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Activities
Shopping
Local products include black pearls, handicrafts of excellent
quality, colorful clothing and electrical goods at very
reasonable prices.
Dining
Enjoy a variety of Polynesian fare, as well as many dishes
enfluenced by New Zealand, South east Asia, India and europe.
The traditional Polynesian feast is known as the umukai,
and involves baking food in an underground oven. The umu
is the underground oven, a deep pit filled with scorching
hot stones from mountain streams. Damp sacking and shredded
banana trunks are placed over the hot stones which soon
causes rising of steam. The traditional food is known as
kai and consists of chicken, pork, fish and vegetable dishes.
The kai is placed in the umu, whereupon everything is covered
up with more leaves and earth and allowed to steam for around
two hours, keeping in all the natural juices of the food.
The feast is followed by enthralling entertainment - kariori.
Guests are greeted with the fast paced tempo of drums, followed
by sensual dancing by island men and women dressed in traditional
costume.
Sightseeing
Historic and other sightseeing tours are available.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters offshore are ideal conditions for wahoo, barracuda.
dolphin fish, yellowfin and skipjack tuna, sailfish and
marlin. Inshore look for bonefish, trevally, cod, snapper
and other reef fish.
Scuba Diving
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are excellent for diving, snorkling.
The outer reef area offers a diverse range of diving conditions.
Canyons, caves and many varities of coral make it a most
unusual terrain. There are also wrecks to explore and fish
to hand feed. Combined with warm water temperatures year
round, this a truly inviting destination.
Favorite dive spots to name but a few are the Ngatangiia
Swimthroughs, the Matavera Drop-Off, the Mataora Wreck,
the Papua Canyon, the Sand River and the Koromiri Coral
Garden. The abundant reef life among 73 types of live coral
features hundreds of fish species, a bonanza for underwater
photographers. Experts rate the reef drop-off as the highlight
for divers off Rarotonga. This begins at about 100 feet
and plunges down to 12,000 feet -- Rarotonga is an extinct
volcano.
All diving is land based with the diving boats in the 16
to 22 ft (5 to 7 meter) size range offering personalized
diving. Trips usually depart in both the morning and afternoon.
Windsurfing
Many resorts offer windsurfing equipment, or it can be rented
from a number of local specialists.
Cruises
Inter island excursions, day cruises, glass bottom boat
tours are all available.
Hiking
Enjoy cross island walks, mountain hikes and beautiful waterfalls.
Horseback Riding
Ride the island trails, along the beach, and past waterfalls.
Golf
Play 9 holes at the Raratongan Golf Club. There are pro
shops and rental equipment is available.
Popular Visitor Attractions
Atiu
Anatakitaki Cave (Kopeka Cave), Atiu
The most well known of Atiu's limestone caves, it is named
for the Kopeka birds that build nests in between the stalactites
of the cavern. These birds navigate through the dark caves,
guided by the echoes of their clicking sounds.
Fibre Arts Studio, Atiu
This studio produces art and craft works inspired by traditional
Cook Islands textiles. Wall hangings, jewelry and other
handcrafted works are on display and available for purchase.
They also offer 5-day workshops where students can learn
the art of making tivaevae; the famous island quilts.
Avarua
Punanga Nui, Avarua
Saturday is the best time to visit this outdoor market where
you can purchase fruits, vegetables, bedding and clothing.
Cook Island Christian Church (CICC), Avarua
Sunday services are filled with hymns sung in the Maori
language at this island church which dates back to 1853.
The local graveyard is noted for some famous inhabitants
including American author Robert Dean Frisbie.
Beachcomber, Ltd, Avarua
Purchase jewelry, black pearls and other handcrafts at this
specialty shop and art gallery.
The Perfume Factory, Avarua
This specialty shop sells locally made perfumes, soaps and
lotions.
Bergman & Sons (The Pearl Shop), Avarua
You'll find in this store the largest collection of natural
and cultured pearls on the Cook Islands, in the form of
rings, earrings, strands and loose pearls.
Island Crafts, Avarua
Notable for its vast selection of handcrafts, including
everything from carved wooden tikis to black pearls, this
has been "the" store to go to since its 1943 opening.
Maui Pearls, Avarua
This reasonably priced store specializes in unique ways
to hold pearls in place and attach them to chains and necklaces.
TAV Ltd, Avarua
Block-printed clothing was pioneered here by Ellena Tavioni,
and a great selection of her beautiful designs for is available
at this combination workshop and store.
Seven-in-One Coconut Tree, Avarua
According to local legend, this group of seven trees is
actually one tree grown from a single coconut with seven
sprouts.
National Museum of the Cook Islands, Avarua
This museum contains a collection of artwork and historical
artifacts including weapons, carvings and costumes.
Wreck of the Matai, Avarua
The SS Matai, owned by the Union Steam Ship Co., was carrying
a load of Model T cars when it was wrecked on Dec. 24, 1916.
This area is now a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving.
Mangaia
Te Rua Rere, Mangaia
The skeletal remains of island ancestors can be found in
this cave that is often explored by international archaeologists.
Mauke
Julian Dashwood's House, Mauke
This English author, noted for writing about life on the
Cook Islands, moved here in the 1930s and married an island
girl. Both he and his wife are buried in the garden located
behind the cottage.
Zion church, Mauke
The largest church on the island is also known as the divided
church. It was built to serve two separate villages, members
of which are relegated to sit on one or the other side of
the pulpit.
Rarotonga
Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga
One of the island's most beautiful locations, this lagoon
and beach is a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Pa's Nature Tours, Rarotonga
With his blonde dreadlocks and knowledge of local flora
and fauna, Pa leads several interesting cross-island walks
through rugged terrain.
Cook Islands Cultural Village, Rarotonga
Visitors to this historic village can participate in a variety
of activities from coconut husking to fishing in order to
experience the lifestyles of the Maori people.
Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Rarotonga
This tall, rocky pinnacle can be spotted from several locations
on the island and is a favorite challenge for those who
enjoy a good climb.
Raro Mountain Safari Tour, Rarotonga
These guided, four-wheel island tours transport visitors
to many scenic locations including Te Rua Manga and Wigmore's
Waterfall.
Arai-Te-Tonga, Rarotonga
This historic and sacred site consists of several stone
structures forming a koutu or royal court where Maori chiefs
were inaugurated.
Sunset Beach, Rarotonga
This beautiful beach is the perfect spot to watch the sun
set over the island.
Wigmore's Waterfall, Rarotonga
Reachable by hiking trail or four-wheel vehicle, Rarotonga's
only fall is also known as Papua Waterfall, because water
from the Papua stream spills down the cliff into a beautiful
swimming hole.
Takitumu Conservation Area, Rarotonga
This reserve is a tropical forest that has been set aside
primarily to conserve the Kakerori bird, Rarotonga's endangered
flycatcher. Additionally, the area contains several rare
plants and is home to a number of other bird species.
Maire Nui Botanical Gardens, Rarotonga
Located on the south coast of the island, these gardens
contain many local plants and flowers that are not only
beautiful but have medicinal uses.
Rarotonga Breweries, Rarotonga
Tours of this natural beer brewery are offered on certain
weekday afternoons, followed, of course, by a free sample. |
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