Cook Islands
Days:
9 Days
Activity:
3. Active Moderate
Transport:
Fly
$5,195.00
Tour description
Discover the gentle beauty and coastal charm of northern New South Wales on this relaxing four-day getaway to Byron Bay and its lush hinterland. With golden beaches, rainforest valleys, creative townships and fresh local produce at every turn, the region offers a wonderful balance of rest and exploration. Your journey begins with close encounters at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and a tasting at Duck Creek Macadamias before settling into your luxury Byron retreat. Over the next few days, enjoy a guided tour of The Farm Byron Bay, a nostalgic ride on the Byron Solar Train and a breathtaking sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse — the easternmost point of Australia.
Venturing further afield, the tour uncovers the colourful personality of Bangalow, the peaceful energy of the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, and the relaxed atmosphere of Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads. Scenic stops at the Brunswick Heads Breakwall offer sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot migrating whales, while the cascading waters of Killen Falls and the coastal village of Lennox Head bring the journey to a close with a final flourish of natural beauty. With thoughtful inclusions and an easy, enjoyable pace, this short escape is the perfect way to unwind, reconnect and experience the very best of Byron Bay and its surrounds.
Tour Departure Location = Sydney
Travelling from somewhere else? Return flight quotes are available on request. Please contact our team to join the tour.
Itinerary
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.
Testimonials
Dear On Course Tours and Travel, Thank you so much for a wonderful trip to King Island. I have been on a great many coach trips but can honestly say that yours are the best by far (I was also on the Christmas in July trip to Nelson Bay with you guys), I hope to join some more of your tours next year.
Kind regards, Marlene
Dear On Course, I was unable to thank you yesterday for a wonderful trip. Every aspect of the tour was first class, even the Weather! But I want to mention the drinks and trivia night that you arranged to make our time so pleasant. It is these elements which make On Course so much better than your competitors.
