8-Nights Family Fun Paradise in the Cook Islands - Family Vacations from $2,452

Day 1: Arrive Rarotonga

Hotel: Pacific Resort Rarotonga (4 Star Rating)

Pacific Resort Rarotonga is located on the eastern coast of the island on the edge of the Muri Lagoon, an idyllic place to stay for any leisure getaway. The resort is set away from the main road and island traffic, spread out over 5 and half acres of tropical flora and fauna. The property is within walking distance of many small retail stores that offer locally produced crafts, apparel, and souvenirs as well as restaurants. Amongst the manicured luxurious gardens is the intimate collection of 64 studio rooms, one and two bedroom units and villas, situated in a poolside, garden, or beachfront location.

Start your holiday in the Cook Islands with an orientated cultural tour of scenic Rarotonga in a modern air-conditioned coach. Explore the history and culture of the Cook Island people in the company of your qualified, friendly tour guides.

Follow the roads and paths used by our ancestors dating back to 1100AD; visit a sacred marae (ancient gathering place for royalty) and explore historical sites once inhabited by our people.

Learn where the best snorkelling spots are located in Rarotonga, see why the coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life.

If true adventure is what one seeks, the Jungle Quad Adventure is perfect offering thrills and challenges driving your own 4 Wheel Quad. Follow your experienced Tour Guide through mountains to spectacular wild island jungle, crossing streams and rough and rugged terrain to remote areas. Enjoy the chance to observe the beautiful scenery of the interior of the island while being shown the abundant distinctive local flora and fauna. Finish off the tour with a swim in a fresh water creek up the mountain in one of the hidden local swimming spots. Your 4WD Yamaha Quad is fully automatic and easy to drive, and your experienced guides will provide an orientation at the beginning of the tour. Explore the roads less travelled!

Captain Tamas award winning Lagoon Cruise is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover and experience the stunning Muri lagoon. Be entertained by Captain Tama's and his crew on this once in a lifetime, most unforgettable experience. Watch the magical ocean through the glass bottomed boat, listen to island stories with typical Cook Island humour.

Leap off the boat, snorkel and meet the reef fish up close and personal. Or chill out and float above the coral paradise. Muri beach offers beautiful clear, shallow water - so it's ideal snorkelling fun for everyone, from beginners to advanced and if you can't snorkel, don't worry, the crew will teach you. After your snorkel the boat heads to a small island in the lagoon to enjoy a delicious fresh fish BBQ which includes: Fish cooked "Raro style" over an open fire, BBQ bananas (the captains speciality), a range of salads all accompanied by seasonal fruits and French bread.

Captain Tama's and his entertaining crew have been sharing their tropical island playground with visitors since 1992 on this award-winning Muri Lagoon cruise.

Leave behind the familiar surroundings of your resort and venture out to local villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle, when you visit with locals in their homes! Enjoy a Progressive Three Course Dinner, where each course is hosted in a different local home.

Walkthrough the tropical garden at the home of your first host, who serves your 'first course' for the night. Then it is off to enjoy your "main course", where you will be treated to a buffet feast, similar to what you would expect at a large Cook Islands family gathering. Then, your "dessert" host will delight you with local sweets, fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee. When enjoying your meals at each home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band that will accompany you throughout your local dining experience.