15 days in Christchurch, Aitutaki & Rarotonga Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Pacific trip maker
Start: Westport, New Zealand
Drive
1
Christchurch, New Zealand
— 1 night
Fly
2
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
— 6 nights
Fly to Rarotonga International Airport, Drive to Muri
3
Muri, Cook Islands
— 5 nights
Drive to Rarotonga International Airport, Fly to Christchurch
4
Christchurch, New Zealand
— 1 night
Drive
End: Westport, New Zealand
Fri, Feb 3 - Fri, Feb 17
Edit
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
View full calendar
Christchurch, New Zealand — 1 night
Garden City
Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.To see ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Christchurch attractions planner.
Westport to Christchurch is an approximately 4.5-hour car ride. In February, daily temperatures in Christchurch can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. On the 4th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Aitutaki.
Find places to stay Feb 3 — 4:
Aitutaki, Cook Islands — 6 nights
©
Aitutaki's triangular barrier reef surrounds a turquoise lagoon of crystal clear water.Your list of things to see and do now includes Bishops Cruises, Akaiami Beach, One Foot Island, and other attractions. Step off the beaten path and head to Mount Maungapu and O'otu Beach. It doesn't end there: kick back and relax at Aitutaki Lagoon and look for gifts at T & S Artworx.
To find traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Aitutaki online trip maker.
Traveling by flight from Christchurch to Aitutaki takes 13 hours. Traveling from Christchurch to Aitutaki, you'll gain 22 hours due to the time zone difference. You will have some time to spend on the 10th (Fri) before leaving for Muri.
Find places to stay Feb 4 — 10:
Highlights from your trip
Muri, Cook Islands — 5 nights
©
Raratonga's lagoon measures widest and deepest around Muri, attracting large numbers of tourists to swim, snorkel, dive, and boat in the turquoise water filled with tropical sea life.Your day by day itinerary now includes Te Vara Nui Village, Over-Water Night Show & Dinner, Muri Night Market, and other attractions you added. Explore hidden gems such as Titikaveka Beach and Takitumu Conservation Area. There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at Te Ara- Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise, kick back and relax at Muri Lagoon, and go for a stroll along the water at Ngatangiia Harbour.
To see maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Muri trip itinerary maker site.
The Route module can help you plan travel from Aitutaki to Muri. In February, daily temperatures in Muri can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. You'll have a few hours on the 15th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling to Christchurch.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Feb 10 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Christchurch, New Zealand — 1 night
Garden City
To see reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Christchurch planner.
Explore your travel options from Muri to Christchurch with the Route module. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 22 hours traveling from Muri to Christchurch. While traveling from Muri, expect little chillier days and colder nights in Christchurch, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 13°C. You'll set off for home on the 17th (Fri).
more
Explore your travel options from Muri to Christchurch with the Route module. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 22 hours traveling from Muri to Christchurch. While traveling from Muri, expect little chillier days and colder nights in Christchurch, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 13°C. You'll set off for home on the 17th (Fri).
Find places to stay Feb 16 — 17:
Rarotonga travel guide
The center of Rarotonga is a mass of peaks and ridges, closely thatched with dense jungle. Around the outer edge of the island, between verdant bush and pristine white beaches, you'll find a scattering of hotels and resorts; restaurants, bars, and cafes; paw paw patches and fields of taro, mango, and bananas. Explore the unspoiled scenery of the interior, or relax wholeheartedly into the laid-back Islander way of life. There are two bus routes--clockwise and counterclockwise around the island--and the buses stop on demand, allowing you to get around with ease (if at a sedate place). Encircled by a sheltering coral reef, the crystal clear waters surrounding the island are calm and perfect for fishing, swimming, diving, paddling, snorkeling, or simply splashing about. Rarotonga also serves as the gateway to the rest of the Cook Islands, with tiny traditional communities, ancient caves, uninhabited islets, and sandy atolls to discover.
