Rarotonga & Cook Islands Food Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week

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How to Get Around the Cook Islands in 1 Week

This Cook Islands food itinerary for 7 days (1 week) includes travel on two islands, as well as between these islands. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get around the Cook Islands in 1 week.

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 one of the airport shuttle companies, as outlined in the article 10 Best Airport Transfers. On Aitutaki, airport transfers are usually provided free of charge by your accommodation.

For travelling on each of the islands, car and scooter hire offer the most convenience. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in the Cook Islands, and for scooters, see the 10 Tips for Riding a Scooter in the Cook Islands.

On Rarotonga, however, you also have the option of taking the bus, which is compatible with this itinerary. Discover more about the bus in our comprehensive guide, The Bus in Rarotonga: Bus Fares, Timetable & More.

Interisland Transport in the Cook Islands

The only manageable way to get between Rarotonga and Aitutaki is via domestic flight. Flights are approximately 50 minutes long, and approximate airfares can be found in our guide, Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands.

For all of your transport options, however, check out the Cook Islands Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around the Cook Islands.

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Day 1 – Arrive on Rarotonga

Welcome to Rarotonga! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals hall to the flurry of “Kia Orana” and floral ‘eis (neck garlands). It’s the customary Cook Islands greeting that most of the airport transfers supply with enthusiasm!

If you want to get your trip off to a real “foodie” start, choose Raro Tours‘ private transfers with sparkling wine and/or juice provided for the journey to your accommodation.

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 Resorts with Amazing Restaurants

• Little Polynesian Resort
• Pacific Resort Rarotonga
• Castaway Resort
• Manuia Beach Resort
• Crown Beach Resort & Spa
• Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach
• The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
• Sunset Resort

Find out more about each resort and more in the 10 Best Resorts for Foodies in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and the 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

For your first night, make things easy for yourself by eating at the restaurant of your chosen accommodation. All of the resorts recommended above have very reputable restaurants that many people travel across the island for! Otherwise, check out The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants for alternative dining recommendations.

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Day 2 – Explore Avarua + Muri Night Market

It’s time to explore Rarotonga! The capital, Avarua, is a good place to start when seeking foodie experiences…

Things to Do in Avarua

Take the bus and head to the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings – an event not to be missed whenever Saturday falls during your trip!

Further into town, explore some of the town’s historical buildings and sit down for a coffee or cocktails at one of its delightful cafes – The Lucky Rooster and The Cafe are two of our favourites.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, the contemporary cuisine at Kai & Co. is a highlight! Plus, pick up some naughty treats complete with tastings at Cook’s Fudge Factory.

If you don’t mind a short drive/cycle out of town, head down the back road behind the airport to Arataki Organic Garden Tours. Enjoy a degustation garden tour, where you’ll sample Rarotonga’s organic fruit prepared in multiple ways while learning about sustainable gardening and the traditional uses of plants. This tour currently operates only once a week, so you may need to schedule it on an alternative day within this itinerary.

For more things to do in town, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Avarua.

Dining Recommendations – Muri Night Market/Island Night

For a vibrant evening out, don’t miss the Muri Night Market. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings from 5 pm in Muri Beach Village, this bustling market offers a whirlwind of flavours and local cuisine.

Bring cash to sample the array of delicious offerings from various stalls. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local food scene and soak up the lively atmosphere. Find out more about the market in the 5 Best Markets in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

One of your evenings on Rarotonga should definitely include one of the island’s acclaimed “island nights” complete with cultural dancing and, of course, a variety of Cook Islander dishes all in one eclectic buffet.

This may also be a consideration for your second day on Rarotonga! Compare island nights across Rarotonga using the 10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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Day 3 – Road Trip Around Rarotonga + Make Your Own Umukai

Experience the flavours of Rarotonga as you hit the road for a self-guided trip around the island. Then, conclude your day by making your own umu kai with Tumutoa. More on that below!

Explore Rarotonga

Today, take a bit of a road trip around the island, either by renting your own vehicle or getting a day pass on the bus. Either way, you’ll be able to stop by an array of cafes and food trucks, such as Beluga Café in Arorangi and Charlie’s Café in Titikaveka, which offers watersports equipment hire.

In between the dining delights, stop by Rarotonga’s best snorkelling beaches like Tikioki Beach, check out historical marae like Arai-Te-Tonga and snap up natural wonders like Black Rock and the Papua Waterfall.

