Attractions

Come and see our world-class exhibition of the history of the Cook Islands(Rarotonga),
which delivers an in-depth insight into our cultural and environmental past, present and future. 

Truly understand the history and spirit of the Cook Islands(Rarotonga) with our spectacular museum display

Learn about Cook Islands history, traditional medicines, ancestral navigational techniques, legends and more while local artisans and craftspeople demonstrate how we weave, carve and prepare our dance costumes past and present.

The Cultural Village Tour is an Interactive and educational Experience where you can immerse yourself in the powerful story of our Cook Islands Maori culture.

Be blown away by our amazing Over Water Show while Rarotonga’s finest dancers perform The Legend of Tongaiti by flaming torchlight on floating and fixed stages of our waterfall garden.

A story of pride, love and celebration.

Enjoy Island Western Fusion Buffet Dinner in peaceful surroundings...

Combine the authentic Village Tour with the Spectacular Over-Water Show and Buffet Dinner to what is, the ultimate Cook Islands cultural experience on a 5 hour journey.

Includes complimentary return transfers (from Hotels/resorts) and a glass of bubbles on arrival.

Be entertained by Captain Tamas' and his crew on this once in a lifetime, most unforgettable experience. Watch the magical ocean through the glass bottomed boat, listen to island stories with typical Cook Island humour.

Leap off the boat, snorkel and meet the reef fish up close and personal. Or chill out and float above the coral paradise.

After snorkelling the crew will entertain you with hilarious coconut husking demo’s as well as how to shimmy up a coconut tree. Their demonstration of 100 ways to tie a sarong will have you in stitches.

Captain Tama’s and his entertaining crew have been sharing their tropical island playground with visitors since 1992 on their award-winning Muri Lagoon cruise.

The half day muri lagoon cruise includes a scrumptious bbq lunch...mmm

Bring… towels, swim gear, sunscreen and camera’s… we’ll take care of everything else.

Don't miss a fantastic day out with award winning  Koka Lagoon Cruises exploring famous Muri Lagoon. Make your Rarotonga holiday a memorable one, and let our multi talented crew treat you to an experience you wont forget - snorkelling amongst lagoon life or enjoying through glass bottom; non-stop entertainment with ukulele playing, pareu tying, weaving (score yourself a pair of kikau glasses!); enjoy a delicious fish bbq feast, amazing coconut tree climbing show, coconut husking and more! Find out more on the cost of our cruises and booking.

Informative, educational, and most of all FUN for all ages, whether families with small children or the elderly. Taking lagoon cruises to the next level. Check out our awesome video.

Know that a portion of your ticket also goes to a marine conservation fund.o!

 COVID precautions:  We recommend guests bring their own snorkel gear.   If guests do not have their own gear we will have snorkel gear available for use.  We will be disinfecting the gear after each tour in a bleach solution.   The gear will be submerged in solution for 1 minute, then removed and rinsed thoroughly, and allowed to completely dry before use.

 On a daily basis, we also will be disinfecting/sanitising all surfaces which have been frequently touched. These include bathrooms, tables, chairs, door handles, and the handrailings on the boats.  We will also have hand sanitizer available on checkin

One of the great things about Rarotonga - is the food! We have a abundance of fresh local food and while you here you should try - never know you might just love it!  

Like in any home, meal times are the happiest time.  The market kind of feels like home cooking and dining.  You get to meet the locals, the mamas and papas who prepared your meal, share a table with a family, or friend and sit down, eat and have a great conversation! 

Meals at the market range from $6 to $20 per plate. You have lots of choices including Vegan meals too!  If you feel like starting from dessert first then feel free to do so, there is plenty to choose from too! 

The markets are a great way to curate your own dinner from the various food trucks, stalls and stands all while mixing and mingling with tourists and locals alike. Open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm, the night markets offer a variety of food from local BBQ meals, seafood, fresh drinking coconuts, chicken curries, wok-fried noodles, pizza, desserts and more.

If you look at Rarotonga in an atlas or on Google Earth you will see that we are surrounded by more ocean than any other place on Earth. We are in the centre of the water hemisphere.

Established over 20 years ago and currently operated by PADI Course Director Steve Lyon, PADI Instructor Ben Vakatini and their team, Pacific Divers offers a comprehensive and enjoyable diving service catering for all levels. Dives include coral terrain dives, canyons, drop offs and drifts. Fish life is varied and includes Hawksbill and Green turtles, White Tip and Grey Reef sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Moray, Giant Clams and the myriad of reef fish and invertebrates you’d expect to see on a coral reef.

Pacific divers is located at the top of the drive heading down to Sokala Villas so getting there is no problem at all!  Steve and his team will be sure to look after you and guarantee you a great day in the water! 

