Trips to Cook Islands

Feel free to contact us and let’s start planning together!

Matkakartoitus lyhyt EN

google

A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service

google

A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!

google

The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.

google

Great trip and nicely organized according to my wishes

google

Great service.😍

google

A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!

Pipsa 5 7.4.2025
google

The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.

google

Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!

google

We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!

Matti 6.12.2024
google

Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!

google

Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.

google

I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!

google

The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.

google

My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

google

If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.

JK 24.4.2023
google

Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!

google

A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.

Enjoy rainforests and turquoise sea water in the Cook Islands

Imagine lush rainforests, pristine caves, amazing birdlife, plantations, pristine reefs, beaches and lagoons. The Cook Islands are a true paradise where you can explore some of the most remote islands in the Pacific.

Located between Hawaii and New Zealand, the Cook Islands are a pleasant year-round destination. The Cook Islands are made up of 15 islands, the two main ones being Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The third most visited island is Atiu, and the remaining islands cover an area of 2 million square kilometres. The Cook Islands are administratively a self-governing territory of New Zealand.

The Cook Islands landscape is made up of lagoons, beaches and swaying palm trees, interspersed with small cosy buildings. No building on the island can be taller than the tallest coconut palm, so there are no sky-high hotels.

The islands offer many activities such as diving, snorkelling, hiking, fishing, kayaking and shopping at the local markets. You can also relax on the beach or even take a boat to a sandy island just for you.

Asko Meriläinen Project Matka

Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?

I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.

Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >

Asko Meriläinen

Your travel planner, entrepreneur


24/7 support at every stage of your journey, before, during, and after your trip

Free travel planning

Submitting the form does not commit you to anything

Dreaming of a percect

trip to cook islands?

Contact us and we can help you plan a successful trip that suits you.

Variety of accommodation and interesting animals

Rarotonga, one of the main islands of the Cook Islands, is the international centre of the archipelago. Its central parts are dominated by mountains, and although it is only 32 kilometres in circumference, it is the largest island in the Cook Islands.

Rarotonga’s strong links with New Zealand mean that its level of development is high. As a result, a wide range of accommodation options are available to the traveller, from traditional hostels to 5-star hotels.

Rarotonga is ideal for travellers who enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, sailing and fishing. Animal lovers will also find plenty to see on the island, with sightings of giant tortoises, barracuda and even humpback whales. You can also go on an exciting hiking trip in the rainforest or in the mountains.

In Aitutaki, on the other hand, tourists can see the lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The serene coastal scenery is ideal for relaxation. The lagoon is more than ten kilometres wide and it is well worth taking the time to explore it. A lagoon cruise is the best way to explore it.

Lagoon cruises also include a stopover in the One Foot mini-state, where you can get a foot-shaped stamp in your passport!

Sea turtle, Cook Islands
© Ben Teina
Outdoor activities, Cook Islands
© Alexandra Adoncello

Things to do in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are particularly known for their clear waters and stunning coral reefs. As a result, the islands offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities, allowing tourists to admire the diversity of corals, coloured fish and marine life.

The Cook Islands are also ideal for walking and hiking enthusiasts, with their green mountains and stunning scenery providing a great setting for a wide range of hikes. On the island of Rarotonga, one option is the Cross-Island Track, which offers spectacular views. Along the islands’ coastline, you can also take part in moonlight walks to enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere.

Culture in the Cook Islands

Visitors interested in culture can discover traditional Polynesian culture through events organised by a number of hotels and cultural centres. These include dance, singing and food traditions.

When travelling to the Cook Islands, active holidaymakers can easily try surfing if they wish, for example by renting a board or taking a surf lesson in Rarotonga or Aitutaki. You can also spend some leisurely time on the water, for example fishing, which is a popular activity in the Cook Islands. Catches include tuna.

Getting around the Cook Islands

Scooters are a convenient way to get around the islands, and the best way to explore the sites. To do this, you will need to obtain a local driving licence from the police station. You can hire your own boat or go on a shared lagoon cruise to explore the lagoon. Travel between the islands is usually by plane.

Asko Meriläinen Project Matka

Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?

I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.

Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >

Asko Meriläinen

Your travel planner, entrepreneur


google

A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service

google

A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!

google

The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.

google

Great trip and nicely organized according to my wishes

google

Great service.😍

google

A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!

Pipsa 5 7.4.2025
google

The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.

google

Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!

google

We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!

Matti 6.12.2024
google

Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!

google

Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.

google

I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!

google

The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.

google

My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

google

If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.

JK 24.4.2023
google

Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!

google

A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.


24/7 support at every stage of your journey, before, during, and after your trip

Free travel planning

Submitting the form does not commit you to anything

Feel free to contact us and let’s start planning together!

Matkakartoitus lyhyt EN