For more places to visit on your road trip around the island, check out A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations – Make Your Own Umu Kai/Progressive Dinner

This evening, make an experience out of your dinner with Tumutoa Tours! Join a characterful island warrior who will teach you how to prepare your own umu kai, a traditional Polynesian style of cooking. While you gorge on the fruits of your labour, sit back with an amazing fire show.

Otherwise, enjoy a more relaxing foodie experience on the “Progressive Dinner Tour” with Cook Islands Tours. You’ll be transported to three different local homes for entrees, mains then dessert. It’s a truly local and uplifting experience for the palate and the soul.

More details about both of the experiences can be found in the 11 Best Foodie Experiences on Rarotonga.

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Day 4 – Rarotonga to Aitutaki

Return your rental car if needed, then take an airport transfer or the bus 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 (complete with floral ‘eis), who will transfer you to your chosen accommodation for check-in.

Aitutaki Accommodations with Amazing Restaurants

• Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
• Pacific Resort Aitutaki
• Aitutaki Village
• Tamanu Beach Resort
• Resort Tava’e

Learn more about these resorts in the 10 Best Resorts for Foodies in the Cook Islands and the 10 Best Resorts on Aitutaki.

Dining Recommendations

You’ll have plenty of time to explore Aitutaki in the next couple of days, so relax at your resort. All of the resorts listed above have delightful dining options. 

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Day 5 – Experience the Aitutaki Lagoon

It’s your first full day on Aitutaki, so experience its “must-do”, the Aitutaki Lagoon!

How to Experience the Aitutaki Lagoon

You have many options when it comes to cruising the lagoon on Aitutaki – just take a look at the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki. Any one of the daytime cruises is well worth experiencing to snorkel among crystal clear water, visit uninhabited islets, and indulge in an island barbecue for lunch.

Alternatively, join Kutekute Tours & Transfers for their private sunset tour, including all the same snorkelling spots, islet visits, but also a delectable private island platter at sunset!

More details about the experiences mentioned above can be found in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Aitutaki.

Dining Recommendations

Should you not take the sunset option, then you’re going to need some dinner recommendations. For fine dining, choose Rapae Bay Restaurant of the Pacific Resort Aitutaki with its elevated views over the lagoon. The restaurant is open every night from 6 pm to 9 pm.

To eat where the locals eat, head to The Boat Shed Bar & Grill with awesome seafood platters.

Learn more about these eateries and get more recommendations in The Best Places to Eat on Aitutaki: 10 Best Restaurants on Aitutaki.

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Day 6 – Road Trip Around Aitutaki

Relax this morning at your resort, then do some exploration on dry land today with a sprinkle of foodie experiences in between.

Explore 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, stunning beaches and historical sites. Grab some cheap eats from one of the local takeaways and take them to one of the many scenic picnic spots around the island – we like Vaipae Wharf, the Aretuki Lookout and Piraki Lookout.

Everything you need for an awesome day exploring Aitutaki is in the day trip itinerary linked above.

Dining Recommendations

For a delightful culinary experience, head to Koru Café. Open daily from 7 am, this popular eatery offers a diverse menu for breakfast and lunch. Start your day with farm-fresh eggs and house-baked toast, or indulge in hearty lunch options like the “Aumai Pulled Pork Burger” or “Koru Poke Bowl”.

Their extensive drinks menu includes everything from espresso to cocktails (served from 11 am). Don’t miss their Bakehouse Pop-Up, open Monday to Thursday mornings near Arutanga.

Alternatively, we recommend Avatea Cafe, which offers a casual inland garden setting in Aitutaki, open Monday to Saturday for brunch, lunch and dinner. Indulge in their wide range of espresso coffee, teas, iced drinks, and tropical smoothies served in funky cups. Try the “seafood platter” and “island fries” for an authentic taste of the Cook Islands!

Check out more dining experiences in The Food Guide to Aitutaki.

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Day 7 – Fly to Rarotonga + Departure

Check out of your accommodation, and a representative will transport you to Aitutaki Airport. Then, say goodbye to the quieter side of the Cook Islands as you fly back to Rarotonga.

Remember to arrive at Rarotonga International Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure from the Cook Islands, so you have enough time to check in, go through security, and browse the duty-free shops.

If you want something to remember the Cook Islands by, have one last browse of Rarotonga International Airport’s duty-free stores with black pearls, rito earrings, local perfumes, coconut oils and more. Check out the 10 Best Souvenirs from Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for more ideas.

And it’s Aere Rā from the Cook Islands!