New Zealanders, the traditional market for the Cooks, like to visit in the winter months, which means Aussie travellers are rewarded with great deals during our Christmas holidays. You can expect some of the world’s best beaches and lagoons at the quietest time of year, while still enjoying average 28˚C daily temperatures and a full range of things to do.
Stay six nights at the newly renovated Club Raro for $1099 per person, twin share, including return economy air from Sydney to Rarotonga, breakfast daily, early check-in, 1GB wifi and a lagoon dive. Book by 8 October and travel 17 January – 21 March 2015.
Or book a 7 night accommodation only package at Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel by 31 October to receive a free day of car hire and an Island Discovery Tour from $829 pp twin share. Valid for travel until 21 June 2015.
To book these and other discounted air and accommodation packages or land only deals with longer booking periods visit sale.cookislands.travel/packages.
Nautilus Resort opens 1 October 2014
The first new upscale property in Rarotonga to open in years opens its doors on 1 October. Nautilus Resort features 18 premium villas, a massive infinity pool (pic attached), Polynesian spa and beachfront restaurant in a prime location on beautiful Muri Lagoon. Each luxuriously appointed Are (villa) has its own saltwater plunge pool, outdoor shower and private patio, and lavish bathrooms with freestanding stone baths. Single, two and three bedroom Ares are available from NZ$650 a night.
Nautilus is offering opening specials until 31 March 2015 including a stay 7, pay 5 nights offer including complimentary return airport transfers, bottle of Nautilus wine and tropical fruit platter. To book visit www.sale.cookislands.travel/packages
Whale watching
It’s prime whale watching season in the Cooks until November. You can readily spot whales from shore, but to get a close up view of the majestic humpbacks head beyond the reef in a speedboat. New operator Rongohiva Watersports is offering whale watching tours aboard its 8.5m rigid inflatable Eturere, which means shooting star in Cook Islands Maori. Or take one of their regular adrenaline-charged speedboat tours for breathtaking views of Rarotonga’s mountains from the ocean or the thrilling Banana Boat Ride!
Whale watching NZ$55, speedboat $75, banana boat $45. All tours approximately one hour.
The Cook Islands only semi-submersible sub, Raro Reef Sub, regularly encounters whales close up on their 1 hour 15 minute cruises. And you can learn more about these majestic creatures of the deep at the fun and educational Whale and Wildlife Centre, managed by one of the world’s leading whale researchers Nan Hauser, who spends six months of the year based in Rarotonga monitoring whale behaviour. See pic attached.
Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours
The Storytellers experience offers a variety of mountain bike riding tours to suit most levels of riding fitness and experience. Local Cook Island staff are passionate and knowledgeable about the local culture, history and environment and enjoy sharing a love of their heritage with visitors. Explore pathways running between the coast, the Ancient Coral Road and hidden valleys over a half day, including lunch and a swim. The pace is leisurely on the Discover and Explore options, more technical on the Excite tour for fit and experienced bike riders. Tours are priced from NZ$69. See pic attached.
For more information on whale watching and Storytellers visit www.sale.cookislands.travel/activities
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