Cook Islands

Airport transfer to accommodation in Muri Beach area(20 minutes)

Most hotels offer free airport transfers. Alternatively, bus NZD 5 or taxi NZD 30-40. Muri Beach is the best base for the lagoon

Check in to Pacific Resort Rarotonga(30 minutes)

Beachfront resort at Muri Beach. Garden rooms from NZD 250/night, beachfront from NZD 400. Pool, restaurant, and direct lagoon access

First swim and snorkel in Muri Lagoon(1.5 hours)

The protected lagoon is warm, clear, and full of colorful fish and giant clams. Free entry. Reef shoes recommended for the coral floor

Dinner at The Mooring Fish Cafe(1.5 hours)

Best seafood on the island. Sashimi platter NZD 28, grilled mahi-mahi NZD 32. On the lagoon at Avana Harbor. Book ahead

Cross-Island Trek with Pa's Nature Walk(4 hours)

Guided hike NZD 65-85 through tropical rainforest to the Needle (Te Rua Manga) at 413m. The guide shares Polynesian plant lore and legends. Muddy trail — proper shoes essential. Water and fruit provided

Lunch at Vili's Burgers in Avarua(45 minutes)

Famous roadside stand. The Mama's Burger (NZD 12) with local slaw is legendary. Cash only. Open weekdays

Rent a scooter and circle the island(2 hours)

Scooter NZD 25-35/day. Need a Cook Islands driving license (NZD 20 from the police station with your home license). Drive on the left. The full loop takes 45 minutes without stops

Black Rock (Tuoro) sunset(1 hour)

A volcanic rock promontory where Polynesian spirits are said to depart for the afterlife. Locals cliff jump here. The sunset views west are unobstructed. Free

Air Rarotonga flight to Aitutaki(50 minutes)

Depart 8AM. NZD 450-600 round trip. 15-seat plane — book well in advance. The aerial view of the lagoon on approach is spectacular

Aitutaki lagoon cruise with Kia Orana Cruises(5 hours)

NZD 100-150 including BBQ lunch and snorkeling stops. Visit multiple uninhabited motus and snorkel in crystal-clear water

One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) beach time(1.5 hours)

The postcard sandbar surrounded by impossibly turquoise water. Get your passport stamped at the world's most remote post office (NZD 3). Swim, snorkel, or just absorb the beauty

Return flight to Rarotonga(50 minutes)

Evening departure. You'll land buzzing from one of the world's greatest lagoon experiences

Kayak to Motus off Muri Beach(2.5 hours)

Kayak rental NZD 20-30/hour. Paddle to Taakoka and Koromiri motus — uninhabited islets with sandy beaches. Bring snorkel gear and water

Snorkeling on the motu reef(1 hour)

The reef around the motus has better coral and bigger fish than the shore. Giant clams, butterfly fish, and occasional eagle rays

Lunch at Sails Restaurant(1 hour)

Beachfront at Muri. Ika mata (raw fish in coconut cream, NZD 18) is the Cook Islands' signature dish. Fresh juices NZD 8

Te Vara Nui Cultural Village(3 hours)

Over-water dance performance with village tour and buffet dinner. NZD 105-129/adult. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday evenings. The fire dancing finale is extraordinary. Book ahead in peak season

Sleep in and lazy breakfast(2 hours)

Fresh tropical fruit, pancakes, and Cook Islands coffee. No alarm needed

Morning lagoon snorkeling(2 hours)

Explore different sections of Muri Lagoon at your own pace. The giant clams are worth hunting for

Afternoon rest and reading(2 hours)

Rest day component. Hammock under coconut palms. The ocean sounds are the only soundtrack

Muri Night Market (if Sunday)(2 hours)

Sunday evening 6-9PM. Live music, traditional dancing, local food stalls, and island vibe. Ika mata NZD 10, coconut bread NZD 5. The weekly social event for locals and visitors

Punanga Nui Market in Avarua(2 hours)

Saturday morning market 8AM-noon. Fresh tropical fruit, local crafts, ukulele carvings, pareos, and cooked food. Try the coconut bread and ika mata. Live music. The best place to buy authentic souvenirs

Lunch at Trader Jack's(1 hour)

Waterfront restaurant in Avarua harbor. Fish and chips NZD 22, cold Matutu beer NZD 8. Watch boats in the harbor

Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruize(3 hours)

