Round the world wedding holiday to the Cook Islands

Itinerary in brief:

• 7 nights New Zealand
• 2 nights Rarotonga
• 4 nights Aitutaki
• 2 nights Rarotonga
• 2 nights Singapore

Day 1: Depart London

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will check in for one night. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city – why not take a walk down to the harbour for a walk up or head up the Sky Tower for views over Auckland? If you feel ready to dive straight into Maori culture, head to the Auckland Museum, where you’ll find the largest collection of ‘taonga’ (treasures) in the world, from small artefacts to full-size canoes and meeting houses.

Included: transfer, 4* hotel

Day 3: Drive to Bay of Islands      

This morning, you’ll pick up your rental car and make your way out of the city, heading north towards the Bay of Islands. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for two nights and spend the afternoon enjoying the waterfront town. Stretch out on the beach and, later, enjoy a seafood dinner by the shore at sunset.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 4: Bay of Islands     

Today is free for you to explore the area at your own pace. We’ve included a day pass to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where you can learn about Maori-British relations and the deal that changed the course of New Zealand’s history. In the afternoon, why not set out on the water? We can book you a cruise to the natural Hole in the Rock or arrange a trip for you to swim with dolphins. If you would like to add either of these experiences, just ask!

Included: Car hire, Waitangi Treaty Ground pass, 4* hotel

Day 5: Drive to Coromandel         

After breakfast, you'll head south towards the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. It’s a long driving day, but definitely worth the journey. Coromandel is composed of golden beaches backed by lush forests, making it perfect for a stopover on your way south. Two of the most popular areas are Hahei Beach, a curved stretch of sand ending at the arched Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hole and bathe in the natural springs. It's a unique experience!

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 6: Drive to Rotorua        

Leaving the Coromandel behind you, today you can visit Hobbiton, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Wander amongst hillsides dotted with hobbit holes, where real vegetables grow in the plots, and even enjoy a pint of cider at The Green Dragon. It's a charming, unforgettable place. Afterwards, drive onwards to Rotorua, where you’ll check into your hotel for two nights before heading out for an evening of Maori culture. Starting with a haka at the edge of the village, you will be welcomed in to experience Maori crafts and dancing. You'll even learn to do the haka yourselves! Finish the evening with a delicious hangi feast, cooked under the ground by the geothermal heat and enjoyed in the big hall alongside traditional Maori entertainment.

Included: Car Hire, 4* hotel, Maori hangi feast

Day 7: Rotorua       

Today is yours to explore Rotorua and the surrounding area, but we’ve included entrance to Te Puia, a centre of Maori art with bags of geothermal activity on its grounds. Here, you can wait for the geyser to erupt and watch the bubbling mud pools before exploring the cultural centre, where you can see traditional Maori architecture and learn about their way of life. There is also a small exhibit where you can meet a brown kiwi, known to the Maori as the ‘hidden bird’ of Tanemahuta, god of the forest. Afterwards, you can grab a 'steambox' lunch, cooked under the ground in a similar fashion to your dinner last night. As you have your rental car at your disposal, you could also venture out of Rotorua to visit Wai-o-tapu, home to bizarre, colourful thermal pools.

Included: Car hire, Te Puia tour, 4* hotel

Day 8: Drive to Auckland      

This morning, you’ll make your way back to Auckland. It's up to you whether you drive straight there or stop off along the way. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for one night and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Why not make your way over to Devonport for a wonderful view back over the city or take the ferry to Waiheke Island, home to vineyards and sandy beaches. End your night by the harbour with a glass of New Zealand wine, toasting a wonderful trip through the North Island.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 9: Fly to Rarotonga

This morning, you will drop off the car at the airport in time for your flight to Rarotonga.

Included: International flights

Day 10: Arrive in Rarotonga

On arrival in Rarotonga, you’ll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. The stunning Little Polynesian Resort is perfect for those looking for understated luxury in a beautiful, romantic setting. Tucked away on the southern tip of Rarotonga, this is a serene sanctuary that combines sophisticated elegance with a laid back atmosphere and local character. The Little Polynesian is built in a traditional Polynesian style and boasts one of the best beachfront locations in the Cook Islands, with views over an impossibly turquoise lagoon that's perfect for swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, Little Polynesian               

Day 11: Rarotonga

Today we have included a private tour to bring you the best of Rarotonga. Well known for its lush tropical surroundings, great beaches and pristine lagoons, Rarotonga is a packed with natural beauty. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn about the history of the Cooks at the Te Ara Museum, visit Black Rock - a volcanic boulder on the edge of the lagoon - and stop at some of the best snorkelling spots around Rarotonga. You’ll pass through rich plantations of citrus fruits, bananas and papaya and spend some time at the Maire Nui Tropical Gardens, with lush lily ponds, magnificent mountain views and an abundance of local flora.

Included: Breakfast, private day tour, Little Polynesian

Day 12: Fly to Aitutaki

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken by shared transfer back to the airport to connect with your domestic flight to Aitutaki. Just 45 minutes later, you will arrive on this picturesque island where you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.    

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, Pacific Island Resort Aitutaki      

Days 13 - 15: Your wedding on One Foot Island in Aitutaki

Say your vows on secluded One Foot Island, set in the middle of a clear turquoise lagoon. This tiny islet is ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and you’ll soon understand why. We’ll take all the stress out of planning your wedding, doing everything for you behind the scenes. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your wedding holiday in a tropical paradise!

On the Big Day, you’ll be transferred from Aitutaki by boat to your simple, intimate wedding ceremony on One Foot Island. A tropical wedding bouquet and traditional island string band is included, along with a chilled bottle of wine to kick off your life as a married couple.

After your wedding, you can spend the rest of your time relaxing at the luxury hotel.       

Included: Breakfast, One Foot Island wedding package, Pacific Island Resort Aitutaki    

Day 16-17: Rarotonga

You will be collected from your hotel and taken by shared transfer back to the airport to connect with your domestic flight to Rarotonga.

Enjoy your final days in the Cook Islands, whether you choose to relax on the sands of Rarotonga or get out and explore anywhere you missed on your first visit. This is the perfect day to soak up some lasting impressions of the Cook Islands and create a lovely memory of an evening sunset meal before flying to Singapore tomorrow.

Included: Breakfast, Domestic flights, Little Polynesian

Day 18: Depart Rarotonga

Today, you will be transfered to the airport in time for your flight to Singapore

Included: transfer, International flight

Day 19: Arrive Singapore

On arrival in Singapore, you’ll be taken straight to your hotel for two nights. You’ll be staying at the Marina Bay Sands, with spectacular views over the city from the infinity pool on the roof.    

Included: Transfers, 5* hotel     

Day 20: Singapore

Spend the day exploring this island city – strolling along the harbourfront, enjoying the lush Botanical Gardens and shopping in the designer boutiques of Orchard Road. We’ve included a short walking tour which will give you some insight into Singapore’s heritage – you’ll walk along the river to see a local fishing village and learn about the colonial buildings and bridges before having afternoon tea at the grand Fullerton Hotel.

Singapore is melting pot of culture and the best place to experience this is in its food – try dumplings from the hawker stalls of Chinatown, spicy curries in Little India or nutty satay in the Malay District. As the sun sets, make sure you take a walk-through Gardens by the Bay; the enormous illuminated “trees” are a spectacular sight at night. 

Included: 5* hotel

Day 21: Depart Singapore  

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and taken to the airport, ready for your final flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights        

Day 22: Arrive UK