Cook Islands Highlights: A Perfect Downunder Stopover

Beach Vacations

Arrive in Rarotonga, where swaying palms and turquoise lagoons set a serene island tone.
Explore the island’s lush landscapes and local culture on a guided discovery tour.
Enjoy unhurried days to swim, snorkel or stroll along Rarotonga’s sun-kissed beaches.
Sail the crystal lagoon with Captain Tama’s crew, snorkelling vibrant reefs and feasting island-style.
Savour more leisurely days soaking up Cook Islands charm before your journey home.

Days

from C$2,397

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,339 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,339 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Beach Vacations

Vacations that help you unwind in warm weather climates.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Beach Vacations

Vacations that help you unwind in warm weather climates.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Welcome to Paradise: Arrive in Beautiful Rarotonga

DAY

An Island Discovery Tour

DAY

Aitutaki. Pure Cook Island Magic

DAY

A Day to Embrace the Cook Islands Lifestyl

DAY

Turtles by Day

DAY

Depart the Cook Islands with Lasting Memories

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Welcome to Paradise: Arrive in Beautiful Rarotonga

Day Tour

Arrive in the Cook Islands

Kia orana and welcome to the Cook Islands! You’ll be met on arrival by a local representative, ready to help you trade your travel shoes for sandals and ease into a relaxed island pace.

Day Tour

Progressive Dinner

Leave behind the familiar surroundings of your resort and venture out to local villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle, when you visit with locals in their homes! Enjoy a Progressive Three Course Dinner, where each course is hosted in a different local home. Walkthrough the tropical garden at the home of your first host, who serves your 'first course' for the night. Then it is off to enjoy your "main course", where you will be treated to a buffet feast, similar to what you would expect at a large Cook Islands family gathering. Then, your "dessert" host will delight you with local sweets, fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee. When enjoying your meals at each home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band that will accompany you throughout your local dining experience.

Your Accommodation

Sunset Resort Rarotonga

Sunset Resort Rarotonga is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua Township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. The Resort offers 35 spacious rooms situated either on the beachfront overlooking the lagoon or beside either of our two swimming pools set amid lush tropical gardens.

Duration

5 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Continental Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

An Island Discovery Tour

Day Tour

Island Discovery Tour

Start your holiday in the Cook Islands with an orientated cultural tour of scenic Rarotonga in a modern air-conditioned coach. Explore the history and culture of the Cook Island people in the company of your qualified, friendly tour guides. Follow the roads and paths used by our ancestors dating back to 1100AD; visit a sacred marae (ancient gathering place for royalty) and explore historical sites once inhabited by our people. Learn where the best snorkelling spots are located in Rarotonga, see why the coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life.

DAY

Aitutaki. Pure Cook Island Magic

Day Tour

Aitutaki Day Tour

The day starts with a transfer from your Rarotonga accommodation and a 40 minute flight to Aitutaki. On descent, the stunning colours of the lagoon come into view and this is usually where everyone has their phone against the windows - capturing the magical landscape below. On arrival at Aitutaki, take a 45 minute tour of the island by "Les Truck" taking in views of inland plantations and the main villages. Then the highlight of the day. The renowned Vaka Cruise - six hours of cruising the magnificient blue lagoon aboard the Polynesian styled vaka Titi-ai-Tonga. Visit three (Moturakau, Akaiami, One Foot Island) small motu (islets) fringing the lagoon with time for snorkelling at each one. Experience the solitude of pristine white sand beaches and warm crystal clear water. Highlights include the iconic One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) and Akaiami - where giant TEAL flying boats used to stopover for refuelling on the famous Coral Route between Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti. Lunch is served on board. A delicious medley of barbecued pelagic fish steaks served with a variety of fresh salads and tropical fruit all sourced from local farmers. Lunch is accompanied by complimentary tea, coffee, and water, and a cash bar for wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks is available. The day ends with an arrival back in Rarotonga at 5.30pm and a transfer back to your accommodation.

