Over 50’s Escorted Tour

Inclusions:

• Return airport transfers
• 7 nights’ accommodation at Sunset Resort in a Garden /Poolside Studio
• 8 breakfasts, 2 morning teas, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
• Dedicated local tour host
• Spacifica Travel EXCLUSIVE experiences revealed on tour

Package Highlights

• Secret & Unique Invite Only Experiences
• Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise & BBQ lunch
• Highland Paradise cultural visit
• Polynesian Island night & buffet
• Muri night markets
• Primary school visit
• Local church service
• Te Ara museum
• Option to upgrade your experience with: 
  - Aitutaki day tour (limited availability)
  - Half day fishing charter (limited availability)
  - Scenic flight by Air Rarotonga (limited availability)

Tour Itinerary
(B = breakfast, MT = morning tea, L = lunch, D = dinner)

Day 1 – Tuesday, 3rd September 2024 (Welcome to Rarotonga / Orientation at Sunset Resort) – B, L, D
Arrive at Rarotonga International Airport and meet your local tour host, Claire. Take your transfer to Sunset Resort and enjoy a tropical breakfast on arrival. Meet your fellow travellers with a refreshing welcome drink at the Birdcage Bar for your orientation, where your local host will explain more about the exciting adventures in store! Enjoy your lunch onsite before exploring the island of Rarotonga at your own pace for the afternoon. You may want to relax by the beach, swim in the pristine blue lagoon, or catch the bus from right outside the resort that circles the entire island in less than one hour! Meet for dinner at the Anchorage Restaurant & Bar, located at the Sunset Resort.

Day 2 – Wednesday, 4th September 2024 (Unique Rarotonga Discovery Tour) – B, L, D
Kia Orana and welcome to your introduction to true Cook Islands culture! From the majestic volcanic peaks to the azure lagoon waters, we will visit scenic and historic sites, meet colourful locals and learn more about island life. Enjoy a traditional umu lunch, with an Invite Only Experience that is not offered anywhere else! Relish in an afternoon of leisure before meeting for dinner at On the Beach Restaurant and Bar for a sunset over tropical paradise!

Day 3 – Thursday, 5th September 2024 (Muri Lagoon Cruise) – B, L, D
Today you will experience a day out with Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes, one of Rarotonga’s absolute must-dos! Be prepared for the real Cook Island’s hospitality as you feast on a fresh fish BBQ lunch cooked Raro-style. After the cruise, the afternoon is yours to do as you please! Why not hire a bike for a ride around the island, or strap on your hiking boots and explore the walking trails of Rarotonga? Dinner will be held at the stylish and contemporary Laguna Restaurant, offering a wide selection of exquisite Polynesian-influenced cuisine, mouth-watering cocktails and a large range of beverages to accompany your meal.

Day 4 – Friday, 6th September 2024 (Primary School & Highland Paradise Visits, Polynesian Island Night) – B, MT, L, D
An absolute cultural treat awaits full of secret surprises and Invite Only Experiences! Follow the rich history of the Arorangi village through the ages, from warring tribal days through to the today’s generation of young, delightfully happy students who you will meet at the local primary school and engage in a traditional cultural performance and morning tea. It is then time to proceed up the mountain to Highland Paradise, home of the ancient Tinomana warrior tribe and the Cook Islands’ national heritage centre. Learn about the colourful, and often graphic, history from the Pirangi family and partake in a light lunch (no sacrificial cannibalism required!). You will then have a few hours of free time before heading back to Highland Paradise for the most authentic island night in the Cook Islands. Be enthralled by the beauty of the dancers and the pulsating beat of the drums, all performed by descendants of the Tinomana tribe!

