Live Like a Local: Cook Islands
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,203
A travel highlight for most Globetrotters is to mingle and interact with locals. But to actually live amongst them, even for just a short time, is an experience of a life time.
Spend two weeks in one of nature's authentic paradises, the idyllic Cook Islands. Do whatever you want during your time here either relaxing or being active - your choice. Also enjoy three fascinating local experiences that show you the way of life of the Cook Islanders.
The Cook Islands are one of the best kept secrets in the South Pacific when it comes to a truly natural paradise. Located north east of New Zealand, it consists of 15 islands formed by volcanic activity, each one with its own individual character. The Cook Islanders are extremely friendly people who are smiling, warm-hearted and influenced by their Polynesian culture. Reasons to visit are many but include just relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, exploring and learning about the history of the islands. The Cook Islands is where time stands still. There is no sense of urgency here. There are no traffic lights!
On arrival in the Cook Islands, you will be taken to one of our recommended self-contained accommodations for a 12-night relaxing stay. During your time here, you are basically at leisure. Consider renting a car and explore the island, take organized excursions or simply swim and take part in any available water sports activities. You will have, one day, a Highland Paradise Cultural Centre guided tour of authentic historical sites years including re-enactments and interactive live days and another, a leisurely trek across the island with a colourful local character called Pa who will regale you with stories about native myths and legends and introduce you to the indigenous flora and fauna. You’ll also enjoy a hosted dinner at 3 different local family homes.
Goway offers Live Like a Local Escapes to other great destinations in the South Pacific - Queensland's Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand and the Central Coast NSW Australia.
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,203
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Cook Islands
On arrival in Rarotonga, you will be met by Goway's local representative and transferred to your chosen self-contained accommodation.
Choice of the following:
Cook Islands at leisure
You are free to enjoy your new ‘home’ for the next 12 days at your leisure! You may wish to rent a car or scooter to explore the island of Rarotonga at your own pace (the entire island is only 30KM/18M in circumference)! There is a bus service which goes around the island either clockwise or counter-clockwise. You can also pick up some groceries for your self-contained accommodation which includes a kitchen or kitchenette.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Progressive Dinner
Your day is free to relax. This evening enjoy a hosted 3-course dinner (appetizier, main and desert) served at 3 different homes around the island. Dine with your local hosts as you are treated to a delicious meal.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|
Cook Islands at leisure
Your days are free to enjoy your Cook Islands vacation, Embark on day excursions around the island, go snorkelling and swimming or relax with a book an cocktail on the beach. On Day 8 (Sunday), we recommend you experience a Sunday morning church service. The locals will warmly welcome you and you can expect to hear beautiful singing and there are often refreshments after the service.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Pa’s Cross Island Trek
Today enjoy a leisurely trek across the island of Rarotonga and explore the rugged interior. You will be guided by Pa, a delightful and colorful local Cook Islander. Pa will explain the flora and fauna and its use in Cook Island culture (such as in cooking and in medicine). You will see an ancient ceremonial stone, pictographs on the face of the Needle and hear legends from Pa of the ancient Polynesians.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Cook Island at leisure
Your day is free at leisure. Why not consider adding a full day tour to the beautiful island of Aitutaki, or embark on a storyteller’s eco-cycle tour – a great way to experience local life aboard a bicycle.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Highland Paradise Cultural Centre Guided Tour
Today embark on an interactive cultural experience at the Highland Paradise Cultural Centre. Visit Pre-history worshipping places, chiefly house sites, ancient sacrificial sites and reconstructed tribal buildings. You will learn to cook and sample an umu (underground oven), plus learn to weave drum and dance.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Depart Cook Islands
You will be met by a Goway Representative for your transfer to the airport. Depart Rarotonga for your return flight back to North America or onwards to New Zealand or Australia.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Round trip transfers
- 12 nights’ accommodation in a self-contained apartment
- Continental Breakfast at Palm Grove, Lagoon Breeze Villas & Sunset Resort Rarotonga
- Breakfast starter pack at Sea Change Villas
- Includes 3 excursions with a chance to interact with locals
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
OTHER INFORMATION:
Please note flights to the Cook Islands depart once a week (on Saturdays) from Los Angles, returning on a Friday.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season (01Nov’17-31Mar’18). Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
18 Mar 2018
