Charter The Vaka - Cook Islands Voyaging Society

Vaka Charter & Hire

The Cook Islands Voyaging Society offers charter opportunities aboard our traditional double-hulled vaka for educational, cultural, research, and community purposes.

Chartering the vaka supports the preservation of traditional navigation, seamanship, and Cook Islands voyaging knowledge, while providing a low-carbon, ocean-friendly platform for meaningful work in remote environments.

Vaka Charter & Hire Charter Rate

Approx. NZD $2,000 per day Minimum charter period: 5 days This daily rate reflects the true operational cost of safely and responsibly operating a traditional voyaging vessel. Vessel Capacity & Access The vaka is a low-carbon sailing vessel, Can carry 6–8 working passengers, in addition to crew. Capable of accessing remote and hard-to-reach locations not easily serviced by conventional vessels. Potential destinations (subject to conditions and voyage planning) include: Suwarrow Palmerston Island Manuae Takutea Island Other outer islands within the Cook Islands International Voyages are available but will need to booked in advance as coverage of insurance fees.

Previous & Ongoing Project Support

The vaka has been used to support a range of conservation, research, and logistical projects, including: Rat baiting and eradication programmes Marine and seabird surveys Environmental monitoring and survey work Transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies to remote islands Pick-up and drop-off operations where conventional transport options are limited

What the Cost Covers

The charter fee includes: Qualified and experienced vaka crew & Captain Food and provisions for crew during the charter period Voyage planning and preparations, including safety checks Operational costs associated with sailing and maintaining the vaka Ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the vessel Suitable Uses Vaka charters are suitable for: Cultural and educational programmes Environmental and conservation projects Research and monitoring activities Community and youth engagement initiatives Partner or institutional programmes aligned with voyaging values

Enquiries

All charter requests are assessed to ensure alignment with the values and mission of the Cook Islands Voyaging Society.

For charter availability, proposed routes, and further details, please contact us via the enquiry form below