Rarotonga & Cook Islands Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks

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How to Get Around the Cook Islands in 2 Weeks

This Cook Islands luxury itinerary for 14 days (2 weeks) includes travel on three islands, as well as between these 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, you can either book this in advance with one of the airport shuttle/private transfer companies or simply hop in one of the private airport taxis, as outlined in the 10 Best Airport Transfers.

On Aitutaki and Mitiaro, airport transfers are provided by your accommodation.

For travelling on each of the islands, car hire offers the most flexibility and convenience. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in the Cook Islands. You’ll find, however, that most days on this luxury itinerary feature tours that have transport included.

For everything in between, taxi services are available. Find out more in our guide to Taxis in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Interisland Transport in the Cook Islands

This luxury itinerary has you travelling between Rarotonga and Aitutaki via domestic flight. Flights are approximately 50 minutes, while approximate airfares can be found in our guide, Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands. For your trip between Rarotonga and Mitiaro, we recommend a private jet and guided experience organised through Island Hopper Experiences.

Private jet charters are also available for transport to Aitutaki, should you prefer. Find out more in How to Hire a Plane in the Cook Islands: A Guide to Plane Charters.

For all of your transport options across the islands, not limited to the most “luxurious”, check out the Cook Islands Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around the Cook Islands.

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Day 1 – Arrival on Rarotonga

Welcome to Rarotonga and the start of your escape to paradise! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals hall to the Cook Islands’ traditional greeting with a floral ‘ei (neck garland), as well as a glass of bubbles for the journey if choosing a private airport transfer with Raro Tours.

Since it’s your first day in the Cook Islands, take it easy and get settled at your chosen luxury accommodation. After check-in, relax by your private pool, have a paddle with the kayaks provided at your resort and transition to “Raro time”. We’ll go over a few things you can do on Rarotonga tomorrow.

Rarotonga Luxury Accommodations

• Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
• Nautilus Resort
• Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
• Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas
• Te Vakaroa Villas
• Little Polynesian
• Crown Beach Resort & Spa
• Pacific Resort Rarotonga
• Rainbow Villas

Get details on all of our recommended stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

Resorts such as Nautilus Resort, Little Polynesian, Crown Beach Resort & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga have their own reputable restaurant, so we recommend dining at one of these if that’s where you’re staying (or get a complimentary shuttle to the Pacific Resort, if staying at Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa).

Otherwise, why not get your Cook Islands getaway off to an indulgent start with a gourmet platter delivered right to your villa’s deck with Island Platters? Find out more about the latter option in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga.

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Day 2 – Private Tour of Rarotonga

For your first full day on Rarotonga, get acquainted with the island through one of the fabulous guided tours exclusively catered to you and your nearest and dearest.

Raro Tours offers a private scenic island tour with a drive down the ancient Ara Metua inland road, visiting historical maraes, the Mairie Nui Tropical Gardens, a shell-carving studio, a spa product producer and many more hidden gems that many tourists miss.

Alternatively, Cook Islands Tours offers private orientation tours of the island, taking you to interesting sights and pointing out all sorts of recommendations that you can benefit from throughout your trip.

Discover more about guided tours across Raro in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Dining Recommendations

Treat yourself to a bit of fine dining this evening with a memorable meal at Antipodes. Perched on the hillside of Black Rock, the Mediterranean-inspired villa with three levels of dining area basks in wonderful views and sunsets. Needless to say, you’ll need to make a booking a few nights ahead for this hotspot!

Get more recommendations on where to eat from the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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Day 3 – Adventure in Raro

Early into your trip is when most tend to have adequate energy for active adventures, so make “Day 3” the day you do the experience you’ve been dreaming about.

Option 1: Intimate Turtle Swimming Experience

For an unforgettable turtle encounter, join Sea Pace Rarotonga at the Avaavaroa Passage. Their small-group tours ensure personalised attention, with just four swimmers per guide. The “Turtle & Ray Tour” offers excellent value, lasting 1.5 hours and including guided snorkelling, all gear, and a guaranteed turtle encounter.

For a more luxurious experience, try their premium tour with private guiding, photos, and local refreshments. Compare it with other tours in the 5 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga.

Option 2: Guided Hike of the Cross Island Trek

Rarotonga’s most iconic hiking trail, the Cross Island Trek takes you through tropical jungle and to volcanic peaks with unmatched scenery. Combine with experience with the guided eco-tour of Maunga Tours, including lunch and a guide with a wealth of knowledge.

