Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© David Kirkland - Cook Islands Tourism
Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks

© David Kirkland – Cook Islands Tourism

14-Day 4-Island Trip to the Cook Islands: Including Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke and Mitiaro!

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!

Overview: Cook Islands 2-Week (14-Day) Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrive on Rarotonga
  • Day 2 – Relaxation or adventure on Rarotonga
  • Day 3 – Explore Rarotonga
  • Day 4 – Rarotonga to Aitutaki
  • Day 5 – Experience the Aitutaki Lagoon
  • Day 6 – Explore Aitutaki
  • Day 7 – Relaxation or adventure on Aitutaki
  • Day 8 – Fly to Rarotonga then to Mauke
  • Day 9 – Explore Mauke
  • Day 10 – Tour the hidden gems of Mauke (or fly to Mitiaro, depending on flight schedules)
  • Day 11 – Fly to Mitiaro
  • Day 12 – Explore Mitiaro
  • Day 13 – Fly to Rarotonga
  • Day 14 – Last day on Rarotonga.
Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

How 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 8 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 gives you the more budget-friendly option of riding the island bus! Find out more about the bus in our 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, while 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 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 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, like 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 eating at their very reputable restaurants. You’ll have enough time to explore the rest of Rarotonga’s dining scene later.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© DH - Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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 hones in the 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 South Pacific cuisine done superbly, head to The Anchorage Restaurant. Alternatively, try some fine dining at Antipodes or Tamarind House – bookings are essential! If you’re on a budget, don’t miss the Muri Night Market (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 pm) for its food truck festivities. Get more inspiration for where to eat from 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. Wilson’s Beach Bar is always a fun time and even has a menu of Cuban cigars, should you be so inclined.

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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 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 Nautilis Restaurant at Muri Beach are highly recommended. Charlie’s Cafe in Titikaveka offers reasonable prices for their unreasonably sized sandwiches amongst other treats. Or keep things simple with a food truck takeaway, such as the gourmet cuisine of The Kai Guy.

Otherwise, check out The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants for more details and recommendations.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 4 – Rarotonga to Aitutaki

Return your rental car/scooter if needed then take an airport transfer to the domestic terminal of Rarotonga Airport where you’ll take 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, Etu Moana, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, Aitutaki Village and Tamanu Beach Resort each have delightful dining options. Otherwise, for self-catering, your 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 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 Sailing Aitutaki.

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 Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill of the adults-only Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. Otherwise, alternative yet fantastic dining options include the casual alfresco ambience of the Avatea Cafe and the seafood specialists and local watering hole of 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 6 – Explore Aitutaki

Relax this morning at your Aitutaki accommodation. Then, do some exploration on dry land today – you’ll need a car or scooter rental 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 Cafe. Or if you prefer a quiet night in your self-catering accommodation, they offer barbecue packs too.

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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© Craig Owen - Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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 bad a 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 the whale season, whale swimming might just 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 has some fantastic fish dishes and traditional Cook Islander cuisine specials, while Aquila Takeaway serves a wide range of affordable crowd-pleasers using fresh ingredients.

Compare more takeaways in the 9 Best Cafes & Takeaways on Aitutaki.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 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 (tip: 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 places to stay on the island of Mauke. Tiare Cottages are the best choice for couples and adult groups with their quaint budget cottages and their 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 all of your food is provided by your accommodation 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 have self-catering facilities, while there are a couple of shops on the island to buy supplies.

Learn more about managing food on an underdeveloped island in The Complete Travel Guide to Mauke.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© Taniera - Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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 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, indulging in 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© Claire Wilson - Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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 are made up of 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© Alisha Street - Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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 are three cave pools that are easy to find 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 rock. There are also stunning reef walks among 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© Alisha Street - Cook Islands Tourism

Day 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 just 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

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 on 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.

Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mauke & Mitiaro Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 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 12 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 that you have enough time to check in, go through security and browse the duty-free. 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 “ka kite” 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:

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.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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