Rarotonga Island
Rarotonga Island is the largest and youngest island of the Cook Islands group. It is therefore physically different from its volcanic neighbors, where the mountains are almost completely eroded and more like hills. The central massif of Rarotonga remains one of the most powerful volcanic pyramids. The tops of its cliffs resemble the teeth of a saw, and the ridges are solidly covered with tropical jungle. They are separated by streams running downhill, which feed the picturesque green valleys. The highest peak reaches 658 meters above sea level. The island is surrounded by a blue lagoon, which is several hundred years old. It used to be protected by a reef, but over time it has gone underwater. The lagoon is ideal for diving – the richness of the underwater world is unrivaled.
Video: Rarotonga Island
Contents- Highlights
- Sights
Culture - Cuisine
- What to do
- Travel Tips
- Best beaches, bays and recreation areas on Rarotonga
- Hotels on the island
Highlights
At first glance the island may seem completely unexplored and uninhabited, in fact it has an excellent tourist infrastructure.
Tourists are offered a wide range of excursions, during which you can get acquainted with the culture of the peoples of Polynesia, visit beautiful lagoons and walk through the rainforest, as well as scuba diving and admire the beauty of the underwater world. Fans of extreme sports can fly in a helicopter and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the island..
Unlike artificially created islands, Rarotonga is literally imbued with the powerful energy of wildlife: coconut and citrus groves, lianas and fern jungles, in the local forests can be found the rarest plants – man is simply unable to create with his own hands such magnificence.
.
The island has long been favored by fans of deep-sea fishing, whose prey becomes marlin, barracuda, tuna and other fish of noble breeds. In any part of the island can be found attractive restaurants and stores, civilization literally borders the impenetrable jungle.
.
The capital of Rarotonga Island is the town of Avarua, literally its name can be translated as “Two Harbors”. Back in 1992 it was a modest harbor town, but after the past Mairé Nui festival it began to develop actively and today is a solid tourist center. Beautiful avenues and streets buried in greenery, original architectural buildings made in the best traditions of Polynesia, and beautiful green hills on the horizon – this is how Avarua appears to travelers. The city’s main attraction is a group of coconut palms called Seven &One Cooonut Tree. The palms form a perfect circle, and there are many interesting stories associated with the natural landmark. Several medieval buildings, churches and ancient cemeteries have also been preserved in Rarotonga. Local museums have rich collections of historical and archaeological artifacts, as well as handicrafts and national costumes.
.Sightseeing
The island of Rarotonga will appeal not only to those who prefer relaxation on the beaches and sports entertainment, but also to those who can not imagine a full vacation without exciting excursions. The Cook Islands Library and Museum Society is one of the most interesting. It is located in the capital of the island, Avarua, and is a large-scale cultural complex. In addition to an extensive collection of books, the museum has a fascinating collection of national crafts, as well as unique historical artifacts and photographs.
.The central and most beautiful area of the capital is Traffik-Sekl, and it is here that one of the main symbols of the island is located. We are talking about the Seven-in-Ouane Coconut Tree – an amazing group of coconut palms, with which there are many interesting legends. The fact that the palms form an exact circle, according to one of the legends, they all grew from a single seed. Also in the center of the capital preserved an ancient church, built in 1853, and a number of typical Polynesian buildings, which are more than a hundred years old.
.
On the west coast of Rarotonga Island lies the ancient village of Arorangi, it was the first settlement that missionaries established on the island. The picturesque village has survived virtually unchanged to this day, with a number of beautiful buildings and the most important religious landmark, the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC). The church was erected in the mid-19th century, on its territory is the burial place of the preacher Papeih, it was he who introduced the islanders to Christian culture.
.
In the immediate vicinity of Aroranga is the Cultural Village – a large-scale ethnographic open-air museum. Its guests can learn a lot of interesting things about handicraft and culinary traditions of the locals, as well as buy unique handmade souvenirs and taste the most popular national treats. Fans of walking around historical places will like the Takitumi district, it is located in the southern part of the island. This is where the beautiful Pa Palace, which was built using coral blocks, is located, as well as Arai-Te-Tonga, the ruins of the royal court, which locals consider a sacred site.