Glass-bottom boat cruise NZD 80-100. Snorkeling stops, fish feeding, and a motu beach picnic. Fun crew with ukulele music

Farewell sunset at Aroa Beach(1.5 hours)

A quieter west coast beach with a marine sanctuary. Excellent snorkeling at the sanctuary markers. Sunset colors reflect off the calm lagoon

Sunrise swim at Muri Lagoon(45 minutes)

The lagoon at dawn is glass-calm and empty. One last warm Polynesian swim

Breakfast at Muri Beach cafe(45 minutes)

Fresh fruit bowl, eggs, and island coffee. Soak in the final moments

Last-minute shopping in Avarua(1 hour)

Pick up any remaining gifts — black pearls, tivaevae quilts, vanilla extract, and ukuleles are classic Cook Islands souvenirs

Transfer to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)(15 minutes)

Most hotels offer free airport transfers. Allow 2 hours before international flights

Airport transfer to Muri Beach accommodation(20 minutes)

Free hotel transfers or bus NZD 5. Muri Beach is the best lagoon base

Check in to Muri Beach Club Hotel(30 minutes)

Beachfront hotel with lagoon views. Rooms from NZD 200/night. Pool, restaurant, kayak lending

First swim and snorkel in Muri Lagoon(1.5 hours)

Warm, clear, protected lagoon with colorful fish and giant clams. Free. Reef shoes recommended

Dinner at The Mooring Fish Cafe(1.5 hours)

Best seafood on the island. Sashimi platter NZD 28, grilled mahi-mahi NZD 32. Book ahead

Cross-Island Trek with Pa's Nature Walk(4 hours)

Guided hike NZD 65-85 through rainforest to Te Rua Manga (413m). Polynesian plant knowledge shared. Muddy — proper shoes essential

Lunch at Vili's Burgers in Avarua(45 minutes)

Famous Mama's Burger NZD 12 with local slaw. Cash only

Rent a scooter and circle the island(2 hours)

NZD 25-35/day. Cook Islands license NZD 20 from police station. The full 32km loop takes 45 minutes nonstop

Black Rock sunset(1 hour)

Volcanic promontory where Polynesian spirits depart for the afterlife. Locals cliff jump. Free. Unobstructed western sunset

Kayak to Taakoka and Koromiri motus(3 hours)

Kayak rental NZD 20-30/hour. Paddle to uninhabited islets with sandy beaches. Bring snorkel gear and lunch

Snorkeling on the motu reefs(1.5 hours)

Better coral and bigger fish than the shore. Giant clams, butterfly fish, eagle rays

Picnic lunch on the motu(1 hour)

Pack supplies from CITC supermarket. Fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and drinks under coconut palms

Te Vara Nui Cultural Village(3 hours)

Over-water dance show with village tour and buffet dinner. NZD 105-129/adult. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Fire dancing finale is outstanding

Air Rarotonga flight to Aitutaki(50 minutes)

NZD 450-600 round trip. 15-seat plane. The aerial approach over the lagoon is jaw-dropping

Check in to Aitutaki Village(30 minutes)

Beachfront resort on the lagoon. Bungalows from NZD 300/night. Direct lagoon access and snorkel gear included

Afternoon lagoon swim from the resort(2 hours)

Wade into impossibly turquoise water right from your bungalow. The colors are not photoshopped — they're real

Dinner at Koru Cafe(1.5 hours)

Small restaurant with excellent fish dishes. Fresh tuna NZD 30. The owner-chef uses local ingredients creatively

Full-day lagoon cruise with Vaka Cruise(6 hours)

NZD 100-150 including BBQ lunch on a motu. Multiple snorkeling stops in the lagoon. Small groups on a traditional vaka (canoe)

One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)(1.5 hours)

The iconic sandbar surrounded by turquoise water. Get your passport stamped at the world's most remote post office (NZD 3). Swim, snorkel, and marvel

Snorkeling at Honeymoon Island(1 hour)

A tiny motu with excellent reef. Giant trevally, parrotfish, and pristine coral in shallow warm water

Sunset from the resort beach(1 hour)

Aitutaki sunsets are legendary. Watch from a lounger with a rum punch in hand

Sleep in and late breakfast(2 hours)

Fresh tropical fruit, coconut bread, and coffee at the resort. No schedule

Rent a bicycle and ride the island(2.5 hours)

