Explore Rarotonga Things to see and do

By Claire McErlane

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!

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).

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.

After having done many tours over the years, I thought I knew a fair amount of local history, but Sam’s carefully researched knowledge, delivered with passion, had me quickly realising I knew very little. Astoundingly, we learnt that his great grandfather Isaia was the son of the famous Papehia, the Tahitian missionary with the LMS (London Missionary Society) who, along with Rev John Williams, introduced Christianity to Aitutaki in 1821, and then Rarotonga two years later. Further, Papehia’s son Isaia (Sam’s great grandfather), was the first Cook Islander to be sent to England to be trained as a minister.

The last stop is the magical highlight of the tour – a scenic lookout with breathtaking views of the rising lush, green volcanic mountains in all directions. Close by is Te Rua Manga (Raro’s famous Needle, which forms part of the Cross Island hike). Here, Sam will introduce you to his ‘tree phone’ … always a popular photo opportunity with kids young and old! After spending time here on top of the world, you commence the descent, meandering down the mountain in the trusty 4x4 to reach a beautiful beach-side location. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch served with a refreshing soursop juice. This tour provides a wonderful insight into the ‘real’ Rarotonga and is delivered with true Cook Islands hospitality!

Photo courtesy: Cook Islands Tourism

R A R O T O N G A , C O O K I S L A N D S

Bicycle and walking tours, from just $35 / adult and $25 / child aged 10 years and under.

Email: tours@storytellers.co.ck Phone: +682 53450 www.storytellers.co.ck

Photo courtesy: Cook Islands Tourism

Whether you’re on the lookout for an authentic souvenir or craving a delicious ‘banana poke’ – you’ll find everything and more at our island markets. Don’t forget to bring your cash (NZ dollars or Cook Islands coins) as majority of vendors don’t accept cards.

Located in the main township of Avarua, the market has a huge variety of items for sale. Operates every Saturday, early until mid-day.

Every Saturday the island’s largest market comes alive with vendors selling a huge range of local produce, tasty treats, art, black pearls, pareu’s, genuine local handicrafts and souvenirs! Here you’ll find locals and visitors mingling, tasting, chatting and generally soaking up the atmosphere. With lots of stalls to explore and large shady trees to enjoy a break, allow plenty of time for this market. Take the opportunity to pick up a handy ‘Visitor Sim Card’ from the Vodaphone stall while you’re here. There are convenient public toilets located either end of the market.

Around 10am you will hear the distinct sound of island music and beating of the drums … the Polynesian cultural performance has started at the rotunda! The enjoyable show features talented youngsters from around the island, all being groomed for future Island Nights in years to come.

I suggest you arrive at the market early to purchase fresh fruit and veg, and a fave with many locals – ‘banana poke,’ a traditional dessert made with over-ripe bananas … delicious!

Handy hint: Punanga Nui Market also operates a Food Night Market every fortnightly Wednesday.

Located in the heart of Muri, this food market operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday, from 5pm – 9pm.

With a huge variety of food stalls at reasonable prices, you won’t go hungry when you visit these markets! From bbq plates, wok-fried noodles, seafood, curries and pizza - your taste buds will be in over-drive. Checkout one of my faves – garlic prawns cooked in coconut by local Monukoa and his friendly team. Delicious desserts are also available at the market, but a word of caution – make sure you arrive early to ensure you don’t miss out.

The market offers a large undercover dining area with plenty of seating, entertainment some evenings, and has public toilets on site. Apart from the popular food vendors, you will also find some stalls selling local handicrafts or promoting day tours and various activities. So if you want a night off cooking, come down to the Muri Night Market and enjoy cheap eats in a chilled vibe!

Don’t miss this unique semi-sub cruise exploring Rarotonga’s underwater wonderland of the outer reef. Great option for all ages from 1 to 101!

Not to be confused with a glass-bottom boat lagoon cruise, this is the island’s only semi-submersible tour. Cruising out beyond the lagoon, explore the marine life and hidden treasures found only in the island’s deep, clear waters of the outer reef. As your skipper steers the sturdy semi-sub out from the harbour into the ocean, be spellbound by the spectacular view of Rarotonga’s magnificent mountainous landscape, with the iconic Trader

Jack’s in the foreground. You’ll be scrambling to take a photo … only to realise a few minutes later that this breathtaking backdrop will be there for the duration of your cruise (talking from experience here!).

Whilst you sit back and take in the views (either on deck or below in the viewing chamber), the experienced, extremely knowledgeable guides share fascinating information about Raro’s marine life and the coral gardens. We learnt that 98% of the coral was destroyed during five cyclones in 2005. It’s heartwarming to see how the coral has rejuvenated over the years, with lots of marine inhabitants calling the coral reef home.

