Art Expedition

Exploring the Cook Islands by drawing and painting

Gardenia - Tiare Maori

Our program is for 10 days in the Cook Islands: Three days on Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands with the international airport, 4 days on Atiu, and three days on Aitutaki, a stunning atoll with a turquoise lagoon.

For a shorter art tour on Atiu,
see Sketchbook Therapy.

Watercolour of Aitutaki, Cook Islands

These three Cook Islands are an ideal combination to get an impression of very different South Pacific islands. Besides exotic tropical landscapes, dramatic scenery and idyllic village life, they offer natural history walks to see endemic birds, hikes in native rainforest, a cultural performance, swimming and snorkeling and various other activities.

Atiu forest

The art expeditions are for amateur and professional artists who enjoy painting and drawing outdoors, and who would like to be inspired by a unique South Pacific island off the beaten track.

For minimum 6 and max. 10 participants

Contact us if you have a group of minimun 6 artists and would like different dates.

Inquiry and bookings for art expedition

Download the detailed
Art Expedition Program
as pdf (570kb)

Sketchbook Therapy Program
as pdf (870kb)

Island information:

Rarotonga is the main island, the cultural and commercial centre of the Cook Islands. It has stunning mountains and beautiful beaches. Not to miss are dance performances, and a dinner or two at our very nice restaurants. For the reasonably fit, the 4-hr Cross-island walk is highly recommended.

Watercolour of Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Atiu is a gem, off the beaten track. It is a raised coral island with dramatic, ragged cliffs, secluded beaches and magical tropical rain-forest. We will stay at the Atiu Villas in comfortable bungalows made from local timber, surrounded by a botanical garden, visited by several species of endemic birds.

Rimatara Lorikeets on Atiu

Information about Atiu:

Atiu Fibre Arts Studio and Atiu Coffee

Aitutaki is a picture-book South-Seas-island, a stunningly beautiful atoll with a turquoise lagoon and gently swaying palm trees.

Aitutaki on Wikipedia

Information about Aitutaki

Aitutaki beach

Chocolate Hermit crab

Our program is focused on out-door drawing and painting. Art instruction is available.

Drawing of Atiu coast, Cook Islands

The program highlights:

  • Island Night with Polynesian food and traditional dance performances.

  • Lagoon Cruise in Aitutaki

  • Cross-Island Walk

  • Walk through the villages of Atiu and Aitutaki.

  • Discover Atiu’s beautiful west coast

  • Hike through rugged makatea forest with beautiful, lush vegetation, to see the unique Kopeka bird (Atiu swiftlet) echo-locating in the dark cave.

  • Visit the Atiu Fibre Arts Studio

  • Gourmet lunches and dinners

  • The Atiu Villas and Kura's Kitchen

Atiu coast

Watercolour of Rarotonga, Cook Islands