|
Journey to Atiu for a nature experience not to be missed, then to Aitutaki a jewel in the Pacific, a lagoon with no equal, and to Rarotonga the hub of the Cook Islands with its history, myths and legends and unique culture.
DAY 1 ARRIVE RAROTONGA TRANSFER TO DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO ATIU
ATIU VILLAS 2 NIGHTS ATIU FAMILY VILLA
Atiu - the island of birds and legends - is the third largest in the group, forming part of the Southern section of the Cook Islands. Atiu is a small volcanic island, with central elevated flat-topped mass of volcanic rock surrounded by a raised coral limestone reef called a Makatea.
Atiu Villas is situated on Atiu Island on the outskirts of the central villages. The property provides a quiet and relaxing environment surrounded by wild tropical gardens and is only a short walk from the white sandy beaches of the southern coastline.
Atiu Villas are chalet style villas and are made almost entirely of local native timbers and materials and feature the polished woods of mango, coconut, Christmas nut, acacia, cedar, java plum and many other tropical trees. Each villa has a private verandah, cooking facilities, separate bathrooms; tea and coffee making facilities.
Your hosts will help you organize your transport, tours, activities or your complete relaxation. This is definitely Atiu’s top property.
 DAY 2 TOURS ATIU ANATAKITAKI CAVE & BIRDMAN GEORGE
Anatakitaki Cave Tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the only habitat of the indigenous Kopeka Bird. The Kopeka, a tiny swift like bird, lives in the dark interior of the cave only coming out to feed on flying insects like mosquitoes. The Kopeka’s echo-locating beacons work so well in the darkness that they are able to fly very close to objects (including visitors) without actually flying into them. It’s a great feeling being in the cave with hundreds of these rare birds flying so close to you.
From the Kopeka cavern, the tour continues to an underground water cavern. With lit candles strategically placed around the cave, this dark underground environment all of a sudden comes alive with the glistening limestone crystals shimmering in the candlelight and eerie shadows dancing on the roof of the cave. Some of the fossils along the track date back to over 120, 000 years. The water in the cavern is very deep and refreshingly cold.
In the afternoon take the time to accompany the ‘Dr Dolittle’ of Atiu and the Cook Islands, Birdman George. When it comes to the flora and fauna of the Island there is no one more knowledgeable. A true character, his relationship, with nature is quite magical.
 DAY 3 DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO AITUTAKI
TAMANU BEACH 2 NIGHTS AITUTAKI 1 BEDROOM BEACHFRONT
The beautiful island of Aitutaki. The breathtaking allure of its crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday.
Tamanu Beach is a stunning beachfront property located on the Western side of Aitutaki. This property offers 22 bungalows, 2 freshwater swimming pools, 2 bars and a Restaurant.
DAY 4 GLASS BOTTOM BOAT AITUTAKI LAGOON CRUISE
One of the best ways to explore the lagoon and reef area of Aitutaki is to spend a day with Lawton Story aboard his glass bottom Lagoon Explorer.
 Head out through the main passage to the outer reef area and explore the fantastic reef formations. If you have never ventured beyond the reef, here is your opportunity to do so with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. See turtles at play in the Open Ocean and schools of parrot fish feeding on the coral heads below you. Then head back into the lagoon and enjoy a slow cruise out towards Motu Maina where you anchor in approximately 4 feet of water. Here, you will see large schools of colorful tropical fish. Get in amongst them and have them eating out of your hands.
DAY 5 DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO RAROTONGA
ROYAL TAKITUMU VILLAS 1 NIGHT RAROTONGA
Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands and only 20 miles in circumference. It is dominated by high mountain peaks which rise to 2100 feet from which lush rain forests cascade and provide a dramatic backdrop to a palm-fringed shore.
Titikaveka Beach, Royale Takitumu offers 10 beautifully appointed one bedroom private villas with self catering facilities. The property is spread out over 1.3 acres of tropical gardens and meandering lily ponds and waterfalls providing a serene setting with a peaceful ambience.
DAY 6 ARIKI ART & CULTURE RAROTONGA TOUR
The A-Riki Art and Culture Tour is a round the island tour that takes you on a journey of discovery. The tour takes you on visits to historical sites that form the bases of many local art pieces, to learn about traditional carving and canoe voyaging, the Polynesian art of tattoo, and best of all to meet with artists around the island who will give a personal perspective of their artwork.
Rarotonga is full of local artists and vibrant styles of art reflecting the culture and life in the Cook Islands. When visiting the local artist’s homes and studios a variety of different genres are covered like pearl shell carving, canvas painting, sculpture, tattooing and textiles.
DAY 6 DEPART RAROTONGA
|