.Culture
Rarotonga is a remarkably beautiful and charming island with interesting cultural traditions. Music and dance for the locals have become an integral part of everyday life, the islanders consider themselves the best dancers in Oceania for good reason. Travelers who want to get acquainted with the local culture and traditions should visit the island in the second half of April, when the Te Mire Kapa Dance Festival takes place. The best dance groups from the Cook Islands take part in it, and the festival is accompanied by grand performances and musical concerts. On the last day of the festival, the best dancers of the year are chosen, and the festival concludes with a grand concert.
. In July, the Song Quest music festival is traditionally held, which brings together the best performers. The music festival lasts for five weeks and every day guests of the island can attend concerts and interesting entertainment events. One of the most favorite national holidays of the locals is Te Maeva Nui – the Constitution Festival. The festival is dedicated to the important historical event – the independence of the islands, lavish folk festivities last 10 days, the festival is held in the first half of August..
The festival program is very rich and diverse, its guests can witness exciting sports and colorful street performances, concerts and fairs. Also during the festival for the guests of the island conduct very interesting excursion programs and cultural events dedicated to the history and traditions of the islands.
.
The main religious holiday is considered to be Nuku or Gospel Day. Every year the date of the holiday changes, so tourists who want to get acquainted with the religious traditions of the island, it is worth clarifying it in advance. November is invariably associated with the colorful flower festival Tiare, which is attended by florists from various countries. Within the festival they hold very interesting exhibitions and competitions, skillful florists compete in the design of landscape compositions and facades of buildings, their work looks simply irresistible. At each festival, foreign travelers will feel welcome, the island of Rarotonga is characterized by a very cordial and hospitable atmosphere.
.Cuisine
Rarotonga Island will be interesting to visit for foodies and those who favor exotic dishes. The isolation of the island was the main reason for the formation of special culinary traditions, recipes for many national treats remain unchanged for many hundreds of years. One of the main “innovations” of the national cuisine is the use of rice and meat, a hundred years ago meat was used exclusively for the preparation of holiday treats.
.
Rice also appeared on the island relatively recently, today it is considered an important component of many classic treats and everyday dishes. The national cuisine will appeal to seafood fans and vegetarians, and the island has a huge number of interesting vegetable dishes. Cabbage and zucchini, eggplant and rice – these are the main components of national dishes, from these simple and well-known products local cooks prepare a lot of interesting and spicy treats.
.
The natives of Rarotonga also have their own national drink – a special type of malt beer “Tutunu”. The ways of cooking are also very interesting, a typical example of an ancient national dish is umukai. As many years ago, the dish is cooked in a special earth oven, “umukai” is seafood stewed with vegetables. A few decades ago, another variation of the dish appeared on the island, umukai began to be cooked with meat, and garlic and onions were added as seasonings.
.
Among the exotic treats, the leader remains “matu-rori” – this is the meat of sea cucumber or trepang, which is fried with a special variety of green bananas, the taste of the dish is simply delicious. Very interesting local cooks prepare white crab meat, which is also considered a delicacy. The meat is well battered, then mixed with coconut shavings and slightly fried in hibiscus leaves. Fans of exotics can order a more original dish – raw crab meat with lemon juice dressing.
.A very interesting treat on Rarotonga is salted fish, locals salt it directly in the sea water. Such fish can be served both as an independent dish and as an addition to other treats. Desserts in national restaurants are prepared from exotic fruits, fried fruits of breadfruit are of great interest to foreign guests.
.What to do
Rarotonga Island – this is a spacious beaches and amazingly beautiful nature, a variety of sports centers and entertainment venues, interesting stores and restaurants. The most popular on the island remains the beach Titikaveka, it is a surprisingly beautiful and quiet place. Close to the coast are palm thickets, so vacationers always have the opportunity to escape the sun in the shade. The beach has a fairly long length, so finding a secluded place to rest will not be difficult.
.