Learn more about the tour in the 10 Best Guided Walks in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Dining Recommendations

Treat yourself to a culinary delight at OTB – On the Beach Bar & Restaurant, located at Manuia Beach Resort in Arorangi. This polished beachside dining experience offers a three-course fine dining special for NZ$69, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and fresh cocktails. Headed by veteran cuisiner Phillip Nordt, famous for his TV cooking show, OTB serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack menu during Happy Hour.

Sample their decadent desserts and enjoy a Sunday BBQ with live music and a fire show. See how the restaurant compares to The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

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Days 4-5 – Relax in Raro

Take some time over the next couple of days to unwind. No doubt, that’s partly what you flew to the Cook Islands to do anyway…

Of course, the most relaxing experience you can have on Rarotonga is indulging in a spa day. Raro has a number of fabulous spas, from the “Vichy Shower” specialists at the Waterfall Spa of Rumours Luxury Villas.

You can also indulge in a peaceful spa experience at Te Manava Spa, nestled in a tranquil water garden setting. Specialising in massages and beauty treatments, the spa offers luxury and professional service from internationally trained therapists. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

If you can’t secure a spot, try the Pacific Lounge at Pacific Resort Rarotonga. It offers a range of treatments, including express manicures, pedicures, foot massages, and rejuvenating body massages.

Be sure to compare all of your options in the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga. Otherwise, the luxury villas and resorts of Rarotonga offer plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate in paradise, between paddling on the lagoon via SUP or kayak and cooling off in your own private pool.

Dining Recommendations

Tonight, indulge in elegant oceanfront dining at Tamarind House Restaurant. Set in a charming colonial house, this Rarotonga gem offers a relaxed yet sophisticated experience. The menu showcases local ingredients with playful presentation, from housemade focaccia to the island specialty “Ika Mata”. Be sure to try the “pan-seared ocean catch” and the “slow-roasted lamb shank”.

With an extensive drink list and stunning sunset views, it’s a must-visit for foodies – learn more in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga.

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Day 6 – Rarotonga to Aitutaki

Check out of your lavish villa today, take an airport transfer and then check in for your flight at the domestic terminal of Rarotonga Airport. It’s time to fly to your next exciting Cook Islands destination, Aitutaki – see our Aitutaki Transport Guide for more details about getting there.

After a 50-minute flight and a scenic approach over the lagoon, you’ll meet your accommodation representative at Aitutaki Airport (complete with floral ‘eis, of course), who will transfer you to your chosen accommodation for check-in.

Aitutaki Luxury Accommodations

• Pacific Resort Aitutaki
• Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
• Aitutaki Escape
• Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas
• Torea Luxury Villa

Discover more about each indulgent stay in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Aitutaki.

Dining Recommendations

All of the accommodations mentioned above have a restaurant that makes your first meal on Aitutaki effortless and indulgent, while Aitutaki Escape has its private dining experience on its “helicopter pad” well worth booking for your first night. Otherwise, check out The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours for alternatives.

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Day 7 – Private Tour of the Aitutaki Lagoon

Today is the day you explore one of the world’s most breathtaking lagoons! For a luxury holiday, there’s no other way to experience the snorkelling spots and uninhabited islands than taking a private charter. Platinum Cruising offers the most luxurious boat for your journey to the infamous One Foot Island.

Alternatively, we highly recommend Kutekute Tours & Transfers‘ private sunset charter with a sunset picnic on an uninhabited island.

Find out more about the best cruises in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki and the 5 Best Luxury Experiences on Aitutaki.

Dining Recommendations

If you’re taking the sunset cruise this evening, head to Ootu Beach for lunch where you’ll find the Koru Café and its unmissable “Mega Mezze” platter. Alternatively, you might like to try the casual alfresco ambience of the Avatea Café in Tautu along with its contemporary island dishes.

Compare the cafes further in the 10 Best Cafes & Takeaways on Aitutaki. If you need dinner plans, on the other hand, take Koru Cafe up on the offer to have a “BBQ Pack” delivered to your accommodation to spruce up your own Aitutaki barbie!

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Days 8-10 – Relax in Aitutaki

You have two days to unwind among the white sands and turquoise waters of Aitutaki. Like on Rarotonga, Aitutaki’s luxury accommodations offer some irresistible ways to relax, with spa treatments at resort spas or on the deck of your villa.

See the 5 Best Spas in Aitutaki for more details. Otherwise, your accommodation’s kayak and SUP rentals, beach hammocks and more will surely keep you out of trouble…

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for more adventure, such as kitesurfing at Honeymoon Island, whale swimming or scuba diving, then head to the 20 Best Things to Do on Aitutaki to be inspired for alternative activities during these three days.