DAY

A Day to Embrace the Cook Islands Lifestyl

Day Tour

Te Vara Nui Cultural Village Over Water Dinner and Show

The Cook Islands greeting Kia Orana, “may you live on” reflects the beauty not only of our islands but also of our Cook Islands people. At Te Vara Nui Village you will meet local Cook Island Maori people who will share their stories, knowledge and heritage with you during the Cultural Village Tour. Finish with Rarotonga’s finest dancers and musicians as they perform by flaming torchlight on the floating and fixed stages of our waterfall garden while enjoying a delicious buffet. This stunning Over Water Night Show reflects the experience of the village delivering an electric and authentic cultural performance like no other on the island! Te Vara Nui Village has something for everyone; inspiring fun, authentic entertainment, activity and wonder. It will capture your soul and heart, leaving you awed from its dazzling backdrop and dramatic performance.

DAY

Turtles by Day

Day Tour

Turtle Sea Scooter Safari

Discover Rarotonga’s most unforgettable turtle tour. The Turtle Sea Scooter Safari is a spectacular way to see and swim with Pacific Green and the endangered Hawksbill turtles. This premium sea scooter experience offers safe, guided encounters with beautiful turtles in a stunning blue lagoon. Glide effortlessly with state-of-the-art sea scooters, perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkellers alike. The 90 minute adventure starts with a quick safety brief, then we fit you with mask, snorkel and fins and you'll complete your Sea Scooter Operators course. Then we launch into the water off the beach and inside the lagoon. As you drift out with the current our professional Guides are pointing out marine and environmental points of interest along the way. It's simply amazing. Your first turtle encounter can be simply magical. Listen to your Guide as they teach you how to share their underwater world and minimize disruption to them and the environment. Keep a sharp lookout because you'll probably swim over more than you can see.

DAY

Depart the Cook Islands with Lasting Memories

Day Tour

Depart the Cook Islands

Time permitting, savour a leisurely breakfast, one last stroll along the beach or some last-minute souvenir shopping before your flight home, taking warm island memories with you.

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Te Rua Manga, Rarotonga

Meet the friendly Cook Islanders

Aitutaki

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

RarotongaPartly Cloudy

24°C / 75°F

43mm / 1.7"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,339 Reviews

Verified

I will always use GoWay when I travel. And especially use my agent Bijal Kana. You never feel unsafe and your transfers and itinerary are amazing. This is my second trip with Goway, having gone to Egypt with them and having an amazing experience. I’ve now traveled to China and also had an amazing experience. The only thing I would improve is that some of the quality of the restaurants were less than I would have expected, sometimes feeling like you’re in a fast food restaurant ..I’m not sure if that’s controlled by go away or the local tour managers. But as far as driving and transportation in the itinerary, it was perfectly planned. The hotels also were top-notch. The tour guides also guide you securely in airports and trains to make sure that you are safely placed in the right area. If i had anything to improve on, it would be the restaurant quality, I expected more of a four or five star restaurant experience, which I would say 75% of the time I felt like we were in a very nice restaurant. Which made me think it was up to our tour guide that chose the restaurants. There were a few times that was extremely disappointed on the location and the restaurant experience. But other times I felt like it was the best place in the world they could’ve chosen so I’m not sure. Please don’t take this as anything against go away. I would definitely use them every time I travel. I wish I could directly submit a review on each tour guide in each location, which would be much more specific on how the experience went. Maybe in the future they will give a more in-depth survey on each tour guide that you interact with and their choices and their touring style. That being said I still give the trip a 95%. Marina Pender

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This Kenya adventure was my second trip to Africa with Goway, and once again, my go-to Africa specialist, Alexandra Hale, worked her magic. She helped create a thoughtfully planned itinerary that included all the must-see highlights of Kenya, with the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Our custom journey took us from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, on to Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, and finally to the beautiful Kenyan coast along the Indian Ocean. Along the way, we stayed at outstanding accommodations, including the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, and the Baobab Beach Resort & Spa in Diani. Every destination offered incredible experiences, but if I could change one thing, I would have added an extra day at the beach to enjoy the coast a little longer. The in-destination support provided by the Sense of Africa team was exceptional. Their knowledgeable guides enhanced our experience at every stop and ensured everything ran smoothly throughout the trip. One of my most memorable experiences was the hot-air-balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. Seeing wildlife from above at sunrise was truly breathtaking. The experience was made even more special with a freshly prepared champagne breakfast in the bush after landing. This was another unforgettable African adventure, and I’m already looking forward to returning to the continent. When it’s time to plan my next trip, Goway will be my first call.ABanks

