Cook Islands Day Tours
One of the great ways to discover the Cook Islands is by including a guided tour into your itinerary. It’s a great way to get an insight into the island’s rich culture and history as well as seeing some of the most spectacular sights on the Islands. Here are just a few of the tours that we recommend when visiting . We can arrange all the details and include it in your overall holiday package when you book. Get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.
Progressive Dinner Tour
Venture out to the villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real culture & lifestyle when you visit the locals in their homes. Enjoy 3 courses with each course in a different local home. Explore the tropical gardens, the main is a buffet feast like the families have when they get together. Dessert host will treat you to local sweets, fruit, tea and Atui Island brewed coffee. While enjoying your food you will be delighted by local ukuleles, guitar and singing from the small string band that accompany you on the night.
Cost: $125 per adult & $90 per child (6-11yrs)
Island Discovery Tour
Explore Rarotonga from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach as our experienced, local guide takes you on a fascinating 3 hour sightseeing tour. This tour is the perfect introduction to the island’s rich culture, legends and history. Visit a number of historical sites including one of the first limestone churches built on the island in the 1800s, the Garden of the Seven Canoes at Avana Passage, as well as Black Rock – a volcanic boulder on the edge of the lagoon, traditionally believed to be the departure point of spirits to Avaiki (the afterlife).
Cost: $90 per adult & $50 per child (2-11yrs)
Highland Paradise – Ka’ara Island Night
Set along a hill top ridge sits the 600 year old abandoned village of Arorangi that once was home to the tribe of the High Chief, Tinomana Ariki. Abandoned in the early 1800s after the arrival of Christianity this ancient village has been discovered and developed to share with you. The multi award winning ‘Ka’ara Island Night’ offers its guests an opportunity to experience and learn about the traditional, and spiritual past and present, through village cultural immersion, marae (sacred site) visits, a tapu lifting, and a warrior welcoming into the dining hall.
Cost: $135 per adult & $70 per child (6-11yrs)
Highland Paradise – Tapu’ae Day Tour
The Tapu’ae Day Tour or ‘Footprints of our Ancestors’ offers an interactive and very informative historical tour. Your warrior guide will first take you into the theatre and small museum where you will hear how Highland Paradise came to be. You will be escorted through this sacred village where ancient legends will be told, hear of the battles that were fought against other tribes and cannibalism, see what the village living conditions once appeared like; learn about the plants that were used for medicinal purposes, and many other fascinating facts about this ancient village.
Cost: $100 per adult & $55 per child (6-11yrs)
Raro Safari 4WD Inland Tour
Raro Safari Tours offers an exciting half day adventure into the interior of the island of Rarotonga visiting some of the island’s hard to get to places. Head inland to discover the lush tropical interior of the island. You will visit the green valleys of Avatiu along a paved road that takes you close to the centre of the island. Follow the Ara Metua as it winds its way through cultivated plantations and colourful gardens. Join onto the Ara Tupu, the coastal highway that runs parallel to the white sand beaches of the island passing old churches and villages.
Cost: $115 per adult & $60 per child (6-11yrs)
Captain Tamas Lagoon Cruise
Captain Tamas award winning Lagoon Cruise is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover and experience the stunning Muri lagoon. Enjoy the cruise across the beautiful Muri lagoon to a protected reserve where many species of marine life dwell. You will have the chance here to snorkel and feed the fish before heading to a motu (small islet). On the motu you can enjoy more swimming, a stroll around the island or just relax in the sun while your friendly crew prepare a scrumptious Fish BBQ lunch served with local fruits and side dishes.
Cost: $115 per adult & $59 per child (6-11yrs)
Koka Lagoon Cruise
Don’t miss a fantastic day out with Koka Lagoon Cruises exploring the famous Muri Lagoon. This highly enjoyable 3.5 hour tour takes you on a glass bottom cruise through Muri Lagoon to a marine reserve site, an experience you won’t forget. Onboard ukulele playing and singalong by the crew ensures there’s never a dull moment. Jump overboard with your snorkelling gear. Get up close and personal with the marine life including giant clams, and colourful tropical fish. A delicious fish BBQ feast with tropical salads and in-season fruits awaits on beautiful Motu Koromiri Island.
Cost: $105 per adult & $59 per child (6-11 yrs)
Best of Raro Pass
If you can’t decide on which tour to book then the Best of Raro Pass is for you.
- 3 ½ hour Rarotonga Orientation & Sites tour, including a tropical lunch
- 4 ½ hour Progressive Dinner to Island Homes
- 3 ½ hour Koka Lagoon Cruise with Fish BBQ lunch, snorkelling equipment
- Island Night Buffet Feast & Cultural Dance Show at The Islander Hotel
- A 20% discount on any Black Pearl purchase at Farm Direct Pearls in Avarua
Cost: $370 per adult & $209 per child (6-11yrs)
Aitutaki Day Tour
There is no better way to fully experience the beauty and charm of that magical place than to experience the all inclusive Aitutaki Day Tour from Rarotonga. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Rarotonga International Airport where the 40 minute flight to Aitutaki. Breathtaking views of Aitutaki Lagoon give the first impression of what lies ahead. Enjoy a one hour tour of the island with jaw-dropping views, relaxing atmosphere, swimming and snorkelling spots teeming with an array of colourful tropical fish and majestic giant trevallies. Visit sun-soaked islets (motus) and enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch aboard the traditionally styled Vaku, a 21 foot catamaran. It’s an experience no visitor to the Cook islands should miss.
Cost: $699 per adult $349.50 per child (2-11yrs) $60 infant
*Optional tours can be booked through All About Travel only in conjunction with flight & accommodation packages.