The very best issues to do in Rarotonga and the Prepare dinner Islands

Strewn throughout the South Pacific like a handful of pearls tossed onto a gemstone-blue blanket, the Cook Islands are every thing you’d hope to seek out in Polynesia.

Whereas this tiny island nation is legendary for its white sand and clear lagoons, there’s extra to it than pristine seashores (though these are nice, too, unfold over 15 islands). From digging into native historical past to witnessing the spectacle of Aitutakian fire-dancing, listed below are the highest issues to do within the Prepare dinner Islands.

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Uncover native historical past on the Prepare dinner Islands Library and Museum

The primary trace of the treasures within the Cook Islands Library and Museum on Rarotonga comes from the outside of the constructing – adorned with a vivid mural that celebrates the traditions and historical past of the Cook Islands. Inside, study in regards to the historical past and tradition of those distant islands, from the primary settlement by Pacific Islanders to the arrival of European explorers and the declaration of self-government in 1965.

Run by native volunteers, the museum has an fascinating vary of displays together with Polynesian cookware, musical devices and carved weapons. Native images and artwork dangle on the partitions, giving shade and heat to the shows. One of many highlights is a phenomenal tivaivai, a conventional Prepare dinner Islands quilt, hanging from the ceiling, its squares present a canoe crossing the waves. The museum is conveniently positioned in Avarua, and is open Monday to Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

Store like a neighborhood on the Punanga Nui Market

To get a style of native life, go to the Punanga Nui Market in Avarua on Saturday mornings. {The marketplace} is normally bustling with locals and sightseers, and it could actually really feel like the entire of Rarotonga has come out to browse. Arrive early for the freshest native fruit and greens, then wander the stalls in quest of native foodstuffs, drinks, clothes and souvenirs – this can be a good spot to select up native artwork and wooden carvings at affordable costs.

One other spotlight of market day is watching the cultural performances on the primary stage. Native youngsters carry out Polynesian dances and songs beginning at 10am, giving guests a glimpse of the colour and vibrance of Prepare dinner Islands tradition. 

Discover Aitutaki’s lagoon

Aitutaki, the second largest island within the Prepare dinner Islands, is lower than an hour’s flight from Rarotonga, and it is hailed as having one of the crucial stunning lagoons on this planet. Stretching out from white sandy seashores, this turquoise swath of water is dotted with tiny motu (islets). Spend a day cruising by its gorgeous waters and stroll alongside the sugar sands of uninhabited islands; it is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the Prepare dinner Islands.

A typical lagoon tour entails visiting a couple of of the motu on the lagoon, snorkeling with tropical fish and having fun with a barbeque lunch, normally on postcard-perfect Tapuaeta’i (One Foot Island). Within the lagoon, you possibly can see turtles and large clams and snorkel over the wreck of the cargo freighter Alexander, which ran aground within the Nineteen Thirties. Together with the spectacular surroundings, a freshly caught fish lunch is a spotlight of the journey. Exploring Aitutaki lagoon on a sunny day looks like floating into paradise.

Go bonefishing in Aitutaki

Nearly invisible on the sand flats beneath the lagoon, Aitutaki’s silvery bonefish are reportedly the most important on this planet. Referred to as kiokio in Cook Island Māori, grownup bonefish can weigh 10lb (4.5kg) or extra. They’re extremely jumpy once they enterprise onto the flats and catching one is a problem for even probably the most skilled angler.

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If you wish to attempt your luck, head onto the pristine lagoon with a neighborhood fishing information. Studying native ideas and methods is crucial to catch one in all these elusive bonefish; plus, it is only one extra technique to see stunning Aitutaki from the water.

Attend a service on the Prepare dinner Island Christian Church

The vast majority of Prepare dinner Islanders spend Sunday mornings at church, on condition that the custom of Christianity on the islands dates again to the arrival of British missionaries in 1821. Be a part of a neighborhood service at The Cook Island Christian Church, a small, whitewashed constructing from the 1850s with a welcoming congregation. 

The Sunday service is in Māori and usually consists of a number of sung hymns, giving the proceedings a festive environment. Keep for refreshments after the service and have a chat with locals in regards to the church and the neighborhood. Gown conservatively for the church service, and count on the congregation to be of their colourful Sunday greatest.

Hike to the bottom of the Needle

For an island exercise, and to see a few of the greatest mountain surroundings on Rarotonga, hike the four-hour Cross Island Trek. The path begins behind the city of Avarua and the monitor meanders by lush rainforest, with shady bushes offering a welcome respite from the tropical sunshine.

