catering, it’s best to have a car rental delivered to your accommodation so you can pop into Amuri or Arutanga to pick up supplies. Find out more about self-catering in The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 5 – Experience the Aitutaki Lagoon
It’s your first full day in Aitutaki, so experience the “must-do” in Aitutaki: the lagoon!
Aitutaki Lagoon Cruises
Daytime lagoon cruises offer an easy way to reach awesome snorkelling spots, visit uninhabited motu (islets) and indulge in an island barbecue. There’s quite a broad range of lagoon cruises, so compare their point of difference in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.
Otherwise, you might like to experience Aitutaki’s famous bonefishing scene, go kitesurfing at Honeymoon Island or enjoy a private sailing excursion with Tavai Inventure Tours.
For more things to do on the lagoon, browse our 20 Best Things to Do on Aitutaki.
Dining Recommendations
If you want a sophisticated vibe, head to the Rapae Bay Restaurant of the Pacific Resort Aitutaki or the H.M.S. Bounty Restaurant & Bar of the adults-only Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. Alternatively, fantastic dining options include the casual alfresco ambience of Avatea Cafe, as well as the seafood specialists and local watering hole, The Boat Shed Bar & Grill.
Learn more about these eateries and get more recommendations in The Best Places to Eat on Aitutaki: 10 Best Restaurants on Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 6 – Explore Aitutaki
Relax this morning at your Aitutaki accommodation. Then, do some exploration on dry land today – you’ll need to rent a car or scooter for this.
Road Trip Around Aitutaki
Save A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Aitutaki on your phone, grab a rental car, scooter or bicycle and hit the road with its scenic lookouts like Maunga Pu, stunning beaches and historical sites. Everything you need for an awesome day exploring Aitutaki is in the day trip itinerary linked above.
Dining Recommendations
For breakfast or lunch, enjoy the sustainably sourced meals spruced up by the fabulous Koru Café. Or, if you prefer a quiet night in your self-catering accommodation, they also offer barbecue packs.
If it’s Thursday night, make sure you hit the “Tamanu Island Night” at the Tamanu Beach Resort, complete with a traditional Cook Islander buffet and cultural dancing!
Check out more dining experiences in The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 7 – Relaxation or Adventure in Aitutaki
That’s right, you have another day to enjoy the serenity of Aitutaki and its relaxed pace of life. If you’re more of an active traveller, however, we have some awesome alternatives for you.
Ways to Relax in Aitutaki
Remember to take the time to unwind during your Cook Islands escape – and Aitutaki is the perfect place to do it. There are a few spas on the island to soothe all the stresses away, while simply “just being” at the gorgeous resorts of Aitutaki is not a bad way to spend the rest of your time here…
Adventure Experiences in Aitutaki
If you’re feeling more active, head on a scuba diving trip with Bubbles Below to experience scuba diving with turtles. If it’s whale season, whale swimming might be the most memorable experience on your itinerary.
For more experiences in Aitutaki, take a look at our extensive list of the 20 Best Things to Do in Aitutaki.
Dining Recommendations
If you’ve been to all of the restaurants you’re interested in, you can always hit up the takeaways across Aitutaki to grab something for a quiet night in! Kai Tari Takeaway offers some fantastic fish dishes and traditional Cook Islander cuisine specials, while Aquila Takeaway serves a wide range of affordable crowd-pleasers made with fresh ingredients.
Compare more takeaways in the 10 Best Cafes & Takeaways on Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 8 – Fly to Rarotonga, Then to Mauke
Check out of your accommodation, and a representative will transport you to Aitutaki Airport. It’s a 50-minute flight back to Rarotonga, where the views are incredible (a tip from our last trip: sit on the right-hand side of the plane, if possible).
Then, catch your connecting flight to one of the more adventurous Cook Islands to visit, Mauke. See all of your transport options to Mauke in our Mauke Transport Guide.
On arrival in Mauke, your accommodation provider will greet you at the “airport” (get ready for more flower ‘eis!) then it’s off to your accommodation on the island.
Accommodation on Mauke
You have a couple of options for accommodation on the island of Mauke. Tiare Cottages are the best choice for couples and adult groups, offering quaint budget cottages and a more modern clifftop cottage. Ri’s Retreat is also an option with full private kitchens and plenty of room for families and groups.
Compare the two accommodations further in Where to Stay on Mauke.
Dining Recommendations
Mauke has no restaurants, so your accommodation provides all of your food at an extra but reasonable cost. Enjoy authentic Cook Islander cuisine and unmatched hospitality that will feel a lot more “homely” than anywhere else you’ve eaten in the Cook Islands so far!
Alternatively, accommodations offer self-catering facilities, while a couple of shops on the island provide supplies.
Learn more about managing food on an underdeveloped island in The Complete Travel Guide to Mauke.
© Taniera - Cook Islands TourismDay 9 – Explore Mauke
Mauke is quite a small island, so a day or two is enough to see the highlights that this stunning uplifted coral atoll has to offer. Hire a car from your accommodation provider and start experiencing the sights all to yourself.
Things to Do in Mauke
Inland, walk to the wonderful little cave pool of Vai Tango Cave and go for a refreshing dip. On the coastal road, discover hundreds of tiny beaches, including Kopupooki Beach and its hidden cave pool accessible at low tide. You’ll also find the Te Kou Maru Shipwreck, while Te Oneroa Beach is considered one of the best beaches by many.