No less attractive is the beach Muri Lagoon, it is especially popular with those who like to snorkel. Near the coast you can see a lot of colorful fish, starfish and other inhabitants of the underwater world, well-groomed and calm beach will be a great place to relax on a hot day. It is also worth noting that the island has created excellent conditions for divers, they offer their services to numerous centers of water sports. There are also excellent diving schools, and attractive dive sites in the coastal waters of Rarotonga more than enough.
.You can diversify your leisure time with a visit to the Cocoputt Entertainment Park, especially for those who stay on vacation with the whole family. The picturesque park has equipped picnic areas, as well as interesting sports fields and an attractive restaurant. Vacationers can stroll along winding paths and admire exotic plants, hone their golf skills and enjoy local delicacies.
.To get acquainted with the flora of Rarotonga Island, the Maire Nui Botanical Garden is a great place to visit, with a huge collection of flowers and exotic plants. The garden is distinguished by a very nice decoration, on its territory there is a cozy cafe. Fans of sports entertainment should visit the center LEK Rarotonga, it is engaged in organizing a variety of entertainment events. Customers can rent the necessary sports equipment, learn the basics of surfing and scuba diving.
.
It is worth noting the presence of attractive stores and markets, the most popular market Punanga Nui is located in the capital of the island. Here you can buy a variety of goods, from clothes and shoes in the national style to interesting souvenirs, often on the territory of the market are very interesting entertainment events.
.Tips for tourists
The rainy season on Rarotonga Island lasts from November to April, with the least rainfall between May and October. At other times of the year, sudden tropical downpours are also possible, but they are usually short-lived and will not spoil the vacation program.
There are two currencies on the island – the New Zealand dollar and the Cook Islands dollar. The exchange rate is the same, the main difference between the unusual national currency is that you can not pay with it outside the islands. Travelers can exchange currency in one of the local banks, but it is most advantageous to do it in your home country, before traveling.
.
Banks and other government offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a longer business day. Some large banks may also be open on Saturday, and Sunday is considered a generally accepted day off.
.
Going shopping, it is also worth considering that haggling in local markets and stores is not customary. It is strongly recommended to stock up in advance enough bills and coins of small denomination, so it will be easier to pay with sellers.
.
Tourists who plan to buy as souvenirs of pearl, coral or leather products, be sure to take care of the accompanying documentation. A receipt for the goods can only be provided in stores, so such souvenirs should not be purchased in open markets.
.
The voltage in the power grid is 220 V, and hotels and inns have standard New Zealand-type sockets. Some larger hotels may also have other types of outlets in their hotel rooms, but it is best to stock up on adapters and adaptors for electrical appliances in advance.
.
The best time to go shopping is Saturday morning. All markets and stores are open at this time, and they begin to gradually close after noon. In contrast, on Sunday, most of the stores are not open.
.
Getting around the island is possible by bus, it runs along the coast from early morning to late afternoon. There is no exact timetable, but there is usually no more than half an hour between trips.
.
Best beaches, coves and vacation areas on Rarotonga
Rarotonga Island has been attracting diving and snorkeling enthusiasts for years, with a huge selection of fabulously beautiful coral reefs nearby. Like to rest here and those who prefer to sunbathe on the picturesque coast, the choice of beaches on the island is more than worthy. One of the main symbols of the island remains a beautiful beach Oravaru Beach, it is one of the largest beaches in the Cook Islands. The vast stretch of coastline is covered with fine snow-white sand, contrasted by the shoreline with thickets of exotic plants and water of deep blue color. The beach is completely devoid of any equipment, the main part of its visitors is made up of scuba diving enthusiasts. The coastal waters are inhabited by a huge number of colorful fish, which will be interesting to admire and experienced divers and beginners. In the immediate vicinity of the coast is a lot of beautiful places for walking, from the nearby green hills offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area.
.
No less attractive vacation spot is Oneroa Beach, which is considered one of the most picturesque and popular. Quiet bay is perfect for a family vacation, the sandy beach has won the recognition of travelers due to the calm atmosphere and amazing scenery. Fishermen like to spend time here, the coastal waters are rich in fish. Attracts the beach and travelers who do not part with the camera, the place for a photo shoot here is just perfect.