Aitutaki is flat and easy to bike. NZD 15/day. Visit the old church, the fish market, and the viewpoint hill. The whole island takes 2 hours

Afternoon snorkeling from resort beach(1.5 hours)

Rest day component. Gentle reef exploration at your own speed

Dinner at Rapae Bay Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Overwater dining (when available). Fresh lobster NZD 45, catch of the day NZD 30. The lagoon shimmers below you

Air Rarotonga flight back to RAR(50 minutes)

Morning departure. Last chance to see the lagoon from above

Lunch at Tamarind House(1 hour)

South coast restaurant in a tropical garden. Fusion cuisine. Pork belly with mango chutney NZD 28. By the waterfall pool

Aroa Marine Reserve snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Protected marine sanctuary on the south coast. Marked swimming area with abundant reef fish. Free. The best shore-access snorkeling on Rarotonga

Sunset cocktails at The Islander Hotel(1.5 hours)

Beachfront bar on the west coast. Happy hour cocktails NZD 10. Live music some evenings

Punanga Nui Market(2 hours)

Saturday 8AM-noon. Fresh fruit, ukulele carvings, pareos, ika mata, coconut bread. Live music. The weekly social event

CICC Church visit in Avarua(30 minutes)

The historic Cook Islands Christian Church (1853) built of coral limestone. Sunday services have extraordinary hymn singing — visitors welcome

Lunch at Trader Jack's(1 hour)

Avarua harbor waterfront. Fish and chips NZD 22, cold beer NZD 8

Cook Islands Library and Museum(1 hour)

Small museum covering Polynesian navigation, missionary history, and Cook Islands culture. Free entry (donation appreciated). In the center of Avarua

Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruize(3 hours)

Glass-bottom boat NZD 80-100. Snorkeling, fish feeding, and motu beach picnic. Fun crew with ukuleles

Guided reef walk at low tide(1.5 hours)

Walk on the exposed reef flat at low tide with a marine biologist guide. NZD 40-60. See sea cucumbers, octopus, and learn about reef ecology. Reef shoes essential

Cook Islands cooking class(3 hours)

Learn to prepare ika mata (raw fish in coconut cream), rukau (taro leaf), and coconut bread. NZD 80-100 per person including lunch. Some resorts offer this; also private classes available

Free afternoon for rest(2 hours)

Rest day component. Digest your cooking class creations in a hammock

Muri Night Market (if Sunday)(2 hours)

6-9PM. Live music, dancing, local food stalls. The highlight of the Rarotonga week. Ika mata NZD 10

Whale watching boat trip (seasonal July-October)(3 hours)

Humpback whales pass through Cook Islands waters. Boat trips NZD 80-120 per person from Avarua harbor. If outside season, substitute with a reef fishing trip

Titikaveka Beach(1.5 hours)

A quiet south coast beach with excellent snorkeling. The lagoon here is shallow and warm. Free. Less crowded than Muri

Lunch at Cafe Salsa in Avarua(1 hour)

Eclectic menu with Mexican-Pacific fusion. Fish burrito NZD 18, smoothies NZD 10. A local favorite

Sunset at Aroa Beach(1.5 hours)

The marine sanctuary beach with calm water and a west-facing sunset view. Bring snorkel gear for the sanctuary markers

Mountain bike rental and inland ride(3 hours)

NZD 30-40/day from Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours. Ride the Ara Metua (ancient inland road) through taro plantations and past marae (sacred sites)

Wigmore's Waterfall hike(1.5 hours)

A short trail through tropical forest to Papua Waterfall (also called Wigmore's). The flow varies with rain. Free. Muddy trail — boots recommended

Lunch at LBV Rarotonga(1 hour)

Wine bar and bistro with excellent salads and tapas. Fish ceviche NZD 16, wine by the glass NZD 12

Free afternoon and rest(2 hours)

Rest day component. Pool time and relaxation at the hotel

Dinner at Tamarind House(1.5 hours)

Return to the south coast gem for a different dish. The duck confit NZD 32 is excellent

Glass bottom boat tour at Fruits of Rarotonga(1.5 hours)

NZD 45 per person. Covers the reef ecosystem from a dry vantage point. Good for non-swimmers or a different perspective

Aroa Marine Reserve extended snorkeling(2 hours)

The marked marine sanctuary has the densest fish populations. Bring your own gear or rent at the beach. Free access

