Australia and Cook Islands Getaway

Australia and the Cook Islands are a perfect pair for a traveler looking for adventure and relaxation. Discover wilderness, wine, and wildlife in Tasmania and get a local’s view of Sydney. Then relax with 5 nights in the gorgeous Cook Islands!

This Australia and Cook Islands Getaway was designed for a couple from Denver who wanted a little bit of everything on their 2-week trip: Sydney highlights, outdoor adventure, great food and wine, and some relaxation on the beach. They found everything they were looking for and more on this fabulous trip to Tasmania, Sydney, and the Cook Islands.

They started their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway in Tasmania, an island-state known for its ruggedly beautiful landscapes, iconic Australian wildlife, and delicious food and wine. They spent 2 nights in a unique hotel in the capital of Hobart. Then, they met up with our mates at Pepper Bush Adventures for a 2-day guided tour in the Tasmanian wilderness. They saw unique animals in the wild and sampled some boutique wineries in the Tamar Valley.

Next for their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway, they traveled to Sydney to explore all of the iconic city highlights, including the Sydney Opera House. They spent a day in Hunter Valley sipping wine from the local cellar doors and enjoyed a small-group lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour on a private yacht.

After their Australian adventures, their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway continued in the Cook Islands—the ultimate destination for blue lagoons, white sand beaches, and relaxation. They spent 3 nights on the beautiful Muri Beach, where they snorkeled, explored the island on bicycles, went hiking, and enjoyed some of the local cuisine. Then they flew over to the island of Aitutaki for 2 nights of relaxation at an incredible beach resort.

Their Australia and Cook Islands Getaway was the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence. They returned home with lifelong memories of their spectacular trip to the South Pacific!

Accommodation
  • 2 Nights MACq01 Hotel
  • 2 Nights Beulah Bed and Breakfast
  • 3 Nights Four Seasons Sydney
  • 3 Nights Rumours Beachside Villa
  • 2 Nights Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Touring
  • Private Half Day Tour Hobart
  • 2 Day Private Wildlife Tour Tasmania
  • Sydney Opera House Tour
  • Sydney Long Lunch Cruise
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
  • Teking Lagoon Cruise
Transportation
  • Private airport transfers2 Days Rental Car Tasmania
  • Return Flights Aitutaki

Australia New Zealand Travel Agency - Vanessa Massey - Travel Agents

Vanessa, Product Manager and Luxury Travel Consultant
While in Rarotonga, be sure to get your scooter license in town and rent scooters one day to explore the island. Be sure to stop at one of the local fish fry huts on the beach for amazing fish sandwiches and chips.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Tasmania! Arrive in Hobart, where a private driver will transfer you to your luxurious accommodations at MACq 01. On your way to the hotel, you will enjoy a private tour of Hobart.  Your hotel truly reflects the quirkiness of Tasmania, with each room uniquely designed to tell the story of a real Tasmanian character. Spend some time exploring the property and learning about the history of this one-of-a-kind place; the hotel staff will be happy to guide you.
MACq 01

Day 2
Today is at your leisure to explore the capital city of Tasmania. Learn about Hobart’s convict history, see what’s on at the Museum of Old and New Art, visit quirky shops, and dine on some of Australia’s best seafood. Be sure to get a good sleep this evening to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures!
MACq 01

Day 3
Rise early this morning, pick up your rental car, and drive to Scottsdale, where you’ll meet up with your Pepper Bush Adventures tour guide for a 2-day/2-night wilderness adventure.  Enjoy the hunt for the elusive platypus, relax to the afternoon sounds of the bush chorus from nearby birds and enjoy a campfire dinner with a Tassie beer or wine and capture the timeless ambience of Tasmania’s forest, As the sun goes down, hear the chuckling of kookaburras and take an enchanted walk under the stars for an understanding and appreciation of wildlife movements in the Tasmanian bush. Experience the excitement and magic as nocturnal creatures appear from the bush and trees and go about their business in looking for their nightly tasty forest meal.
Beulah Heritage B&B

