Rarotonga & Aitutaki Classic
Spend 4 nights on the main island and 3 nights on Aitutaki, balancing hiking and culture with a world-class lagoon.
The most popular split between the two islands: spend the first four nights on Rarotonga enjoying the markets, cross-island hike, and Muri Lagoon, then spend the next three nights on Aitutaki, featuring a full-day lagoon cruise. The pace is moderate, making it ideal for first-timers and honeymooners. If you have extra time, prioritize adding days to Aitutaki. Allow plenty of buffer time when returning to the main island for your international flight.
December to March is rainy, and lagoon cruises may be canceled due to weather. Book flights early during peak season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Rarotonga
Rarotonga（Highland Paradise Cultural Centre）
Arrive on Friday. Drive from the airport to Muri (approx. 30 mins). Take the organizer's shuttle bus to Highland Paradise in the evening.
The evening show at Highland Paradise usually runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; booking in advance is required.
Stay: Muri
Day 2 · Saturday Market & Island Drive
Rarotonga（Punanga Nui Market、Cook Islands Christian Church, Avarua、Avarua & Avatiu Harbour、Black Rock (Tuoro)、Te Vara Nui Village）
Drive to Avarua in the morning (approx. 25 mins). Drive along the ring road on the west coast in the afternoon (the 32 km loop takes about 1 hour).
Some Muri lagoon cruises do not operate on Saturdays, so visit the market today.
Stay: Muri
Day 3 · Cross-Island Hike & South Coast Snorkeling
Rarotonga（Cross-Island Track (Te Rua Manga)、Wigmore's Waterfall (Papua Waterfall)、Titikaveka Beach & Fruits of Rarotonga Snorkelling、Muri Night Market）
Hike from north to south to the waterfall (approx. 3 hours). Take a transfer to the south coast for afternoon snorkeling, then return to Muri.
This hike requires consecutive dry days. Bus services are reduced on Sundays, so plan your transfers accordingly.
Stay: Muri
Day 4 · Muri Lagoon Day Trip
Rarotonga（Muri Lagoon & Beach、Te Ara – Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise）
The lagoon cruise runs from approx. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, departing from Muri Beach. Walk to the museum in the afternoon.
Lagoon cruises must be booked a day in advance.
Stay: Muri
Day 5 · Fly to Aitutaki
Rarotonga → Aitutaki（O'otu Beach）
Take a domestic flight (approx. 45–50 mins). Accommodations usually provide airport transfers.
Domestic baggage allowances are lower; check when booking. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best lagoon views.
Stay: Amuri and Ootu Beach
Day 6 · Lagoon Cruise & One Foot Island
Aitutaki（Aitutaki Lagoon、Akaiami、Moturakau、One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)）
Board your boat at Ootu Beach for a full-day cruise (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) visiting islets and snorkeling spots, lunch included.
Large lagoon cruises do not operate on Sundays. Bring your passport to get a souvenir stamp on One Foot Island.
Stay: Amuri and Ootu Beach
Day 7 · Island Ride & Honeymoon Island
Aitutaki（Maungapu Lookout、Arutanga & CICC Church、Honeymoon Island (Maina)）
Rent a scooter to ride around the island (approx. 1 hour). Hike up the hill for panoramic views in the morning, and take a water taxi to Honeymoon Island in the afternoon.
Water taxis operate subject to tides and wind conditions; check with your accommodation.
Stay: Amuri and Ootu Beach
Day 8 · Return to Rarotonga & Departure
Fly back to Rarotonga (approx. 45 mins) and transfer to the international terminal for departure (allow half a day for the entire process).
Domestic flights can be delayed; departing on a late-night flight or returning to the main island the night before is safer.