Lunch at Are Oki Café(1 hour)

Casual cafe near Aroa Beach. Poke bowls NZD 18, coconut smoothies NZD 10

Spa treatment at the resort(1.5 hours)

Polynesian massage NZD 80-120. Coconut oil and island aromatherapy. A luxurious rest

Farewell sunset on the west coast(1 hour)

Walk any west coast beach for a final Cook Islands sunset

Sunrise swim at Muri Lagoon(1 hour)

The lagoon at dawn is glass-calm. One last snorkel among the giant clams

Return to your favorite beach or snorkel spot(2 hours)

Muri, Aroa, or Titikaveka — spend the morning at the place that felt most like yours

Last lunch at The Mooring Fish Cafe(1.5 hours)

Return to the best restaurant for a final fish feast

Souvenir shopping in Avarua(1 hour)

Black pearls, tivaevae quilts, vanilla extract, ukuleles. CITC center has a good selection

Farewell dinner with island night show(3 hours)

Several resorts do cultural dinner shows. Highland Paradise NZD 95 includes historical tour, buffet, and warrior dance performance on a hilltop

Morning lagoon swim(45 minutes)

One last warm Polynesian swim in Muri Lagoon

Breakfast at the resort(45 minutes)

Fresh tropical fruit, coconut bread, and island coffee

Pack and checkout(30 minutes)

Most hotels store luggage if your flight is later. Spend remaining time by the pool

Transfer to Rarotonga International Airport(15 minutes)

Free hotel transfer or taxi NZD 30. Allow 2 hours before international flights. The airport has a small duty-free with vanilla and coffee

Airport transfer to Muri Beach area(20 minutes)

Free hotel transfer, bus NZD 5, or taxi NZD 30-40

Check in to self-catering bungalow near Muri(30 minutes)

For 3 weeks, a self-catering unit saves money. NZD 150-250/night with kitchen. Try Muri Beach Hideaway or Muri Lagoon View

First swim in Muri Lagoon(1.5 hours)

Warm, clear, protected. Colorful fish and giant clams. Free. Welcome to paradise

Dinner at The Mooring Fish Cafe(1.5 hours)

Sashimi platter NZD 28, grilled mahi-mahi NZD 32. The best first-night dinner

Cross-Island Trek with Pa's Nature Walk(4 hours)

NZD 65-85. Rainforest to the Needle (Te Rua Manga, 413m). Polynesian plant lore. Muddy — proper shoes essential

Lunch at Vili's Burgers(45 minutes)

Famous Mama's Burger NZD 12. Cash only. A Rarotonga institution

Scooter circle of the island(2 hours)

NZD 25-35/day. Get your Cook Islands license first (NZD 20, police station). Drive on the left

Black Rock sunset(1 hour)

Volcanic promontory for unobstructed western sunset. Locals cliff jump here. Free

Kayak to Taakoka and Koromiri motus(3 hours)

Kayak NZD 20-30/hour. Pack snorkel gear and a picnic from CITC supermarket

Motu snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Better coral and bigger fish around the motus. Giant clams, butterfly fish, eagle rays

Picnic on the motu(1 hour)

Fresh bread, fruit, and drinks under coconut palms on a private island

Te Vara Nui Cultural Village(3 hours)

Over-water dance show, village tour, buffet dinner. NZD 105-129. Tue/Thu/Sat. Fire dancing finale is spectacular

Sleep in and cook breakfast(2 hours)

Use the kitchen in your bungalow. Fresh fruit from CITC, eggs, and coffee

Extended lagoon snorkeling(2 hours)

Explore sections you haven't reached yet. The giant clams are scattered across the lagoon floor

Afternoon reading in hammock(2 hours)

Rest day component. No guilt, no plans, no responsibilities

Muri Night Market (if Sunday)(2 hours)

6-9PM. Live music, traditional dancing, local food. Ika mata NZD 10. The best evening on Rarotonga

Air Rarotonga flight to Aitutaki(50 minutes)

NZD 450-600 round trip. 15-seat plane. The aerial view of the lagoon on approach is jaw-dropping. Book early

Check in to Tamanu Beach Resort(30 minutes)

Beachfront bungalows from NZD 280/night. Direct lagoon access. Quieter end of the island

First swim in the Aitutaki lagoon(2 hours)

Wade into water that's every shade of turquoise. The shallows stretch for hundreds of meters. Unreal

