Cook Islands Things to Do Tips by easterntrekker Top 5 Page for this destination

Watch the fishermen

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.

Directions: All around the coast

where the departed souls left for the fatherland

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.

See the flowers

There are beautiful blooming shrubs and trees wvery where. You could keep busy just taking pictures of the different Hibuscus....so many colours. It is hard to leave it and go back to ice and snow. Here are pictures of a few!!

Sat morning market

IN town there is a markey called Punanga Nui Market. I was a little disappointed in that many of the crafts are the same as in the stores and for the same price. There is good local produce though food and baked goods . Loved the coconut buns. There is music too and good people watching!!

Look at the sunset

I'm a sucker for sunsets anyway. Since we were on the east coast we had to catch it as we went to dinner in the evenings at the other sside of the island. In Rarotonga...that's minutes away!!

Kayaking

Kayaking is fun around Rarotonga. There are four little islands inside the reef that are quite easy to kayak to. Many of the hotels have kayaks available but its also possible to rent them quite cheaply.
We had fun in a two person one.

Arai-Te-Tonga Koutu-nui-Ariki

Located not far from town there are some ruins of a royal court of an ancient reigning High Chief.This would have been the area where tribal feasts were held. There's a 10 foot platform and a stone pillar quite visible . The area is quite overgrown and you have to use your imagination.

Visit CICC Church

There are several of these churches around the island .The one in Ngatangiia is built with coral and lime .Inside is very plain with beautiful wood and a balcony that goes all the way around . The music on Sunday is worth rising early for.

Papua Waterfall

There's a pretty waterfall that you can hike to called Papua Waterfall . YOu can also drive to it if you're lazy like we were in the heat .It's a water intake area and there are signs posted saying " no swimming" . Funny thing is its mentioned in the tourist brochures as a great place for a refreshing swim!! Hummm we didn't drink the water anyway. The whole area around it are worth the trip...really lush/

Address: South island

Go to Island night

Island night is a feast with dancing , drums , and good foord. There is a umu ...which is where various meats are roasted in a sand pit!! They roast pork , lamb, beef , chicken , and vegtables. They have a huge buffet set up...desserts are amazing too!!
WE ate so much that night!! There are several different island nights to choose from but one of the best is at the Rarotonga Resort. It is on Wed and Sat night...costs $55.00 each and is worth it. We got a chance to here some of the famous Cook Island drums...and watch the traditional dance!! I really liked the energy of the male dancers . My husband seemed more taken with the ladies wearing the coconut shells!!