Top 10 things to do in the Cook Islands
Posted by Maris on 16th Oct 2023
Here's my list of must-do activities in the Cook Islands, as well as the best new distractions.
Examine the market
On a Saturday morning, Rarotonga's Punanga Nui market will whisk you away to a tranquil island frame of mind. Instead of breakfast at your resort or vacation rental, have freshly baked coconut buns and creamy fruit smoothies loaded with mango and papaya.
Many of the island's activity providers have a presence, as do arts and crafts shops selling unique souvenirs such as skillfully woven hats and colorful ukuleles. Fuel up with an island-roasted coffee and peruse them all in preparation for an exciting week ahead.
The Seafood Man's fish curry and Be Fruitful's colorful caravan are among the highlights of Rarotonga's Muri night market, which opens at 5 p.m. on Sundays and from Tuesday to Thursday.
On a Sunday, I go to church.
Sunday is a day of relaxation in the Cook Islands, and many people prioritize church attendance. Tourists are also welcome, so expect heavenly island harmonies, Persil white Sunday finest, and more than a few colorful hats decorated with tropical blossoms.
The Cook Islands Christian Church in Avarua is the most popular on Rarotonga, although the Titikaveka CICC near Muri is another historic and welcome choice. Expect to be welcomed to stay for refreshments afterward. For this more formal occasion, a collared shirt and long trousers or a skirt are appropriate.
Buckle up for a good time.
Raro Buggy Tours used to offer a more leisurely island experience, travelling around quieter backroads before arriving to Papua (Wigmore's) Waterfall for a swim. Their redesigned schedule is now one of the most spectacular outdoor adventures in the South Pacific. Buckle up for Polynesia's muddiest adventure as you pilot an open-sided buggy resembling something out of a Cook Islands Mad Max remake over the twists and turns of a purpose-built track meandering through a mountainside papaya plantation. After an hour or two of slipping and sliding, you'll be able to visit the waterfall, which is a must-see for a post-adventure shower. A word of advice? Wear your oldest T-shirt and shorts, because nothing will wash away the morning's muddy pleasure.
Watch the sunset
Is the west coast the best coast? When it comes to island sunsets, Rarotonga is unquestionably the place to be.
Cocktails, live music, and a sand-between-your-toes position in one of the Waterline Restaurant & Beach Bar's Cape Cod-style chairs will tick the "island reverie" box with ease. Order a Cook Islands Lager from the Rarotonga Brewery after a day of adventure. It's only available on tap in Rarotonga and the northern island of Aitutaki. The brewery sells refillable two-litre flagons and customized cooler bags.
Investigate the lagoon.
Daubed an unexpectedly brilliant colour that ought to be on a Dulux paint chart - Aitutaki Blue, perhaps? - The world-famous lagoon of Aitutaki is a vast turquoise seascape encircled by a necklace of desolate motu (islets).
Join Wet & Wild's Quinton Schofield for an exhilarating day exploring the lagoon's tranquil and sheltered waters. Snorkeling trips typically include spotting a gigantic trevally patrolling an underwater garden of massive, metre-long clams, and Quinton can also arrange kiteboarding, wakeboarding, and tube rides from his new "comfort cruiser." Quinton prepares a seaside BBQ of grilled wahoo or mahi mahi after a few hours of relaxing motu-hopping.
Go on a turtle safari.
Turtle safaris with Ariki Adventures are conducted in the deeper seas of Rarotonga's Avaavaroa Passage, using personal Yamaha sea scooters.
The thumb-operated underwater scooters weigh 9kg on land but attain neutral buoyancy in the water, allowing players to speed through tropical seas like a James Bond movie scene.
Sea turtles - both hawksbill and Pacific green - and the occasional (harmless) reef shark and moray eel have been sighted swimming in Avaavaroa's narrow, rocky canyon. An eagle ray is most likely the shadowy silhouette on the sea floor below. During turtle safaris, an Ariki team member serves as a lookout from atop a paddleboard for safety.
Keep coming back for the art.
You're in the correct location if you see Fatu Feu'u's brilliant red Rapa Nui (Easter Island)-inspired art piece out front, with the recently remodeled and relaunched Motu Beachfront Art Villas giving an exhibition of Pacific art on Rarotonga's southern coast. Other Cook Islands and Pasifika artists' outdoor works are presented alongside towering palm trees and lagoon views, and colorful canvases from local school pupils are displayed alongside traditional Cook Islands textiles and screen prints. Aside from encouraging art, a portion of earnings go to health and education programs on Rarotonga.
Make a feast.
Tumutoa Tours' Ngame and Mia are generally seen at Saturday morning's Punanga Nui market, greeting visitors and providing information on their diverse choice of cultural experiences. Book an Umu Kai experience, where you may assist Ngametua and Mia in preparing the feast, or spend a morning on a village walking tour learning about local ingredients, traditional medicinal plants, and Cook Islands culture. Ngametua's amazing fire show concludes the Umu experiences.
Food trucks in the Pacific style
Food truck culture has arrived in the Cook Islands, albeit with a relaxed Polynesian twist. The Kai Guy, which is generally parked near Rarotonga's Avatiu Harbour, uses local pork and fresh fish in their most popular dishes. Check out their Instagram for frequent specialties like frozen virgin margaritas and beef brisket burritos, as well as the occasional around-the-island journey to one-time events and markets.
Local food should be prioritized.
Avatea Cafe is attracting locals and foodies to the tranquil mountain village of Tautu. Following exploits in the Australian café scene, Kiwi co-owner Karin Crombie returned to the Cook Islands in March 2020 with her Cook Island husband James to create an open-sided eatery covered by a towering mango tree planted by James's great-grandfather.
Seared tuna tacos with guacamole served in soft taco shells inspired by Mori-style paroa parai (fried bread), or fish curry with island dragonfruit and homemade naan.