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

Last Updated: 10 December, 2025

7-Day Luxury Trip to the Cook Islands: Including Rarotonga and Aitutaki!

Are the powdery sands, turquoise lagoons and lush rainforests of the Cook Islands calling your name? It’s time to explore paradise with nothing less than pure indulgence in the mix. This is your luxury escape, after all. Whether you’re celebrating something special or “just ’cause”, this Cook Islands luxury itinerary for 7 days (1 week) will ensure your wanderlust and rejuvenation needs are seen to.

Not only will you visit the most popular of the islands, Rarotonga, but you’ll also escape to the more serene and pristine lagoon of Aitutaki.

While you’re here, don’t forget to peruse The Complete Luxury Guide to the Cook Islands; your bible to luxury in the Cooks!

Overview: Cook Islands Luxury 1-Week (7-Day) Itinerary

📅 Day	🗺️ Activity
Day 1	Arrival on Rarotonga
Day 2	Private tour of Rarotonga
Day 3	Adventure or relaxation in Raro
Day 4	Rarotonga to Aitutaki
Day 5	Private tour of the Aitutaki Lagoon
Day 6	Relax in Aitutaki
Day 7	Fly to Rarotonga + departure

Rarotonga & Cook Islands Luxury Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week 🍾

How to Get Around the Cook Islands in 7 Days

This Cook Islands luxury itinerary for 7 days 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, you can either book this in advance with one of the airport shuttle/private transfer companies or simply hop in one of the airport taxis, as outlined in the 10 Best Airport Transfers. On Aitutaki, airport transfers are provided by your accommodation.

For travelling on each of the islands, car hire offers the most flexibility and convenience, which you can learn more about in 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. 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.

Day 1 – Arrival on Rarotonga

Welcome to Rarotonga and the start of your 7-day 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 the 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

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.

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.

Day 3 – Adventure or Relaxation 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. Or, if you’re not so much into exerting yourself, opt for a spa treatment instead… We have four premium options for you.

Option 1: Private Turtle Swimming Tour

For an unforgettable turtle encounter, join Green Turtle Tours at the Avaavaroa Passage. Their private guided swims offer intimate moments with green turtles and other marine life, complete with included snorkelling gear and video footage of your experience

Alternatively, Sea Pace Rarotonga‘s 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.

We’ve heard great feedback about their child-friendly approach and commitment to safety. Compare it with others 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.

Option 3: Relax with a Spa Treatment

If none of the above appeals, then why not indulge yourself in a spa day instead? Raro has a number of fabulous spas, from the “Vichy Shower” specialists at the Waterfall Spa of Rumours Luxury Villas to the reputable.

Nestled in a tranquil water garden, Te Manava Spa offers a peaceful retreat with luxurious massages and beauty treatments. Internationally trained therapists deliver professional services, ensuring a truly indulgent experience.

We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons. If you can’t secure a spot, try the Pacific Lounge at Pacific Resort Rarotonga for a range of beauty and health treatments, including express manicures, pedicures, and rejuvenating massages.

Be sure to compare all of your options in the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

Treat yourself to a culinary adventure at On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant & Sunset Bar, located at Manuia Beach Resort in Arorangi. This casual yet polished beachside venue offers a three-course fine dining special for NZ$69, crafted by veteran chef Phillip Nordt (famous for his TV cooking show).

OTB prides itself on using local, organic produce and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack menu during Happy Hour. See how the restaurant compares to The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

Day 4 – 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 venture to your next exciting Cook Islands destination, Aitutaki.

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.

Day 5 – 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 Cafés & 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!

Days 6 – Relax in Aitutaki

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 their day spa 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 for alternative suggestions.

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.

An alternative, 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.

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 International Airport.

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 local floral or shell ‘eis (necklaces), wooden carvings, perfumes, ukuleles, coffee beans and more. Check out the 12 Best Souvenirs from Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for shopping inspiration.

And it’s Aere rā from the Cook Islands!

Alternative Cook Islands 7-Day (1-Week) Itineraries

Is this 7-day luxury itinerary for the Cook Islands not quite speaking to you? How about checking out our alternative itineraries for 7 days/1 week:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed from this Cook Islands luxury itinerary, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Luxury Guide to the Cook Islands.

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])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the 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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