Meet the locals: Cook Islands with kids

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Learn the local crafts on the Cook Islands
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Set off on a family cycling trip of Rarotonga
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You'll encounter a real sense of authenticity in the Cook Islands
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One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
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Climb palm trees on the beach in the Cook Islands
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Watch traditional dancing in the evening
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Try delicious coconut ceviche in the Cook Islands | Travel Nation
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Play in the warm waters of the Cook Islands | Photo credit: Kirklandphotos

Image

Learn the local crafts on the Cook Islands
Image

Set off on a family cycling trip of Rarotonga
Image

You'll encounter a real sense of authenticity in the Cook Islands
Image

One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Image

Climb palm trees on the beach in the Cook Islands
Image

Watch traditional dancing in the evening
Image

Try delicious coconut ceviche in the Cook Islands | Travel Nation
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Play in the warm waters of the Cook Islands | Photo credit: Kirklandphotos

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 6

From: Rarotonga

To: Rarotonga

From

£575

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or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: Cook Islands

Overview

Explore the Cook Islands with kids on this 5 night trip to the main island of Rarotonga. Rich in culture and off the typical tourist trail, the Cook Islands offer a chance to experience authentic island life. Enjoy an evening with a local family and join a 'storyteller tour' to listen to traditional tales as you cycle around the island. With lots of activities and a friendly local atmosphere, the Cook Islands are the perfect choice for a family of any age.

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements, so please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

Relax on Rarotonga's stunning beaches
Spot the local marine life as you snorkel off the coast
Enjoy a meal with local hosts
Join a 'storyteller cycle tour' and learn more about the local culture
Hire a car or bike and have your own island adventure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Rarotonga

On arrival at Rarotonga Airport, you will be greeted by a local representative and taken to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Evening progressive dinner

Spend today relaxing by the pool or head to the nearby beach. The Cook Islands is known for its laidback lifestyle so kick back and settle into island time! There are plenty of water activities to keep children interested, from stand-up paddleboards to spotting the local marine life whilst snorkelling off the coast.

This evening we have included a ‘progressive dinner’, which consists of a 3-course meal prepared by local hosts. Your first course is served in the home of your first host before you set off to your next host for a classic buffet feast featuring dishes traditionally served at Cook Islands family gatherings. Your dessert host will then tempt you with sweets, fruit and locally brewed coffee. Throughout the evening you will enjoy the sounds of ukuleles and guitars as a small string band accompanies you along the way. Experience Cook Islands hospitality at its best!

Day 3: Storyteller Eco-cycle tour

Today, we have included a half day ‘Storyteller Eco-cycle tour’. You will be collected from your accommodation in the morning and returned after lunch.

Discover a rich cultural heritage as you cycle along the Ancient Coral Road – Ara Metua. Meander along lanes witnessing the tranquil pace of local village life. With plenty of stops to take in the magnificent mountain scenery, you’ll hear stories that will bring a deeper meaning to your surroundings. The ride is comfortable and covers a distance of around 8 – 12 kilometres on mainly sealed roads. You’ll ride on and off for a leisurely 3 hours with plenty of stops for storytelling, finishing up with a delicious local lunch and an opportunity to swim at a beautiful secluded beach.

Days 4 and 5: Rarotonga

You now have two free days to relax and explore. Why not hire a car or some bikes and head off around the island - there’s only one route around so you can’t get lost! Alternatively, speak to your consultant about arranging a day trip to nearby island Aitutaki, only a 45 minute flight away and home to the famous Aitutaki lagoon.

Day 6: Depart Rarotonga

You will be collected from your accommodation today and taken to the airport by shared transfer to connect with your onward flight.

Info

The Cook Islands are a great year-round destination with temperatures ranging between 18c and 28c in the winter (October to May) and 21c to 29c in the summer (November to April). The Cooks has a pleasantly even climate year round with no real weather excesses, although it can rain often thanks to its high inland mountains. The best time of year to visit is around September/October when you will find warm temperatures and low humidity, also March/April when the weather is generally fine and sunny.

We've done a similar trip...

If you'd like to get a feel for this trip, read our blog post Stumbling into paradise: visiting the Cook Islands with kids - written by one of our consultants who's been there.

This itinerary is purely a suggestion and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

What's included