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Exceptional Service from Leo Liu at Goway Travel Our recent 16-day private journey through China was an extraordinary experience, thanks in large part to Leo Liu of Goway Travel, who worked closely with me to create a truly personalized itinerary. What I appreciated most about Leo was his willingness to collaborate with me throughout the planning process. I had very specific ideas about the destinations, luxury accommodations, cultural experiences, and activities we wanted to include. Rather than simply offering a standard tour package, Leo listened carefully to my preferences, offered valuable suggestions, and worked patiently with me to refine every detail. Our journey took us through Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin and Yangshuo, and Hong Kong. Each destination offered something special, from China’s magnificent historical landmarks to its vibrant modern cities and breathtaking countryside. The accommodations were thoughtfully selected, including the Peninsula Beijing, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and the beautiful Sugar House in Yangshuo. We particularly enjoyed the unique experiences woven into our itinerary, including the spectacular Gong Yan performance in Shanghai and the scenic beauty of Yangshuo. What made Leo exceptional was that he understood the kind of travel experience we wanted. He respected my input, welcomed my suggestions, and helped transform my ideas into a seamless and memorable journey. Planning a complex private trip requires considerable coordination, and his professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail were greatly appreciated. Having traveled extensively, we value a travel advisor who does more than arrange hotels and transportation. We appreciate someone who genuinely collaborates with us to create meaningful experiences. Leo Liu delivered exactly that. Thank you, Leo, for your dedication, patience, and excellent service. Our China adventure was filled with wonderful memories, and we look forward to planning many more journeys with you and Goway Travel. Highly recommended for travelers seeking thoughtfully designed, personalized luxury travel experiences!Suzette

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I’ve travelled with GoWay Travel for over ten trips abroad.(Australia, Japan, NewZealand, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya/Tanzania.) Each itinerary was customized to fit my needs, suggestions given to improve the experiences, and the air transportation was arranged. The consultants have been exemplary, with Brooke Theron being my skilful consultant for this my third trip to Botswana. She was patient, knew her destinations, listened to my wants and delivered an itinerary that was different from my two other trips to Botswana. Since I now travel solo, I’m very conscious of security, planning, being met and transported from airports to destinations, very good accommodations with excellent food packages, and lots of activities. This trip rates in the top three of my journeys with GoWay. Brooke booked me into the Kwando Reserve- Splash 3 days and Lebala camp 3 days and 2 days on the Chobe Princess cruise on the border of Botswana and Namibia. Kwando Safaris were excellent and the Chobe Princess was good but not quite what I had envisioned. The whole trip was flawlessly detailed and executed. I was never left wondering what to do or where to go. GoWay’s partner in Botswana is Thompson Africa. They were very good. WIth GoWay and their wonderful consultants you can’t go wrong. You are safe and well looked after. I highly recommend this travel company.521810 - Linda Ann Weich - Africa

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I want to thank Taha for his outstanding knowledge on Ghana. It was so good to work with him on the planning and the process to Ghana. Everything was amazing, from the hotels, tour guide Leslie, restaurants, and the food. I would definitely recommend Taha to anyone wanting to travel with a group. Best, Lisa V HendersonLisa Henderson

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Early 2026 I met Alice Teramoto at the Phoenix travel show. I asked her about a dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Thankfully I kept her card. About 7 months later I started planning the trip myself. I was overwhelmed after I got my airline tickets to and from Australia and organized a dive boat. Thankfully I found her card. I texted her with my dates and within two days she had a complete agenda to me. It was amazing. She had transport to and from airports, car rental, tours everywhere I was going. I was gone for 6 weeks and I was so happy with everything she planned. I haven't used a travel agent in the past but believe me I would us Goway Travel and Alice again. barbara coy