.
Romantic naturals will love Avaavaroa Beach. On this tiny stretch of coastline, dense thickets of palm trees come almost right up to the water’s edge, so vacationers do not need to take umbrellas from the sun. Despite its undeniable attractiveness, the beach Avaavaroa is never crowded, you can meet on its territory of vacationers is extremely rare. More lively and crowded is the beach Tikioki, partly it owes its popularity to its convenient location near the main highways. Thanks to its impressive size, it is easy to find a comfortable place to stay on the beach. Fans of water sports, the youngest travelers, and those who have long dreamed of sunbathing in a quiet environment will enjoy spending time here.
.Charming Muri Beach is considered the most prestigious vacation spot, near this stretch of coastline are located the most upscale resort hotels. The beach is very calm and incredibly beautiful, it is surrounded by high green hills and dense tropical thickets. Quiet and calm lagoon will be an ideal place for a vacation with children, it will appeal to those who prefer to spend time in an atmosphere of complete comfort.
.
One of the most interesting places to relax on Rarotonga is Black Rock Beach. This picturesque beach will appeal to both water and hiking enthusiasts, and there are many interesting natural attractions in and around the area. During a walk along the coast you can see huge black boulders of unusual shapes – frozen lava. It is noteworthy that there is no other evidence of volcanic eruption on the coast, it is covered with dazzling white sand. Among the attractive places for recreation is also worth mentioning the bay Ngatangiia, where the sea station is located. Here you can not only admire the seascapes, but also sign up for a very interesting excursion.
.Hotels on the island
One of the attractive features of Rarotonga Island are the upscale resort hotels, among the sure leaders among the local hospitality establishments is the prestigious Muri Beach Club Hotel. Its location is the enchanting Muri Lagoon, one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The hotel is sure to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, who can devote their leisure time to water sports and exploring the island’s attractions. The hotel has its own gourmet restaurant and the stylish lounge offers a wide selection of exotic cocktails. The picturesque rainforests in the immediate vicinity of the hotel make it even more attractive.
In the capital of the island, the city of the same name, the beachfront Club Raro Hotel welcomes guests. It offers simple and functional rooms decorated in bright colors, among the attractive features of the hotel are the affordable accommodation rates. Just a couple of steps separates the hotel from the picturesque coastline, and vacationers have access to a beautiful swimming pool, combined with a bar. There is also a cozy restaurant, where you can try the most popular national treats.
.Sophisticated travelers should definitely pay attention to the hotel complex Te Manava Luxury Villas Spa, it has one of the best spas on the island. Travelers are offered accommodation in fully-equipped private villas, with décor inspired by national traditions. The hotel has a first-class water sports center, which is sure to please active travelers. Travelers who are interested in the traditions and culture of the locals, also awaits a lot of pleasant surprises, for them every evening hold interesting entertainment events and show programs.
.
One of the best hospitality establishments is the Sanctuary Rarotonga Hotel, it is located in close proximity to the Aroa Lagoon and provides services exclusively for adult guests. Among its attractive features is a first-class wellness center, with outdoor rooms surrounded by exotic plants. The location of the hotel is a very beautiful villa, built in the national style, the decoration and decor of the rooms are made using only natural materials.
.
The location of the fashionable hotel The Rarotongan Beach Resort Spa is a picturesque private beach, so among the regular customers of the hotel fans of water activities and travelers with children. Young guests at the hotel have access to a colorful club, which organizes interesting entertainment programs and workshops every day. Refined natures will be pleased with the presence in the hotel elite spa with open-air cabins, and fans of unusual entertainment will definitely enjoy the original themed evenings.
.
A very attractive vacation spot on Rarotonga is a miniature hotel Little Polynesian Resort, which is located in the bay of Titikaweka. Its guests have access to private villas and fully equipped rooms set within a picturesque tropical garden, with only a couple of steps separating the hotel from the magnificent beach. Some villas have an original open-plan bathroom, and the hotel’s welcoming and homely atmosphere is a welcome addition to your vacation.
.
