Our annual ‘warm climate’ winter escape returns, for the first time in three years, to revitalise in the beautiful Cook Islands where we’ll be based on its largest island, Rarotonga. Here’s the perfect tonic for those mid-winter blues with a mix of island activities and pure relaxation over 10 Days as we soak up the warmth of both the weather and the local hospitality – including a day spent on the legendary outer island of Aitutaki. We reckon this sort of restorative break should be on a health plan.
Here’s an idea of how much or how little you can get up to;
Day 1: Today we simply fly to Auckland and check in to the Novotel Airport Hotel ready for our morning flight tomorrow.
Day 2: We depart New Zealand on Wednesday 29th of July and, thanks to the International Dateline, arrive in Rarotonga the day before – Thursday 28th. Now that’s a genuine step back in time. We’ll settle into our Beachfront Deluxe suites at the wonderful Edgewater Resort & Spa with time to explore your home for the next eight nights. As well as being the perfect resort for our needs, it’s ideally positioned, on the north-western shores of the island to spot the Humpback Whales that migrate north from the Great Southern Ocean to give birth and nurse their newborn calves. From July to October, every year, they meander up and down the western coast of Rarotonga, feeding and enjoying the warmer waters. And they often put on a show, close to land, of breaching and diving that can easily be watched from the beach. A truly awe-inspiring sight. And on the transport front, in a new twist this year we’ll be under our own steam, with a couple of rental vans arranged to give us greater flexibility and capacity in our schedule.
Day 3: Today we acclimatise ourselves to our tropical paradise with an Island Discovery Tour. We’ll take in the most notable spots and learn about life on ‘Raro’, followed by our first beachside lunch at Charlies. We return to our resort for an afternoon of relaxation before dinner at the elegant Tamarind House on the other side of the main town of Avarua.
Day 4: After being on the go these last few mornings you can enjoy a relaxed start to the day with time at leisure. Lunch is a unique event where we meet renowned chef Phillip Nordt at On The Beach restaurant as he, and his team, treat us to an interactive cooking masterclass followed by their ‘Chef’s Table Experience’ lunch. After all this, the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to choose.
Day 5: Today we’re off to Aitutaki, an astonishing atoll surrounded by coral reefs 45 minutes’ flight from Rarotonga. You’ll be lost for words as you view the most perfect turquoise lagoon you’ve ever seen. After a wee tour of the island we’ll join the Vaka, a double-hulled cruiser, and slowly sail across this vast lagoon and around the various tiny islands amidst crystal-clear waters, following the Green Turtles that live in the lagoon. Bring your togs for one of the most memorable swimming experiences of your life. It’s so beautiful here you’ll wonder if you’re dreaming. After a BBQ lunch onboard we’ll stop at One Foot Island, site of the worlds’ smallest registered Post Office. These views are the stuff of dreams.
Day 6: Today is market day and after breakfast we’re off to the best on the island, Punanga Nui Market right in the middle of Avarua. Here you’ll find stalls from all of the outlying islands as well as Rarotonga itself. Handicrafts, clothing, black pearls, jewellery, island food, fresh fruit, artworks, and second-hand books to read over the week. There’s something for everyone here. Relaxation time in the afternoon. Perhaps by the pool, on the beach or just on the balcony of your room taking in the beach views. Tonight we enjoy the Edgewater’s Island Unukai Feast & Cultural Show.
Day 7: Today it’s Sunday, and most places on the island close and the locals head to church. You’re invited to join in this cornerstone of island life (optional, of course). See the ladies all dressed in their Sunday best, with their beautiful straw hats and fans, and all the chaps in collar and tie. Another option is to come along to the beach at Black Rock for lunch from one of the many food trucks that gather there. It’s a fun family atmosphere and the swimming and snorkelling is great. This afternoon is free for you to explore or chill out. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the Kikau Hut at Aorangi.
Day 8: You have a FREE DAY today. There’ll be an optional shopping expedition around some of our favourite spots in town. Maybe lunch at legendary Trader Jack’s. We’ll have plenty of suggestions and tips to help you do as much or as little as you want. This evening, one of the highlights of the tour as we experience a Progressive Dinner at various local Rarotongan people’s homes. A wonderful chance to try some fantastic food and get a more in-depth insight into life here.
Day 9: We’re fully in the swing of ‘island time’ by now and your first scheduled activity isn’t until after lunch. This afternoon we visit the remarkable Maire Nui Gardens, a 7-acre sanctuary created in 1996 by Hinano Macquarie, who was gifted the land by her mother and grandmother – both of chiefly rank. The garden is a testament to organic sustainability and a tonic for the senses. Tonight, we’ll enjoy the unique maritime surroundings of The Waterline. Be ready to kick your shoes off and get your toes in the sand.
Day 10: Today we say farewell to our hosts and their island paradise. Remember, as we head home, we lose the day we gained on Day 2. There’s a metaphor about a simpler time in there somewhere.
There really isn’t anything quite like a break on a tropical island for lifting the spirits and enriching the soul, particularly through winter. And the Cook Islands, resonates with the familiarity of home. Come join us to recharge and enjoy some of that legendary island hospitality. Kia Orana!
