Sports

Cook Islanders flock to sporting entertainment, golf, cricket, bowls, rugby, league, soccer, softball, squash, tennis, sailing, and swimming. Team sports are a big drawcard with locals and it is definitely entertaining to watch them at play.

Several sports clubs also have facilities that welcome the participation of visitors. Among them are:

GOLF

Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm
There is only one golf course on Rarotonga Island, managed by the Rarotonga Golf Club and located at Nikao near Black Rock, very close to the International Airport. Visitors are welcomed to its picturesque 18 hole, (2x9 hole), golf course before 2:00pm Monday to Friday. Playing around the masts and stays of the cable and wireless station contribute to the unique hazards of the course and makes for a truly unusual golf experience. Clubs can be hired for NZ$15.00 and green fees are also NZ$15.00.

LAWN BOWLS

The Rarotongan Bowling Club has an international standard bowling green. Visitors are very welcome at the Saturday roll up - except when specific tournaments are being held, or greens are undergoing maintenance. Starting times are l0am and 1pm with white dress required. Mufti dress is from 4pm, Monday to Friday. Green fees are around $1 as are the hire bowls. The club has a licensed bar open from 4pm daily.

TENNIS

Tennis courts are available for hire at The Rarotongan, Edgewater Resorts and Club Raro.

SQUASH

The Edgewater also has two squash courts which can be reserved for a game. Professional coaching is available to sharpen your skills and shops offer a complete range of quality rental equipment, including rackets, balls and shoes. Ask your host for advice on local courts.

CRUISES

Cook Island people are born of the sea, and not only make a living from the abundant waters, but also consider its shoreline as their marine playground. You can share in this experience by way of lagoon cruises and scenic charters. Various options are available for charter cruises. You can tour the sheltered and fascinating waters of Muri lagoon, whilst viewing the coral life forms through the glass viewing panels. Outer reef cruises are also available. Some of the attractions are coral formations, ship wrecks, dive demonstrations and fish feeding. Whale watching is dependent on the season.
Yacht charters are also available. These can be day cruises or inter island excursions, depending on your preference.

WALKING AND HIKING

Visitors keen on tramping and exploring will find that Rarotonga offers plenty of options. As there are no snakes, wild animals or poisonous insects on the island, inland exploring is relaxing and enjoyable. You can see native birds such as the chattering kingfisher, exotic butterflies and plants.
A good family walk starts at Ngatangiia Harbour and follows the Avana Stream inland to a pleasant picnic spot. For more adventurous walks, take one of the excellent guided tours which will take you off the beaten track, giving you an insight into the geology, history and culture of the islands.
The walks range from relaxed to experienced mountain trekking (take a good insect repellent). Most popular is the cross-island trek which leads to the base of Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Rarotonga's most dramatic peak. From here you get dramatic views of both sides of the island.
After a short rest it is an hour and a half down to Papua Waterfall also known as Wigmore's Waterfall. The falls are the largest on the island and drop in stages. Beneath the falls is a large pool perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. (The Across the Island trek is described in a booklet entitled, 'Rarotonga's Cross Island Walk'.)

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS HUSSIES AND HOFFSPRING

Visitors are more than welcome to join the Rarotonga Hash House Harriers each Monday.
There is something for everyone with the energetic doing more running and everyone else walking and seeing Rarotonga from a different perspective each week.
The fairly informal group welcomes all comers, and invites them to relax for a while at the end of the run with refreshments. There are ales for those that do, and soft drinks for those that don't, making it quite suitable for family groups.
The venue for each weeks run is published in the Monday Morning newspaper.

MULTISPORTS

The Multi sport calendar each year includes an International Triathalon event, as well as other Triathalon, Biathalon or Duathalon events.
They are great for maintaining or promoting fitness while on holiday.
Visitors are welcome to join in these events, or just participate in part of them.
It is a great way to meet local residents with similar interests.