EXPLORE
Rarotonga Things to see and do By Claire McErlane
An English backpacker turned Aussie travel agent, Claire McErlane hosted many tours to the Cook Islands, having fallen in love with the destination on her first visit. She eventually moved here with her husband, bringing their rescue ‘fur babies’ with them. A self-confessed ‘Cooks’ addict, Claire now runs a tourism marketing agency here in Rarotonga, and is passionate that visitors have the very best experience they can whilst visiting our island shores.
The magical Cook Islands is, without doubt, a spectacular destination, and has something for everyone. In fact, there are so many things to do and places to see, that many visitors find themselves planning a return visit during their first few days of arriving. When I was invited to write this story, I was excited for the opportunity to share my passion … but then the realisation hit me – there are so many choices that it’s a challenge to write about just a few. Truly, we could dedicate an entire magazine for this section, and most likely still leave out some great options for you. The following are just a few of my favourite ‘must do’s’ whilst visiting Rarotonga! Raro Mountain Safari Tours Explore the ‘real’ Raro! Suitable for all ages. Operating Raro’s only 4x4 tour for twenty three years, local character Sam and his team offer this fun, superbly educational adventure in their trusty jeeps, taking you to places no-one else can. You will see and learn about the ‘real’ Raro - which sadly many visitors miss if they keep to the Ara Tapu (main circular road which hugs the coastline). 54 • Escape Magazine
Travelling on the island’s ancient Ara Metua (or ‘back road’ as the locals call it), and then venturing onto seldom used 4x4 tracks, you begin to get a sense of the ‘heart’ of this beautiful island … it’s not all about the pristine lagoon and endless white sandy beaches. Here you’ll see thriving plantations of pawpaw, maniota (arrow root) and other crops, picturesque winding lanes with taro patches either side (did you know there are three grades of taro?), freshwater streams meandering down from the mountains to the lagoon, ancient sacred maraes, the island’s only waterfall, and lots of pigs, cows, goats, and of course, Raro’s famous chickens. You will learn about the crops, the island’s flora and fauna, day to day life, ancient and recent history (including the fascin-ating ‘Sheraton’ story – always a subject of discussion for visitors!), and many other interesting facts. The colourful history and ancient rituals of the Cook Islands are brought to life by Sam along the way.
