Accommodation and holiday advice on Rarotonga and the Cook Islands - from local experts.
Tours
Some of the many tours available for visitors are set out below:
RAROTONGA ORIENTATION AND SITES TOUR
Operates: Daily
Duration: 3.5hrs
Pick up: 10:00 - 10:30am from all resorts/hotel
Drop off: 1:30pm - 2:00pm to all resorts/hotel
This tour is designed for first time visitors to Rarotonga. The tour presents important historical sites and
places of interest around the island. It will also identify places providing important tourist services,
activities and attractions. Fantastic snorkelling & a Light lunch will be served at a private beach spot
in the middle of the tour which will feature a combined short lecture on Cook Islands Black Pearls and the
various uses of the coconut tree! Get the most out of your holiday on Rarotonga by taking this tour soon
after arriving on the island and learn about all the interesting spots that you can explore on your own
throughout your holiday.
Price: $55.00 Per Adult & $45.00 Per Child
PROGRESSIVE DINNER & WINE TOUR
Operates: Mondays & Thursdays
Duration: 4.5hrs
Pick up: 5:00-5:30pm from all resorts/hotels
Drop off: 10:00-1030pm to all resorts/hotels
Leave the familiar surrounds of your resort and venture out to the villages to experience true Cook Islands
cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle when you visit the locals in their homes!
This 5 hour wine and dining experience takes visitors through three island style homes where you feel the
magic of meeting 3-4 generations under one roof. Revel in the stories of old, and the dreams and aspirations
of Cook Islanders as they map out their young lives. The first stop takes you to Danny & Janes in
Arorangi, complete with fruit orchard and tropical plants. Join Danny for a fruit tasting trail as he picks
fruit from the tree. Proceed to sparkling wine and Ika Mata - marinated tuna in lime and coconut juice spiced
with pepper & chilli. Whilst devouring the heavenly treat, Danny and your driver will breakout with the
ukulele, guitar and Umba to serenade you. Board the bus and drive for about 10 minutes to Mary's or Ta'amos
family estate for the main course & wine. Here, you'll see true matriachs in full steam organising their
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fuss over your needs. A delectable selection of meats,
island style food and salads await you at this stop. The serenaders continue to strum your favourite songs
as you eat and chat with your family hosts. The matriachs round off the evening with an introduction to their
families and a quick brief on family life in the Cook Islands. Board the bus and drive for another 10 minutes
to Lorraine's or Bernice's for the piece de resistance - desserts with tea & coffee. Here, you will
sample a wide selection of tropical fruit, home baked cakes, home-brewed coffee and english tea. Temu will
start a brief black pearl educational giving you all the tricks of the trade to ensure you purchase a good
quality pearl. By 10pm, your bus returns you to your hotel/resort to conclude the tour. This tour is hugely
popular. Early reservations are recommended as seats are limited to ensure a comfortable audience with each
host family.
Price $85.00 Per Adult
AVARUA HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
Operates: On request
Duration: 1.5hrs
The central part of the Avarua township has many sites and historical landmark that traces the
development of the Cook Islands from its Polynesian settlement of Rarotonga through to the arrival of early
missionaries, itinerant traders, and colonial powers such as the British and New Zealand. This area also has
landmarks denoting the post colonial history of the country which started in 1965 and right to the present day.
The tour guide will also impart his extensive knowledge of the use of local plants, folk lore and our Culture.
The tour is conducted at a leisurely walking pace which takes about one and a half hours. The tour concludes
with refreshments of local fruits and drinks. Operated on request.
Price: $45.00 Per Adult & $25.00 Per Child
BLACK PEARL WHOLESALER & ART GALLERIES TOUR
Operates: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Duration: 4.5hrs
Pick up: 900-9:30am from all resorts/hotels
Drop off: 1:30-2:00pm to all resorts/hotels
Visit small showrooms owned by Manihiki Pearl Farmer-families on Rarotonga and get access to
farm-direct pearl prices. Also visit Rarotonga's leading art galleries and see colourful nouveau art on
display. Purchase canvas-prints as a perfect Cook Islands souvenir! Tour finishes off at Natura Beach
Estate with lunch and a swim in a crystal clear lagoon (beach towels provided)!
Price: $70.00 Per Adult & $40.00 Per Child
THREE IN ONE SPECIAL - Adults only:
Includes Airport Transfers & 2 Tours
- Meet & greet with flower lei, cool face cloth, cold bottled water & return airport transfers (seat in coach)
- Rarotonga Orientation Tour with snorkeling & lunch on a private beach (seat in coach)
- Progressive Dinner & Wine Tour with travelling string band (seat in coach)
Price $125.00 Per Adult
HIGHLAND PARADISE - Cultural Day Tour
See the rediscovered "lost Tinomana village" where guests experience 500 years of history and
culture of the Rarotongan people - first hand, and where it all began...
Incorporates a magnificent botanical garden and views forever...
(centre open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday.)
Take the cultural day tour (from 10 am to 1pm.)
Includes : Transport to and from your accommodation, guided tour and light lunch.
This is an interactive, guided walking tour with cultural demonstrations throughout the magnificent gardens
and bush paths, dvd theatre presentations and includes cool drinks and a luncheon of local delicacies.
The entertaining guides immerse guests in the culture and history of this sacred, historical place. This
was a defensive village site and is surrounded by mountains, valleys and legends. Ceremonial sites,
replica houses and examples of artifacts will introduce everyone to the fascinating way of life here
before the coming of the Missionaries.
Souvenir shop on site.
Guests are welcome to stay longer to explore more of this photogenic 205 acre site.
Bookings advisable.
Tour Times: 10.00 am
Open: 9.00 am - 3.00 pm Monday - Saturday
$60 per adult
$45 per child (under 12yrs)
Special rates for groups and schools.
Self "as you wish" guided tours with
special guide book also available.
Island Discovery Tour
Operates Mon - Fri
9:45am - 1:00pm
Price: $60 per person
Captain Tama's Cruises
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Ph: +682 20 427
Pa's Mountain Trek
Across the Island Walk
Ph: +682 21 079
Raro Safari Tours
Rainforest Tours
Ph: +682 23 629
Takitumu Nature Walks
Kakerori (flycatcher) Bird Watch, Nature Walks
Ph: +682 29 906