Cook Islands Things to Do

 
by pure1942
 
  •   Things to Do
    by pure1942
  •   Things to Do
    by pure1942
  •   Things to Do
    by pure1942
  •   Things to Do
    by pure1942
  •   Things to Do
    by pure1942
 
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Quad-biking on Rarotonga.

by worldkiwi

On my 2011 trip to Rarotonga, my friend and I decided to follow her brother's recommendation to try quad-biking. Coconut Tours, a subsidary of Te Vara Nui Village, in Muri, on the eastern side of Rarotonga, operate a range of motorised vehicle based 'adventure' style activities. Holiday makers can choose from taking a sedate 'safari' tour in the back of a ute (Americans call it a pick-up truck), self drive, two man buggies that look a little like speedway racers, or, as we did, the get-down-and-dirty option of the quad bike riding.I have to say, I wouldn't rave about this activity. You kind of get on a noisy, quad, rattle and roll up some nerve wracking and bone shaking trails, plough through some inland streams, drive to the end of the tracks and then drive back. If you like loud, motorised activities, then you might find this more fun than I did. A quiet walk through the green hills of...

Experience a cultural show and dinner at Muri.

by worldkiwi

In Muri, a new cultural centre has opened. In April 2011, I experienced the excellent dinner and cultural show at Te Vara Nui Village. This proudly family-built centre showcases Cook Islands dancing and cuisine in an impressive purpose built setting. The centre is built around a small lake with a central stage. Diners sit around this for dinner and the show. The views are great, set off by lighting and a very professional set-up. The place is well organised, with booking essential.The 'umu' dinner was delicious and memorable. I was instantly made a fan of 'poke' a sweet speciality of the Cook's, served as part of a main course. It complemented the outstanding octopus curry and mutton chops I enjoyed. Surprisingly, lasagne was served, home-made and surprisingly brilliant. Following the impressive buffet feast, the show proceeded to showcase the excellence of dancers and musicians. The...

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An alternative to Aitutaki on Rarotonga...

by worldkiwi

If you can't fit in a trip to Aitutaki, you can experience the next best thing (and in my opinion, it's still a long way off), by spending a day, or staying in accommodation at, Muri Beach on Rarotonga.Muri is a lagoon with four islands. The lagoon is situated on the eastern side of the island. There is a lot of backpacker accommodation here, as well as two more expensive hotels. The beach is long and there's plenty of space to set yourself up on for the day. You can hire kayaks, take a reef trip, or snorkel. While I was there one day, in 2005, I swam over to Koromiri Island and then to Oneroa Island. Because of it's location, Muri Beach and lagoon tend to cop the trade winds and that can make the place a bit blustery sometimes.As un update to this, in 2011, I stayed at Muri for five nights, at the fantastic Kura's Kabanas, just north of the main beach. Things hadn't changed much, and...

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Aitutaki Marine Research Centre

by kimchicowboy

The Aitutaki Marine Research Centre is a small research centre partially funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments. They currently work on giant clam repopulation efforts and house some green sea turtles as well. Max (pictured) is from Manihiki and works there. The green sea turtles are available to be picked up by visitors. Nice place to chill and talk with the locals.

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Enjoy a holiday with the locals

by kimchicowboy

Although only 1 of these people are real "locals," the rest have been living on the island and are really cool like locals. In my case, we (me and people from Pacific Divers) celebrated St. Patrick's Day at the dive shop and ended the night at The Staircase. Woohoo!

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Go scuba diving!

by kimchicowboy

I did additional scuba dive training (night diving and underwater digital photography specialties) while in Rarotonga. Most of my diving was done at a site called Edna's Anchor just north from Avarua Harbor. I did my diving with Pacific Divers (located in Muri Beach) and Steve has an excellent dive shop. Highly recommended!

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Get a Polynesian Tattoo

by kimchicowboy

T's Tattoos is a small shop located next to his home. While I wanted a small, Polynesian tattoo made in the old-fashioned way, he only uses an electric needle and creates large designs that "tell a story."

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Swimming and Getting Around

by robandken

IF you plan on swimming, be sure to have coral reef safe shoes as the ocean floor is covered in coral. Also, you have to rent a scooter - it's fun. But do note you'll need to take a test on your motorscooter and obtain a driver licence!

Watch the fishermen

by easterntrekker

At the edge of the reef ...where the waves crash we would see the fishermen with there nets. They would cast out to the deep water and pull in the fish for the evening meal. The waves were often so huge . I wondered how they kept their footing ....somehow they always seemed to.

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where the departed souls left for the fatherland

by easterntrekker

Black rock is a beautiful coastal area a the west side of Rarotonga. It's easy to spot the huge black rock that rises out of the ocean . It was believed that this spot is where soul's leapt off and journeyed to the fatherland. It's a beautiful and peaceful area.

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Fun things to do in Cook Islands

Top 3 Hotels in Cook Islands

Crown Beach Resort  Rarotonga

 212 Opinions

 Hotels in Rarotonga

Etu Moana  Aitutaki

 1 Review and 422 Opinions  This place is amazing! The service is top notch. The resort is very nice. We were greeted by... 

 Hotels in Aitutaki

Sea Change Villas  Titikaveka

 364 Opinions

 Hotels in Titikaveka

34 Hotels in Cook Islands
 
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Reviews and photos of Cook Islands attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Cook Islands sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

llauraa profile photo

Q:  Thinking of visiting Cook Islands for a 10 day break a friend and wondering if there are any better locations than others we... 

Kakapo2 profile photo

A: I have not been there personally - but Aitutaki is THE island to go if you have 10 days. It surely is not a nightlife but a relax destination with sensational... 

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