Commonly seen marine creatures are huge GT’s, lots of schooling tropical reef fish, pelagics, giant eels and turtles (always a favourite to see!). Others that can be spotted are sharks, stingrays and hump back whales during whale season (July – Oct). There are bountiful sightings of whales in our waters every year, and the semi-sub offers the perfect vantage point for this exhilarating experience. Sightings of turtles are always a popular highlight too!

On the cruise you will get up close and personal with Rarotonga’s most famous shipwreck, the RMS Maitai. The visible remains of the ship can be seen from land - called the ‘Boiler’ by locals. However only on this cruise can you see the actual shipwreck, a fascinating relic laid to rest on the ocean floor for over 100 years, which now forms part of the reef. Built in 1892 in England, the British cargo ship RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Maitai was essentially a passenger and cargo ship. On a voyage from San Francisco to Wellington, the unfortunate RMS Maitai was shipwrecked on Christmas Day 1916, carrying over 1400 mail bags, mainly from soldiers fighting at the Front of WWI. Viewing from the chamber, you will cruise along both sides of the eerie wreck, while your guide explains each part of the ship and her sad story.

The cruise is an excellent tour for all ages, and indeed very popular with families with young children - who perhaps are not of an age to snorkel confidently. It offers an excellent opportunity for little ones to get close to the marine creatures from the safety of the semi-sub’s viewing chamber. With unique photo opportunities of the abundant sea life and breathtaking views of the island, lots of interesting information about the marine life, not to mention learning about the RMS Maitai, this cruise is highly recommended, and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water.

All group enquiries are welcomed, including BYO sunset cruises by prior arrangement.

Raro Reef Sub operates daily cruises at *9am, 11am, 2pm and *4pm subject to sea conditions. Departure point is Avatiu Harbour on the northern side of the island, just 5 mins walk (west) from Punanga Nui Markets.

“Te Ara O te ‘Onu”: The Cook Islands Sea Turtle Conservation Society The Journey of the Turtle

We are fortunate here in the Cook Islands to have populations of the Pacific Green sea turtle and the Hawksbill turtle. According to the IUCN Red List the green turtle is classed as endangered and the Hawksbill turtle, critically endangered. The current population status for the Hawksbill turtle is due to the population size that has reduced 80% worldwide. The Cook Islands Sea Turtle Conservation Society was formed in 2019 with its aims to offer more research, improve education and increase turtle conservation efforts. On the team of passionate turtle warriors we have a marine biologist, marine engineer, a vet and a marine Zoologist.

One of the aims of The Society is to work on specific and long term research to better understand how this population uses its environment, providing valuable information about use, distribution and abundance, potential threats or impacts on survival.

This involves the current work of monitoring the turtle populations and behaviour, with the goal to potentially tag and gather some DNA material to help us identify the origin of these turtles and any future movement around the Pacific. The Society also has the ability to provide necropsies on any turtles found dead or washed up on the beaches to help to identify their diet, sex and eventually cause of death.

The Society aims to increase the education in the community and tourism sector in the Cook Islands, including school education programmes and youth interactions, hands on and hands off programmes, workshops etc. By combining all the three essential components of The Society together to work towards increasing the turtle population, raise awareness of global problems and the local impacts, inspire and empower locals and tourists to conserve sea turtles and their habitats.

One of the effects of climate change is nest temperature sex determination, The Society has been involved in a tree planting programme in the Northern Cook Islands, it is the belief that planting trees will in turn provide more shade and therefore cooler nests in an effort to increase the male turtle population.

The Society also aims to work alongside other organisations in the Cook Islands on long term and the bigger picture, in terms of habitat loss and climate change and reducing global impacts to ensure that our turtles have a place to nest and that they are protected in their habitats.

Spread the word, teach your friends and family about Cook Island sea turtles, dispose of your rubbish correctly, and never buy sea turtle products (jewellery, ornaments, eggs or meat ) on your travels. Avoid using damaging sun screens when swimming or snorkelling and refuse, re use and recycle your plastics. Should you find yourself interacting with these majestical animals whether on a tour or in the lagoon then please remember do not touch, chase or upset the turtle in any way, but remain still, stay calm and relaxed and embrace the opportunity to be around these magnificent creatures.

All sea turtles (Onu) have a story of their journey, their Te Ara, you can help us share it with the world, follow our journey, our Te Ara and help us protect the beauty that is the ‘Onu.

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