Dinner at Koru Cafe(1.5 hours)

Fresh tuna NZD 30 prepared creatively by the owner-chef

Full-day lagoon cruise(6 hours)

NZD 100-150 including BBQ lunch on a motu. Multiple snorkeling stops. Small group on a traditional vaka

One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)(1.5 hours)

Passport stamp at the world's most remote post office NZD 3. The sandbar surrounded by turquoise water is the postcard image

Snorkeling at Honeymoon Island(1 hour)

Tiny motu with pristine reef. Giant trevally, parrotfish, and coral in warm shallow water

Sunset at the resort(1 hour)

Watch the lagoon turn golden from your deck

Bicycle rental and island circuit(3 hours)

NZD 15/day. Aitutaki is flat and easy to bike. Visit the old CICC church, the fish market, and ride past coconut plantations

Climb Mount Maungapu(1.5 hours)

Aitutaki's highest point (124m). A short steep climb for a 360-degree lagoon panorama. Free. The view of the lagoon from above is extraordinary

Lunch at The Boat Shed Bar and Grill(1 hour)

Casual beachside eating. Fish burger NZD 20, cold beer NZD 8. Ocean breezes and friendly service

Free afternoon lagoon swimming(2 hours)

Rest day component. The lagoon from shore is just as beautiful as from a boat

Morning snorkel session from resort beach(2 hours)

The house reef has excellent fish life. Take your time — you're in no rush

Cook breakfast and long morning(2 hours)

Use the resort kitchen or grill if available. Fresh fruit from the local shop

Afternoon at leisure(3 hours)

Rest day component. Read, nap, float in the lagoon. This is what 21 days allows

Dinner at Rapae Bay Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Overwater dining when tides allow. Fresh lobster NZD 45, catch of the day NZD 30

Half-day deep sea fishing charter(4 hours)

NZD 200-350 per person. Target mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo. The waters around Aitutaki are excellent. The crew cooks your catch for lunch

Lunch of your catch(1 hour)

The fishing crew will sashimi or grill your catch right on the boat or at the dock. The freshest meal possible

Visit a local family for taro and coconut preparation(1.5 hours)

Ask your accommodation to arrange. Learn how to husk a coconut, grate coconut cream, and prepare traditional dishes. A genuine cultural exchange

Sunset from the western shore(1 hour)

Walk to the west side of the island for an unobstructed sunset over the open Pacific

Morning swim in Aitutaki lagoon(45 minutes)

Last dip in the world's most beautiful lagoon. Savor it

Air Rarotonga flight back to RAR(50 minutes)

Last aerial view of the lagoon. Keep the camera ready for the approach over Rarotonga

Lunch at Cafe Salsa in Avarua(1 hour)

Mexican-Pacific fusion. Fish burrito NZD 18, smoothies NZD 10

Settle back into Muri Beach bungalow(1 hour)

Return to your base. The familiarity feels like coming home

Dinner at Tamarind House(1.5 hours)

South coast garden restaurant. Pork belly with mango chutney NZD 28

Punanga Nui Market(2 hours)

Saturday 8AM-noon. Fresh fruit, crafts, ukuleles, pareos, ika mata, coconut bread. Live music. The social heart of Rarotonga

CICC Church and Avarua heritage walk(1 hour)

Coral limestone church from 1853. Walk past the old parliament building and harbor

Cook Islands Library and Museum(1 hour)

Small but fascinating. Polynesian navigation, missionary history, local culture. Free entry

Lunch at Trader Jack's(1 hour)

Harbor waterfront. Fish and chips NZD 22, cold beer NZD 8

Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruize(3 hours)

Glass-bottom boat NZD 80-100. Snorkeling, fish feeding, motu picnic. Fun crew

Guided reef walk at low tide(1.5 hours)

NZD 40-60 with a marine biologist. Sea cucumbers, octopus, reef ecology. Reef shoes essential

Cook Islands cooking class(3 hours)

NZD 80-100. Learn ika mata, rukau (taro leaf), coconut bread. Eat your creations for lunch

Free afternoon for rest(2 hours)

Rest day component. Digest and relax

Dinner at your bungalow(1.5 hours)

Cook using the techniques from your class. Market fish prepared ika mata style

Whale watching boat trip (seasonal) or reef fishing(3 hours)

Humpbacks pass through July-October, NZD 80-120. Outside season, substitute with reef fishing NZD 60-80

