Welcome to the Cook Islands! After crossing the International Dateline, we arrive at Rarotonga and transfer to our resort, the beachfront Muri Beach Club Hotel. With palm-fringed lagoon views, this will be our home for the week. The day is free to relax after our flight — take time to rest by the pool, stroll the lagoon shoreline, or simply enjoy the island pace of life. Tonight we’ll gather for a group dinner at the resort’s restaurant, a wonderful chance to settle in and get to know your fellow travellers.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

This morning we set off on an island orientation tour, exploring Rarotonga’s history, culture and natural beauty. A stop at the Raro Brewery introduces us to locally made beers, followed by a tropical lunch. In the afternoon, we join a fun-filled ukulele workshop, learning the art of island music. Tonight, we embark on a lively Progressive Dinner, moving between local homes to enjoy authentic island cuisine and warm Cook Islands hospitality – an experience that promises good food, laughter, and plenty of stories.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we visit a local school where we’ll meet the students and teachers and gain an insight into everyday life in the Cook Islands. This heartwarming experience showcases the strong sense of community on the island. The afternoon is free to relax — swim in the lagoon, enjoy a cocktail by the pool, or explore the shops and cafés nearby. In the evening, we head to Tamarind House, a historic colonial homestead set on the waterfront, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in one of Rarotonga’s most iconic dining settings.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Our day begins at the bustling Punanga Nui Saturday Market, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, black pearls, arts, crafts, and colourful island clothing. After browsing, we continue to the lush Maire Nui Tropical Gardens for a peaceful wander through vibrant flowers and tropical greenery. We then enjoy lunch at Charlie’s Café (own expense), famed for its hearty sandwiches and relaxed beachfront setting. Tonight, we attend the Te Vara Nui Polynesian Village Dinner & Show, a spectacular cultural performance with song, dance, and storytelling — a highlight of any Cook Islands visit.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we experience a moving cultural tradition with a Sunday church service at Titikaveka Church. The powerful hymns sung in harmony by the congregation are unforgettable. Returning to the hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy the lagoon or simply relax. In the evening, we venture to the lively Muri Night Markets, where we can sample a variety of local dishes from food stalls (own expense). The vibrant atmosphere, aromas, and live music make this a perfect way to spend a Cook Islands evening.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

After our tropical breakfast we walk the short distance along the beach to Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise. Listen to the drums before boarding our vessel to get a view of the wonderful marine life in Rarotonga’s lagoons through a glass bottom boat or snorkel with the fish (snorkels and flippers supplied). We disembark for lunch and relax on our own uninhabited island to enjoy a delightful beach BBQ and truly entertaining show. Mid-afternoon we return by glass bottom boat to the beach hut before strolling back to our accommodation where we will have the night at leisure.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we farewell Rarotonga. Transfers are provided to the airport for our return flight home, arriving back in Sydney on Wednesday 10 June.

Optional Extension – Aitutaki Day Tour: Guests may choose to extend their journey with a full-day tour to breathtaking Aitutaki, renowned as one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. The day includes flights, a lagoon cruise aboard the Titi-Ai-Tonga catamaran, snorkelling, lunch, and cultural demonstrations. Guests return to Rarotonga in the evening, with an overnight stay at Muri Beach Club before departing the following morning.

Overnight: Muri Beach Club Hotel (Extension Guests)

Meals Included: Breakfast OR Breakfast, Lunch (Extension Guests)

For those of us not extending, today marks the end of a memorable Cook Islands holiday as we arrive back in Sydney.

Following breakfast, the remaining members of our group who joined us in Aitutaki, will farewell the Cook Islands and be transferred to the airport for our departing flight back to Sydney.

Meals Included: Breakfast (Extension Guests)

Guests who joined the Aitutaki experience arrive back in Sydney today, filled with unforgettable memories of both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.