The path continues to the bottom of 413m (1455ft) Te Rua Manga – also referred to as The Needle – a looming volcanic rock within the island’s middle. That is the best level on the trek and lookouts reward hikers with panoramic views. End the hike with a swim and picnic on the peaceable Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall.

Expertise an Island Evening

A way of pleasure and anticipation permeates the air earlier than the beginning of an “Island Evening” – a Prepare dinner Islands feast. Performers are seen in shadows, with painted faces and colourful costumes, whereas scrumptious smells mingle with the scent of tropical flowers. Over the following few hours, visitors are handled to dances and songs, native music and a feast that features an umu, the place meals is cooked in an underground oven.

Attending an Island Evening will not be solely a beautiful night out, it additionally presents a glimpse of the tradition and traditions that existed on the islands earlier than the arrival of Europeans. Whereas many motels and resorts have spectacular reveals, the Highland Paradise Cultural Centre on Rarotonga is famend for its Island Evening performances. In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to expertise an Island Evening in Aitutaki, you’ll be handled to the custom of Aitutakian fire-dancing, which is without doubt one of the most spectacular spectacles within the Prepare dinner Islands.

Uncover pre-Christian Aitutaki at Punarei Cultural Village

For curious vacationers who wish to know extra about life within the Prepare dinner Islands in pre-colonial occasions, go to the Punarei Cultural Village. Right here, uncover the traditional myths, legends and traditions of Aitutaki – together with the tales informed earlier than English missionaries arrived on the island within the nineteenth Century.

A tour across the village showcases conventional life on the island, and you will have the chance to prepare dinner in a buried umu oven, constituted of leaves and conventional supplies. You can too find out about indigenous artwork varieties in Aitutaki and see what a neighborhood village would have appeared like earlier than the arrival of European explorers.

Marvel on the volcanic rocks at Black Rock Seashore

On the northwest coast of Rarotonga, putting black rock formations rise from the ocean on the appropriately named Black Rock Beach. Contrasting with the white sand, the volcanic rocks are a putting sight – in pre-Christian occasions, native individuals believed this was the place souls started the journey to the afterlife. It’s a very stunning place to look at the sundown, with the black rocks silhouetted towards the pink and yellow sky. Black Rock can also be a stunning, calm place to swim and snorkel on a windy day, because it’s positioned on the sheltered aspect of the island.

Go snorkeling within the Fruits of Rarotonga

One of many joys of visiting the Prepare dinner Islands is swimming with the islands’ plentiful tropical fish. There are a number of stunning marine reserves alongside the coast of Rarotonga, all full of vibrant coral and engaging marine life, and Tikioki – additionally referred to as the Fruits of Rarotonga – is a particular favourite.

This can be a fantastic place to snorkel, with massive coral reefs, comparatively deep water and darting faculties of tropical fish in rainbow colours. In the event you’re touring with youngsters, a shallower snorkeling spot is Aro’a Marine Reserve within the southwest of Rarotonga.

Take a stroll by the Maire Nui Gardens

Together with the seashores, one of the crucial distinctive issues in regards to the Prepare dinner Islands is the abundance of lovely tropical flowers. When guests arrive within the nation, they’re usually given an ‘ei – like a Hawaiian lei garland – constituted of tropical blossoms as a welcoming gesture. To have a better take a look at Prepare dinner Island flora, head to the Maire Nui Gardens at Ara Tapu on Rarotonga.

Wander the seven acres of superb tropical gardens, dotted with peaceable lily ponds, and admire the outstanding mountain views. Strolling by the gardens is a splendidly serene expertise and an ideal distinction to the bustle of exercise in Rarotonga’s resorts. Once you’re hungry head to the park café, virtually hidden within the foliage.

Find out about native marine life on the Prepare dinner Islands Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre

In case you have a wet day whilst you’re in Rarotonga, or simply need a day away from the seaside with youngsters in tow, head to the Cook Islands Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre at Arorangi. Right here you will discover a wide range of colourful displays which showcase Rarotonga’s various ecology.

Within the aquarium, get an up-close view of lagoon sea life, together with stonefish, clams and crabs. The reside coral and native bugs are all the time widespread with youngsters, as is the aviary for rehabilitating injured birds. After you’ve had a glance across the displays, seize an ice cream on the on-site ice cream parlor.