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Everything was looked after and no stress for usJean Willoughby

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Vanessa from Goway Travel did a fantastic job pulling together a really comprehensive itinerary for our trip to Egypt. Her advice about "must see" sites was extremely helpful and she also provided great tips based on her own experience travelling to Egypt. Excellent planning by Vanessa meant we were able to thoroughly enjoy our trip. Olga

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I want to Thank Vanessa Lloyd for putting together the most perfect itinerary for my husband and my dream trip to Santorini, Greece. Every detail was perfectly executed. From the pick ups, to tours and most certainly our hotel location, it was truly a dream!! We were so happy and completely blown away, that we couldn't help but shared our experience with several folks we met during our trip... and I just bet they will be using Goway Travel for any future plans of theirs, just like us. Africa, here we come....Tanya Kash

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Exceptional Customer Service, Accountability, and Leadership — Thank You, Goway Travel! As a Canadian travel advisor with Discover Joy Travel, affiliated with TravelOnly, I want to recognize three exceptional individuals at Goway Travel: Jaime Vargas-Hernandez (Destination Specialist – North America and Latin America), Sean Hebert (Vice President, The Americas), and Jason Stratford (Business Development Manager). I recently booked a cross-Canada vacation for my clients, and while the itinerary offered many wonderful experiences, there were several unexpected challenges along the way, particularly involving transportation, transfers, and certain aspects of the overall travel experience. As a travel advisor, one of the most difficult situations is hearing that your clients are disappointed, especially when you've worked hard to create a memorable and seamless vacation for them. What truly impressed me was how Goway responded when things didn't go as planned. From the beginning, Jaime was responsive, professional, and genuinely committed to addressing our concerns. He listened carefully, communicated with the appropriate teams, and made sure our clients' feedback was taken seriously. Jason Stratford was equally supportive, demonstrating the value of having a Business Development Manager who genuinely advocates for travel advisors and their clients. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sean Hebert, Vice President of The Americas, for his outstanding leadership and personal attention to our situation. His involvement demonstrated that customer satisfaction and accountability are priorities at Goway, even at the executive level. What impressed me most was that Goway didn't simply acknowledge the challenges — they listened, took ownership, and made a genuine effort to rebuild our clients' confidence and trust. In fact, despite the difficulties they experienced, my clients were so impressed with how Goway handled their concerns that they expressed interest in booking another international vacation through them, with another couple potentially joining! To me, that speaks volumes. Exceptional customer service isn't about everything going perfectly. It's about how a company responds when things go wrong. As a travel advisor, I value supplier relationships built on trust, transparency, accountability, and genuine care for travellers. Knowing that I have a team willing to listen, take responsibility, and work toward a resolution gives me greater confidence when recommending Goway to my clients. Jaime, Jason, and Sean — thank you for your professionalism, patience, dedication, and for making me feel genuinely supported as a travel advisor. You didn't just help resolve a difficult situation; you helped restore confidence and strengthen a valuable business relationship. Goway is fortunate to have individuals like you representing the company. I look forward to continuing our partnership and creating many more memorable travel experiences for our clients. Highly recommended — not because everything was perfect, but because Goway demonstrated what genuine accountability, strong leadership, and exceptional customer service should look like. — Evangeline Fiset Discover Joy Travel | TravelOnly Fort St. John, British Columbia, CanadaEvangeline de Torres - Fiset

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What do the experts say?

Jessica Scott

Team Lead

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Te Maeva Nui is the Cook Islands' biggest annual cultural celebration, held every August to mark the anniversary of the nation's self-governance. The festival features colourful parades, traditional music and dance, handicrafts, and local food. It’s a vibrant showcase of the islands’ heritage and community spirit. Attending Te Maeva Nui gives travellers a unique chance to see the culture come alive and connect with locals in a joyful, festive setting

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Rochelle Vierus

Destination Specialist

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The islands are deeply Christian, and on Sundays almost everything shuts down — shops, cafés, tours. Instead, visitors are welcome to attend vibrant church services full of incredible a cappella singing. It’s one of the most authentic cultural experiences you can have.

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