Day 5 – Saturday, 7th September 2024 (Free Day / Optional Tour Extras) – B, D
This is the day to choose your own adventure! After indulging in another beautiful breakfast, it is up to you how you spend the day. Would you rather lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand, spot some turtles in the crystal-clear waters or explore new areas of the island via bus? We recommend the Aitutaki Day Tour to experience the world’s most beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon. Including airport transfers, flights, island tour and lagoon cruise with lunch, this tour has limited availability and must be booked prior to arrival in Rarotonga. If fishing is more your speed, why not join the knowledgeable guides for a Half Day Fishing Charter to the best fishing spots, chasing yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi and wahoo. You could also view the island from a different perspective and take to the skies on a Scenic Flight with Air Rarotonga. Adventure is everywhere, and you can recount your day’s journey over dinner with your fellow travellers at the Anchorage Restaurant & Bar.

Day 6 – Sunday, 8th September 2024 (Local Church Service & Te Ara Museum) – B, MT
Titikaveka Cook Islands Chrisitan Church is the oldest standing church in Rarotonga. It was built by the local community out of coral in 1841, and is the setting for the traditional service you will be experience this morning. Hear the enchanting, melodic voices echo around the church before enjoying a relaxing and sumptuous morning tea. Afterwards, visit the wonderful Te Ara Museum for a private guided tour. There will be free time to browse through the gift shop or grab a bite to eat (at your own expense), before an afternoon of leisure at your own pace. Why not spend your day of rest getting pampered at the Miri Miri Spa? The evening sees you transferred to Rarotonga’s famous Muri Night Market, with a huge variety of food available (at your own expense). Soak up the island vibes at this iconic Sunday tradition!

Day 7 – Monday, 9th September 2024 (Explore Local Arts & Crafts) – B, L, D
As the last full day in Rarotonga, it is time for some more unique experiences! Visit the local arts, crafts and local cottage industries, including a ukulele master-craftsman and a Raro style home factory most well-known for beautiful skin care products and high-quality coconut oil. You will then immerse yourself in another Invite Only Experience until it is time for lunch at the iconic Trader Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, offering spectacular ocean views. It is then time to transfer back to the resort for a leisurely afternoon enjoying the resort facilities, or make your own way home and take the opportunity for some last-minute shopping in town. You may want to buy a new outfit for your last dinner together as a very special evening awaits! Enjoy a complimentary drink at the hand-selected scenic and historic location, followed by a delicious three course dinner fit for an “Ariki”. 

Day 8 – Tuesday, 10th September 2024 (Farewell Rarotonga) – B
This morning, we bid farewell to the Cook Islands after a wonderful week in paradise, discovering the hidden secrets and gems of the island, and experiencing the real Rarotonga! After going off the beaten track, meeting the friendly people, and learning about the rich heritage and culture, the magical island of Rarotonga cannot wait to welcome you back to paradise. Ka Kite!

Meet your guide!

Claire.

English backpacker turned Aussie travel agent/tour operator, Claire now calls Rarotonga home. She’s hosted many tours to the Cook Islands, falling in love with the destination on her first visit in 2011.  Claire eventually moved to Rarotonga with her husband and rescued ‘fur babies.’  A self-confessed Cooks addict.

Claire looks forward to welcoming you to Rarotonga!  

Price:

Land Only:
$3499 per person, twin share
$4799 per person, solo traveller

Contact our expert Groups Team at groups@spacificatravel.com 

 

This is our best value package deal subject to availability and travel on select dates. If you are traveling outside these dates or from another port, please contact our specialised team for a personalised quote.

Book by: Jun 30, 2024!!
Quote: OHEV258902
For New Bookings Only

Terms and Conditions: click ▼

All prices are indicative only and are subject to change at any time without notice. A non-refundable deposit is due upon booking: $250 per person if booking prior to 75 days of tour start date, or full payment if booking within 75 days of tour start date. This tour is not a guarantee departure. Minimum numbers must be reached for the tour to go ahead. Full refund will only be provided only if minimum travel numbers have not been reached and the tour cannot go ahead. Any specific rooming, seating or dietary requests are welcomed, however not guaranteed. While every effort is made to provide correct information at the time of publication, the itinerary is subject to change for unforeseen circumstances at any time. Prices correct as of 14 February 2024. Conditions, amendment and cancellation fees apply. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. ABN 61 087 521 355.