Titikaveka Beach(1.5 hours)

Quiet south coast beach with shallow lagoon snorkeling. Less crowded than Muri. Free

Lunch at LBV Rarotonga(1 hour)

Wine bar with fish ceviche NZD 16, wine by glass NZD 12

Aroa Marine Reserve snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Protected sanctuary with the densest fish populations. Free access

Morning at your own pace(3 hours)

Sleep, cook, read. The luxury of time

Lagoon float(2 hours)

Lie on your back in the warm shallow lagoon. Watch clouds. Breathe

Spa treatment(1.5 hours)

Polynesian massage NZD 80-120 with coconut oil and island aromatherapy

Simple dinner at a beach warung(1.5 hours)

By now you have your favorites. The staff knows your name. That's slow travel

Mountain bike ride on the Ara Metua(3 hours)

NZD 30-40/day from Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours. The ancient inland road passes taro plantations and marae (sacred sites)

Wigmore's Waterfall hike(1.5 hours)

Short trail to Papua Waterfall through tropical forest. Flow varies with rain. Free. Muddy — boots needed

Lunch at Vili's Burgers(45 minutes)

Return to the legend. Try a different burger this time. Still NZD 12. Still perfect

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Rest day component. Pool or beach

Dinner at The Mooring Fish Cafe(1.5 hours)

Your second visit — try something different from the menu

Highland Paradise historical tour(2 hours)

NZD 45 for the daytime tour of an ancient mountain settlement. Stories of warriors, gods, and Polynesian history on a jungle hilltop

Lunch at home(1 hour)

Cook at the bungalow. Market ingredients from the morning

Afternoon snorkeling at a new spot(1.5 hours)

Try Fruits of Rarotonga beach or Nikao Beach on the west coast for a different reef perspective

Highland Paradise cultural night show(3 hours)

NZD 95 including buffet dinner and warrior dance performance on the hilltop. Dramatic torchlit setting

Reef cleanup or beach cleanup volunteering(3 hours)

Organizations like Te Ipukarea Society coordinate ocean cleanups. Ask at your accommodation or the visitor center. Free. Snorkel gear provided for reef cleanups

Lunch with local volunteers(1 hour)

Share a meal with the people you worked alongside. Island hospitality at its most genuine

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Rest after the morning's effort. Swim and recover

Cook a Polynesian dinner at home(2 hours)

Use the ika mata and cooking skills you've developed. Invite a new friend from the volunteering

Glass bottom boat tour(1.5 hours)

NZD 45. See the reef ecosystem from above. Good for perspective after all your snorkeling

Scooter ride to the north coast(2 hours)

The north coast is wilder with bigger waves. Papua Passage and Black Rock area have a different energy from the calm south

Lunch at Mooring Fish Cafe (one more time)(1.5 hours)

By now you're a regular. The staff might comp you a dessert

Sunset at Aroa Beach(1.5 hours)

Marine sanctuary snorkeling followed by a west-facing sunset. A perfect combination

Morning at your own pace(3 hours)

Cook breakfast, read, journal. The familiarity of your routine is a gift

Long lagoon session(2 hours)

Your favorite snorkel spots, your favorite entry point. You know the giant clams by location now

Afternoon nap(2 hours)

Rest day component. The ocean sounds are the best lullaby

Farewell Muri Night Market (if Sunday)(2 hours)

Last chance for ika mata, coconut bread, and live music under the stars

Sunrise swim at Muri Lagoon(1 hour)

Dawn light on the calm lagoon. The motus in silhouette. One last time

Return to your favorite spots(3 hours)

Scooter around the island. Stop at every place that mattered. Take photos for memory, not social media

Final shopping in Avarua(1 hour)

Black pearls, tivaevae quilts, vanilla extract. The last souvenirs

Farewell dinner at Tamarind House or The Mooring(2 hours)

A special last dinner at whichever restaurant became your favorite. Toast to three weeks in the Cook Islands

Final morning swim in Muri Lagoon(45 minutes)

One last warm Polynesian swim. You'll carry this feeling with you

Breakfast and packing(1 hour)

Cook one last meal in the kitchen. Clean and close up the bungalow that's been home

Transfer to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)(15 minutes)

Free hotel transfer or taxi NZD 30. Small duty-free has vanilla and coffee. Allow 2 hours before international flights