Best of Tasmania Vacations: Highlights of Tasmania - Wildlife Tour
Day 4

Depart Scottsdale for Ben Lomond National Park, a spectacular mountain of dolerite columns and scree slopes. Impressive views and a magnificent array of alpine vegetation are on offer. After a picnic lunch we travel to Evercreech Forest Reserve (seasonal visit) and visit the world’s tallest white gum trees and walk amongst ancient tree ferns before culminating with a gourmet campfire bush tucker dinner and wildlife spotting on private acreage. Sit by the campfire and enjoy a Tassie beer or wine and experience one of natures best after dark wildlife shows going around.
Beulah Heritage B&B

Day 5
Today, drive to Launceston, where you’ll drop off your rental car and board your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney, your driver awaits to transfer you to your fabulous accommodations at Shangri-La Hotel Sydney. With gorgeous views of the Opera House, an amazing location with easy access to the best Sydney attractions, and a heavenly spa, you’ll find yourself in the lap of luxury. Your hotel bar, Blu Bar 36, is the perfect place to enjoy a drink while soaking up stunning views of the city.
Four Seasons Sydney

Day 6
This morning, discover the stories, history, and magic of Sydney Opera House with an incredible guided tour taking you underneath the world-famous sails. Run your hands over the shell tiles, marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world, and discover the secrets of the Sydney Opera House with your knowledgeable guide as you’re led through every aspect of the building’s creation and history. As a part of our lunch cruise in the afternoon, in Sydney, you will see Woolloomoolloo Bay, the home of the Australian Navy’s Sydney Base Garden Island, then venture further down the harbour cruising past Double Bay and Point Piper which are the locations of the most expensive homes in Sydney.  You then cruise past Clarke and Shark Islands which are two national parks in the middle of the harbour, with Rose Bay on your right. Shortly after you will pass by Vaucluse for your entrée and make the first stop at the renowned Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay.  And continue on to several restaurants for a progressive lunch.
Four Seasons Sydney

Australia Vacations Sydney - AEA Luxury Tours
Day 7

Today brings you on a visit to the world-class wineries of the Hunter Valley, just outside of Sydney. En route, stop at Australia Reptile Park for morning tea surrounded by kangaroos and wallabies. Then, enjoy the gorgeous drive to Hunter Valley to begin your tastings at some of the best boutique wineries in the area. Indulge in a scrumptious, Italian-inspired lunch with matching wines. Afterward, you’ll have the option to enjoy a Wine Theatre production, taste more wines and local beers, or simply relax and have a chat with your fellow travelers. Return to Sydney in the evening.
Four Seasons Sydney

Day 8
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for your private transfer to the airport. Catch a flight to Auckland and onward to the Cook Islands! Arrive on the main island of Rarotonga, where your private transfer will take you to your luxurious accommodations at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Known for its legendary beauty, Rarotonga is home to beautiful beaches, stunning lagoons, and mountainous peaks. In your spacious beachfront suite, you can enjoy fabulous views of the ocean and white sand beaches from the comfort of your private deck.
Rumours Beachside Villa

Rumours Rarotonga Resort - Kayaks on the Beach - Cook Islands Luxury Beach Villas
Days 9-10

Spend the next 2 days at your leisure in this tropical paradise. The ocean is at your fingertips, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. You can cruise the lagoon in a traditional vaka (boat), rent bicycles or scooters to explore the island’s hidden gems, go hiking on lush mountains, indulge your senses at the spa, or simply relax on the beach with a drink in hand. In the evening, enjoy barefoot dining on the beach and perhaps take in a grand performance by island dancers and fire throwers.
Rumours Beachside Villa

Days 11-12

Your Cook Islands getaway continues! Your private transfer will pick you up from the resort and take you to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to the neighboring island of Aitutaki. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked away to Pacific Resort Aitutaki—a small, 5-star resort situated directly on the white sand beach framing the islands’s luminescent lagoon. Whether you want to relax at the Tiare Spa or try some kiteboarding at the lagoon, Pacific Resort Aitutaki is the perfect beach getaway.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki Beachfront Bungalow

Day 13
It’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Cook Islands today. Catch a short flight back to Rarotonga to make your connecting flight back home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
13 day stay
2 travelers

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