CROSS ISLAND  & TE RUA MANGA  (THE NEEDLE) TREK

Cross Island Trek (Te Rua Manga 413m)
Moderate – Hard | 6 -7km cross island trek | 3hrs – 3.5hrs average time

The Cross Island Trek on Rarotonga is a 6 to 7km trek and if the weather is good it is a great way to spend your day ! It’s recommended that you begin the trail in the North(from Avarua) and head South (ending at Wigmores waterfall). Taking the public bus (that goes clockwise and anti-clockwise) is the best option but if you do have a car, driving would bring you closer to the trailheads.The trek is marked with orange markers for experienced trekkers who want to do this hike on their own. If you wish to go on a guided tour please get in touch with us up in the office and we can book you on Pas Trek.

As the trek ends at the Papua Waterfall (Wigmores Waterfall), feel free to take a dip and cool off after the hike. Please note that water is dependant on if it has been raining days prior to your hike.

The cross island and needle walk is located in Avarua, you can take the bus from Sokala to avarua. Get off at the Pandanus Gas Station (behind Sea Salt Takeaway) and walk straight up the road behind it. Look for Uraua Drive and carry on until the end of the road. You’ll see the trailhead sign and a map.

If you decide to just do a hike up to “The Needle” (Te Rua Manga) you can drive up to the North side, you will see that there is designated parking area.  You are not allowed to drive over the bridge and carry on driving, that part is private property and land owners will ask you to turn your vehicle around and park back at designated area.  Once you park, check that you have enough water supply, mozzie repellant, good foot wear (this is important - many dont!) and of course good battery on your phone for pics.  Please note that this trek is ever changing due to weather, the people trekking it every day etc so please watch your footing.  If it has been raining, use common sense - dont do the hike. Its very easy to slip and cause yourself injury.  If you doing the needle walk only then trek up to the summit and return the same way you went up - no detours! 

Like we tell all our guests - take normal precautions, let us know at reception know you have gone on hike so we know where you are. Take enough water and some lunch - the summit is the best place for lunch! Watch the weather - if it has been raining then dont do trek and lastly leave for both the cross island and Needle walk early in the morning.  It gets dark here very quickly so dont leave the walk too late. 

If you started your walk from Avarua side then the cross island trail ends at Wigmores Waterfall, at the end of Papua Road on the South side of the island. If you are being picked up from Wigmores waterfall or have started your trek from wigmore side then to be able to drive  up the road to the waterfall, you’ll be asked to pay a donation ($2 for bikes and $5 for cars/trucks). If you’re ending your trek this way and just walking back to the main road to catch a bus then there’s no need to pay the donation.

Ariki Tours is really a tour that suits all. They cater to all ages, fitness ability and really do have something for everyone.  Ariki Adventures Tours have a variety of tours to choose from Night SUP, SUP and Snorkelling tours, Kite SUP lessons, Cocktail tour, Mountain biking tour, Sea scooter safari and the ultimate Awesome Foursome tour that includes a full day of mountain bike riding, sea scooter safari, SUP and snorkelling.  Located 2 mins walk from Sokala villas. 

Want to see the rugged inland of our beauiful island..............but dont feel like walking it - then Safari Tours is what you looking for!

Raro safari tours is a family owned and run tour who show you the sites, take you inland and give you some of our best sites whilst you sit in the back of one of their very cool 4 x 4 Jeeps. 

Jump aboard one of their 4x4 safari jeeps and let Raro Safari Tours take you on the most thrilling road trip inland of Rarotonga! Their great drivers and tour guides take you out for half day tour of the island, giving you the best onboard commentary ever!  Island humor at its best.  It wil be a trip to remember. 

Raro Safari Tours offers exciting half-day adventures into the interior of Rarotonga. On our tour, you will get clear views of the sunrise coming up over the picturesque views of Rarotonga from below the beautiful Te Rua Manga (needle). The scene will surely take your breath away. They not only provide a fun, educational and safe tour to our valued clients but we also serve delicious refreshments. 

Raro Safari Tours operates twice a day from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel can be arranged if required. To make a booking, visit their website click here or stop by their office located across from the Rarotonga International Airport. If you would like us to make a booking for you then just let us know in a quick email and we can do this for you!  

Welcome to the Punanga nui markets!  Its the place to be on a Saturday morning.  We know holidays are all about sleep ins, but if you going to get up early in the morning then make sure it is for the Saturday markets!

You will find the markets on the outskirts of Avarua (going towards the airport) and open from 7am to about 12pm. Its the place to meet up with friends, family, buy GREAT food, island craft and loads more!

If you love food you will love the markets.  Go with a empty stomach and full wallet.  Don't worry about coffee, the friendly people at Reef side Rarotonga and The Waffle shack got you covered. 

You can do your weeks grocery shopping at the markets - its a great place to pick up fresh fruit and vege, freshly baked bread and much more.

Be sure to take cash (not all vendors have eftpos machine), reusable shopping bags to carry your loot and elasticated pants .......its all about the eating. Any rules of eating you can do away with, its okay to start with dessert and work your way backwards.  Suz does it all the time!