Dining Recommendations

Experience fine dining and five-star service at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki‘s Rapae Bay Restaurant. Elevated over the beach and gazing across the lagoon on the sunset coast, Rapae Bay offers the ideal setting for a more sophisticated evening with a menu to match. The restaurant is open every night from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Another glorious resort restaurant experience awaits on the private island of Akitua. H.M.S. Bounty Restaurant & Bar is part of the adults-only Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, with perfectly presented plates of Polynesian-style cuisine.

Find out more about these restaurants in The Best Places to Eat on Aitutaki: 10 Best Restaurants on Aitutaki.

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Day 11 – Fly to Rarotonga + Luxury Self-Drive Tour

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 just for the day.

Arrange yourself for a luxury car rental, such as a Mini Cooper convertible, VW Beetle, Mazda Axela, BMW Z3 or whatever is your style, to be waiting for you on arrival at the airport – see the 10 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga. Finally, throw your suitcases in the boot/trunk and hit the road in style. 

Head into town to enjoy a spot of shopping at the black pearl jewellers, fashion outlets and especially the Punanga Nui Market if it’s a Saturday morning. Then continue around the island clockwise, checking out the historical sites of the Matavera backroads, stopping by the shores of Muri Beach, going for a bite to eat at Charlie’s and so on.

We have a full itinerary you can follow in A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Rarotonga.

Once you’re done with your day, check in at your next luxury accommodation. Go on, try somewhere new…

Luxury Accommodation on Rarotonga

• Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
• Nautilus Resort
• Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
• Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas
• Te Vakaroa Villas
• Little Polynesian
• Crown Beach Resort & Spa
• Pacific Resort Rarotonga
• Rainbow Villas

Get details on all of our recommended stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

Dine at one of the other luxury resort restaurants that you haven’t been to yet, such as those at Nautilus Resort, Little Polynesian, Crown Beach Resort & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Otherwise, we have plenty of recommendations in The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

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Day 12 – Private Jet to Mitiaro

Check out of your accommodation and a representative from Island Hopper Vacations will pick you up and transfer you to Rarotonga Airport where you’ll embark on a private jet to one of the less-visited yet wildly different islands of the Cook Islands, Mitiaro.

This overnight adventure to Mitiaro will take you to the gorgeous uplifted coral atoll characterised by its makatea (fossilised coral) landscape. On arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airstrip with floral ‘eis. Then, enjoy a private guided tour around the atoll complete with a mini-market, breathtaking limestone caves with a natural swimming pool, inland hikes to see rare palm species (weather permitting) and Mitiaro’s twin lakes.

Check in at the Divine Retreat – more details can be found in Where to Stay on Mitiaro – and indulge in authentic Cook Islander cuisine at this homely guesthouse.

More details about some of the sights you’ll witness are laid out in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mitiaro.

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Day 13 – Explore Mitiaro + Fly Back to Rarotonga

After breakfast, meet the children of Mitiaro’s only school, where you’ll enjoy cultural activities and, no doubt, a humbling yet uplifting experience. From the school, you’ll spend a couple of hours with the local mamas for a traditional crafting demonstration.

After experiencing the island life and the generous hospitality of Mitiaro, it’s back on your private jet to Rarotonga where you’ll enjoy VIP transfers to your chosen accommodation as your private jet adventure concludes.

Accommodation Recommendations on Rarotonga

For your final night in the Cook Islands, we recommend one of the following resorts:

• Crown Beach Resort & Spa
• Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach
• The Rarotongan Resort & Lagoonarium
• Manuia Beach Resort
• Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Get details on all of our recommended stays in the 20 Best Resorts on Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

Why did we recommend these particular resorts? For your final night on Rarotonga, these accommodations can arrange an exclusive private dining experience on the beach. Indulge in fine dining plates at a secluded location on the beach where you’ll have a private butler and a beautifully decorated venue.

It’s just one of the glorious 10 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga.

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Day 14 – Souvenir Shopping + Departure

Enjoy your final lazy breakfast by the beach before checking out of your accommodation. Take your rental car to Avarua, where you can have one final cheeky browse at the black pearls, rito fans, local art and more.

See The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for ideas. Then, drop off your rental car at Rarotonga International Airport and begin the check-in process for your departure flight.

Remember to arrive at Rarotonga 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.

Rarotonga International Airport’s duty-free stores are worth the time for a peruse, with floral or shell ‘eis (necklaces), wooden carvings, local perfumes, ukuleles, coffee beans and more. Check out the 10 Best Souvenirs from Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for shopping inspiration.

And it’s ka kite from the Cook Islands!