Plan your route around the island using A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Mauke and check out more experiences in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mauke.
© Cook Islands TourismDay 10 – Tour the Hidden Gems of Mauke (or Fly to Mitiaro, Depending on Flight Schedules)
Make the most of Mauke by exploring one more day! It’s not often that you get to be in such peaceful paradises… Alternatively, fly to Mitiaro today and spend an extra day on Mitiaro instead. See “Day 11” for details.
More Things to Do in Mauke
Today, you can hire a guide through your accommodation to visit the harder-to-find attractions on Mauke, such as the South Pacific’s largest banyan tree and the surrounding caves. You can also take a tour of the fascinating Divided Church to learn about its stories and see its unusual architecture.
Other guided experiences include visiting ancient marae (meeting places) and, of course, enjoying the local kai provided by your accommodation.
Plan more experiences on the island using the 15 Best Things to Do on Mauke and The Complete Travel Guide to Mauke.
© Claire Wilson - Cook Islands TourismDay 11 – Fly to Mitiaro
Another blissfully serene “rock” in the Cook Islands, Mitiaro is an uplifted coral atoll where all of the villages are congregated on the eastern side of the island. This leaves the rest of the island perfectly serene for an “adults-only” escape.
After taking the direct flight from Mauke to Mitiaro (see the Mitiaro Transport Guide for more details), you’ll be welcomed by your hosts on the island and treated to an authentic meal, as meals are included with any stay here on Mitiaro.
Accommodation on Mitiaro
Mitiaro’s accommodations comprise endearing guesthouses and homestays. The best option for more discerning travellers is Divine Retreat, the island’s more “upscale” guesthouse with one ensuite room and other private rooms with shared facilities. Nukuroa Guesthouse offers a pleasant guesthouse with private rooms, as well as a holiday home for families.
There’s also Vivian’s Homestay, which has freestanding concrete and kikau huts in the garden. Compare them all and more in our guide, Where to Stay on Mitiaro.
© Alisha Street - Cook Islands TourismDay 12 – Explore Mitiaro
Arrange a rental car or scooter to explore the island of Mitiaro today! It’s one of the few outer islands where you don’t need a guide to find most of its hidden caves, so make this your mission today!
Things to Do on Mitiaro
Mitiaro’s highlights include three cave pools that are easily accessible on your own: the sulphur pools of Vai Marere, the large pools of Vai Nauri, and the hike to Vai Tamaroa.
You’ll also get the “private beach” experience at the many endearing beaches found between the coral rocks. There are also stunning reef walks amidst the crystal-clear waters.
Plan a whole day exploring the island using A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Mitiaro and find more experiences in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mitiaro.
Bar Recommendations
While there are no restaurants on Mitiaro, as your accommodation will provide everything to sustain you, the island does have a couple of drinking options! There’s the IYA Bar in Mangarei village, and Vivian’s Homestay opens up Pati’s Bar on a Friday, serving up the Cook Islands’ famously potent bush beer.
For more about dining on Mitiaro, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Mitiaro.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 13 – Fly to Rarotonga
Say goodbye to the quieter side of the Cook Islands as you fly back to Rarotonga today. We recommend making your way back to Rarotonga a day before departure, not just to spend more time on Raro, but also in case there are cancellations or rescheduling of your domestic flight. You wouldn’t want to miss your flight back home, would you? Wait, would you?!
Alternative Rarotonga Accommodations
- Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows
- The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
- Muri Beachcomber
- Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
- Ikurangi Eco Retreat
Why not try somewhere new for your final night in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands? Otherwise, check in at the same accommodation as your first stay in Rarotonga if you really loved it!
Compare some of our favourite resorts in the 20 Best Resorts on Rarotonga.
Dining Recommendations
It’s your last night in the Cook Islands, so make it count! How about a delectable three-course dinner at OTB? Or an island night and cultural tour at Highlands Paradise?
You can also make your own umukai with Tumutoa Tours! There’s so much on offer, so be sure to compare eateries and foodie experiences in The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comDay 14 – Last Day on Rarotonga
It’s time to say goodbye to the azure lagoon waters and silky sands of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands as you depart for your next destination.
If you want something to remember the Cook Islands by, have one last browse of the craft and gift shops of Avarua and Rarotonga International Airport’s duty-free stores with black pearls, rito earrings and fans, local perfumes and more. Check out the 15 Best Souvenirs from Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for ideas.
Remember to arrive at Rarotonga International Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure, so you have enough time to check in, go through security, and browse the duty-free shops. Airport transfers are a little cheaper for your departure flight, so check them out in the 8 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
And it’s Area Rā from the Cook Islands!
Alternative Cook Islands 2-Week Itineraries
Is this 14-day Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke and Mitiaro itinerary for the Cook Islands not quite speaking to you? How about checking out our alternative itineraries for 14 days/2 weeks:
- Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu & Mangaia Itinerary: 14 Days
- Cook Islands Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 14 Days
- Cook Islands Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 14 Days
- Cook Islands Food Itinerary: 14 Days
- Cook Islands Family Itinerary: 14 Days
- Cook Islands Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days
- Cook Islands Adults-Only Itinerary: 14 Days
Finally, if there’s any aspect of your trip that we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
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