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 trip during their visit.
The following are just a few of my favourite ‘must do’s’ whilst visiting Rarotonga!
Storytellers Walking Tours
Explore and learn about the ‘real’ Raro on these excellent fun and informative walking tours!
If you’re coming to Rarotonga and keen to learn about the local stories and legends, history and culture, local medicines, plants, food, contemporary island life, environment and more – don’t miss a tour with Storytellers!
Whilst Corrina and her team offer a range of very popular cycling tours, I opted to try a couple of her easy-paced walking tours, namely the ‘Walk-about’ on the pretty ‘Ara Metua’ (back road) located in the south-western region of Raro, and the ‘Afternoon Stroll’ of the historic township of Avarua (Tupapa end), which takes in many significant sites situated on the main road, the Ara Metua and adjoining picturesque winding lanes. I have lived in Raro for over three years, and for the first time my feet hit the tarseal on these roads, taking the time to stop, look and learn … where I would normally have driven past without giving a second look.
On the ‘Walk-about’ tour we learnt lots about the colourful history, stories and legends, and also visited a local plantation. Here we sampled a coconut Corrina had husked for us, then fed the remnants to the delighted squealing pigs. Along the roadside she foraged food for us, and we sampled an array of edible blue flowers, tamarind, soursop, surinam cherries and mangoes. Her deft handiwork with her trusty knives did not go unnoticed, and I aptly nicknamed her ‘Raro’s female Crocodile Dundee!’ A welcome ice-cream was waiting for us at the end of the tour, compliments from Storytellers.
On Corrina’s Saturday ‘Afternoon Stroll’ we visited many interesting sites and learnt a lot of fascinating local history, including some colourful stories from yesteryear passed down the generations. For years I’ve driven past a white stone monument in the middle of the roundabout near Gateway Church, and never realised it commemorated the place where the famous Tahitian missionary Papehia (alternately spelled Papeiha) gave the first Christian sermon to the Rarotongan people back in 1823. We also learnt about the fascinating ‘Ariki’ paramount chief system, and saw the three ‘palaces’ where the Karika, Vakatini, and Makea Nui ariki reside (although there has not been a Makea Nui ariki for nearly three decades). Close to one of these historic buildings on the Taputapuatea Marae is a huge, majestic flamboyant tree with a beautiful canopy … and it’s believed it was here that many historic documents of yesteryear were signed. Along the way, we were treated to more successful roadside foraging by Corrina and her knives … it was so good to taste these fruits and berries straight from the tree! At the conclusion of the tour we had the choice of a cold bevvie at a nearby local bar, or a fresh fruit ice-cream.
What I loved about these tours is the wide range of subjects that Corrina shares with her guests. After asking everyone if they had any particular interests, she then incorporated these subjects into the tour. After hosting lots of tours around the world, it was so refreshing to see a tour guide without a rehearsed ‘set’ repertoire!
An ex lecturer hailing from New Zealand, it is very evident that Corrina has embraced life to the max here in Rarotonga. Her knowledge base of her adopted island homeland is nothing short of amazing, and her passion to share this with others is heartwarming. I highly recommend these tours to anyone!
‘Walk-about’ operates Thursday mornings. Tour includes transfers, 1.5hr tour & ice-cream. Suitable for all ages.
‘Afternoon Stroll’ operates Saturday afternoons, assembly point Court House in town. Tour includes 1.5hr tour, cold drink or ice-cream & transfer back to accommodation. Recommended for 18+.
Aitutaki Day Tour
If you’re not planning to stay in Aitutaki, this is an exceptional ‘must do’ experience … visit ‘the world’s most beautiful lagoon’ on this all-inclusive day tour from Rarotonga.
Epitomising the image of a picture-perfect south pacific island, the Cook Islands can rightly so boast of her second most visited island, Aitutaki. If time constraints don’t allow you to stay, please do yourself a huge favour and book the amazing all-inclusive Aitutaki day tour … you won’t be disappointed!
After visiting Aitutaki many years ago, my memory had become somewhat hazy with regards to just how beautiful the island and her lagoon is. I had a lurking suspicion my brain had perhaps conjured up romantised memories. So when the opportunity arose to do the tour, I grabbed it with both hands, took my slightly sceptical brain along for the ride … to find the answer to my lingering question … is Aitutaki really all that it’s cracked up to be?
We met our tour guide at Rarotonga airport, and he immediately endeared himself to all. Local Rarotongan Paul is a jovial character, and I knew instantly we were in for a fun day! After a short forty minute flight from ‘cosmopolitan’ Raro, we arrived at the quintessential ‘pa enua’ (outer islands) airport, built by our friends of the USA during WWII. I drew a deep breathe, feeling life’s hustle and bustle was left behind. On board ‘le truck’ with her 360’ aircon, we started the hour long tour around the island, population just 2500. Within a few minutes it was clear the ‘Kia Orana spirit’ is alive and very well in this little island community. Along the way we were greeted with countless waves and smiling faces from houses, trucks and back of trucks … and heartwarming welcomes from everyone billowing out “Kia Orana!” This is the true Cook Islands hospitality which our little island nation is known for!
Paul shared lots of fascinating local history and entertaining stories along the way. For example, did you know back in the 40’s and 50’s Aitutaki was known in the Cooks as the “Banana Republic” – as the island enjoyed a lucrative banana export industry? Amidst one of Paul’s stories, a passing friendly local would call out, Paul would answer, and then continue with his entertaining banter … it brought smiles to all! The genuine friendliness of the community was very evident!
Apart from her incredible lagoon, Aitutaki is also famous for being a stopover of the historic prestigous TEAL ‘Coral Route’ – the 1950’s seaplane journey between Auckland and Tahiti. Many visitors enjoyed this luxurious south pacific islands trip, including famous identities such as John Wayne, Marlon Brando and Katherine Hepburn to name a few.
The enjoyable island tour passed quickly … but not too disappointingly, as it was time for the highlight of the day – the famous six hour Vaka cruise on the lagoon.
Replicating the original Polynesian voyaging canoe, the 21 metre ‘Titi-ai-Tonga’ twin hull vaka is a very comfortable ride. It has a spacious under cover area with tables and chairs, sundecks either end and restrooms on board. Our friendly vaka cruise hosts joined Paul and together they became our fabulous entertainers for the day, pumping out Cook Islands songs with their accompanying ukuleles, and genuinely enjoying themselves as much as we were!
Once out on the lagoon, my lurking question quickly dissipated. With jawdropping pristine beauty, teeming with marine life, enveloped by glistening white sandy beaches, the lagoon truly has to be seen to be believed. Even on a slightly cloudy day, I was mesmerised by the striking kaleidoscope of what seemed fifty shades of blue in the endless lagoon!
Throughout the day we were treated with fantastic snorkelling spots, with bountiful coral and marine life (including my favourite – some shy sea horses). During the morning, we visited two breathtaking ‘motus’ (small islets), and had leisurely dips in the bluest of blue waters. At Motu Akaiami, the old TEAL stopover point, Paul gave us a brief Cooks Island Maori language lesson, and had us all reciting “Motu R…K…Yummy” (Motu Akaiami) perfectly by the end of the day! Our second motu visited was Motu Rakau, home of the white turn. Here we took a short ten minutes nature walk to spot some of these pretty white seabirds, and what a delight it was to see a mother turn feed her baby with her catch of fish … such perfect timing!
On the cruise, we were lucky to spot a few turtles, stingrays and some GT’s (giant trevally). The sumptuous island feast onboard our vaka was delicious – featuring fresh tuna, various salads and local delicacies. A cash bar was also open, serving beer, wine and cold drinks. With our joyful hosts entertaining us with songs, ukes and banter, we enjoyed our relaxed lunch overlooking the amazing never ending blues of the lagoon.
Lastly we visited the most famed motu of all, Tapuaetai … also known as ‘One Foot Island.’ Here we were able to have our passports stamped legitimately – such a great souvenir opportunity!
After a fabulous day out on the water, we returned to the airport for our flight back to Rarotonga. It had been a wonderful day, full of Cook Islands’ famous fun-loving warm hospitality, and the lagoon had not failed to disappoint me … in fact the lagoon was more beautiful, more pristine, more bluer than I could have imagined. It is without question, heaven on earth.
Aitutaki day tour is operated by Air Rarotonga Mon – Sat, and includes return airport transfers in Rarotonga, return flights to Aitutaki, island tour, 6 hr vaka cruise (including snorkelling equipment and towels) and lunch.
