Jungle Quad Adventure

Get lost deep in the beautiful, lush island jungle driving your very own 350cc Yamaha Grizzly Quad. This mostly off-road adventure will see you venturing through 2 to 3 hidden valleys in Turangi, and get a close view of the great Te Atukura Mountain (weather pending). Then hold on tight as you encounter rugged terrain, crossing jungle streams and tropical rivers. You will see a side of Rarotonga not often encountered by visitors.

4WD Adventure Tours

Fun for all ages, this soft adventure tour will take you into our mountains crossing streams, up to panoramic views, as well as to ancient sites and historical landmarks. Blend culture, tradition and real 4WD adventure discovery all in one. Sit back and be driven by a knowledgeable Tour Guide who will delight in recounting some fascinating Cook Island legends. End the experience by enjoying a traditional lunch feast by a waterfall in beautiful surroundings.

Paradise Island Tours (Titi Ai Tonga Cruise)

Cruise beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon on aboard the traditional "Titi ai Tonga". This superb cruise takes you to two remote islets and a snorkeling area where you can feed tropical fish and see giant clams. Paradise Island Tours Lagoon Cruise includes a substantial barbecue lunch. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available for sale. Towels, snorkels, masks and fins are complimentary. The friendly staff is on hand to help with snorkeling or to share their knowledge of the fascinating environment visited while cruising on board “Titi ai Tonga”.

Raro Safari Tours

• The ancient road, the "Are Metua", built and paved with volcanic slabs by our ancestors Toi and Atonga.
• The eastern heights facing the sunrise, offering an exotic view of the turquoise lagoon and electrifying blue water and overlooking four islets (motus).
• Papua Waterfall, also known as Wigmore's Waterfall.
• The sacred site Te Arai-Te-Tonga Marae.
• The interior of the beautiful green Avatiu Valley leading to a close-up view of the Needle (Te Rua Manga).
• Experienced guides will explain the history of the island while they take you to Rarotonga's highest accessible point by 4-wheel drive, along the rugged tracks and steep climbs of the interior.

Light refreshments included, Two trips a day (9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm) and run 7 days a week, Includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.

Island Discovery Tours

Raro Tours 'Island Discovery Tour' takes an orientation journey around Rarotonga, introducing you to the culture, history and sights of this remarkable island.

You will observe coconut husking demonstrations, learn about the many uses the coconut has in the Cook Island society. Your tour guides will teach you all about Rarotonga and its friendly people. As an added bonus, enjoy the musical talents of your tour guides with their ukulele, guitar skills and harmonious voices as you travel around the island together. There are two or three scheduled stops during the Circle Island Tour, giving you the opportunity to experience Cook Island local arts, craft and perfumes. Later stop for a light lunch and a walk on a perfect, coconut palm lined white sand beach.

The 'Island Discovery Tour' operates from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in

the comfort of an air-conditioned sightseeing coach. All tours include pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.

Captain Tama's Aquasports

Captain Tama's Aquasports is conveniently located next to Sails Restaurant on Muri Beach and offers a range of water activities, equipment, lagoon cruises and lagoon wedding packages.

The Lagoon Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the protected lagoon of Rarotonga. Board the glass bottom boat and cruise out to the inner reef area where the marine life is abundant. Snorkel amongst schools of butterfly fish. Try hand feeding the many varieties of colorful tropical fish or go exploring amongst the coral outcrops that act as home to many marine animals. Then enjoy a fresh fish BBQ on Koromiri Island complete accompanied by entertainment.

Captain Tama’s Koromiri Wedding Package includes your License, Celebrant, Transfer to obtain the license and meet your celebrant, boat transfers to/from Motu Koromiri, tropical flower garlands (ei's) for the bride and groom, a beautiful tropical flower bouquet for the bride, special buttonhole for the Groom, decorated archway, a photographer and wedding album.
The extensive package also includes a local island dance group to entertain, two bottles of bubbly, canapés, delicious dinner for the bride and groom, a special gift for the couple and your own dedicated wedding coordinator to help you put your special day together.

Island Buggy Explorer

The Island Buggy Explorer offers visitors the chance to drive their very own two-seater fun “Bug rider.”
Drive your own buggy following the knowledgeable tour guide to some of the island’s “hot spots” and discover the waterfall, maraes, Vaka village, local island plantations, hidden valleys and much more.
It is a magical mix of exploration and discovery on the island’s main road, back roads and off roads. Great fun for everyone in the family.

Coconut Tours

Located in the hub of Muri Beach, there are three fantastic adventures to offer: Jungle Quad, Island Buggy and 4WD tours. These exciting tours are for all ages and ideal for those looking to make their holiday a fulfilling and complete tropical island experience.

Open 7 days a week with morning and afternoon tours operating in all weather conditions, wet or sunny. You’ll find many beautiful places for those awesome photos. You won’t have had a true Cook Island holiday if you miss out on this unique adventure.

The Art Studio

Located on the main road in Arorang, the studio boasts examples of fine art, hand painted and printed textiles and clothing. Fabric painting classes are also available. Spend a day with artist Kay George in her gallery and learn the art of fabric painting. All materials will be provided with each participant taking home with them a piece of artwork that they have painted during the session. Kay George has been painting textiles for 30 years and has exhibited extensively throughout the Pacific. Her works are in many private and public collections.

Judith Kunzle (local artist)

Works on paper and canvas of Cook Islands dancers. Her limited edition prints can be viewed and purchased from The Kenwall Gallery, located on the main road Avarua, near the marketplace. Please also view our gift shop section where we have a sample of her prints available to view. Her paintings capture the graceful form of Cook Islands dancers in motion and their enjoyment of their culture.

The Cook Islands Library & Museum

Located in Takamoa, Avarua opposite the University of the South Pacific has a small collection of Pacific artifacts in their small museum. On the grounds of the Cultural Development Center you’ll find 3 volcanic stone sculptures with 13 large carved boards on the outside of the auditorium depicting various legends/tales.

Carvings

Many local carvers still practice their wood carvings with traditional Polynesians motifs in the making of drums, decorative weapons like spears and other tools, historical idols like the Tangaroa god of the sea and fertility. These may be found at the Punanga Nui marketplace every Saturday morning. In the foyer of the University of the South Pacific you can view various paintings & wooden and stone carvings by a variety of local artists.

The Art of Tattoo

We have experienced Polynesian tattooists who specialize in traditional designs or alternatively, clients can draw their own designs. T’s Tattoo’s operates from his home on the back road in Aroa, Rarotonga by appointment only and can be contacted by

phone on 23576. Polynesian Tattoo is run by brothers Boye and Clive Nicholas operate out of their shop located at the Punanga Nui marketplace from Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm. Clients are required to make an appointment and can contact them on 53205.

TAV

Located behind Lotus China | 2nd Road Inland, Avarua, Cook Islands. TAV's name is derived from that of the company's founder and Managing Director, Ellena Tavioni, a designer from a family of artists: sculptors, carvers, painters and poets who have influenced her life and work. Established in 1987 TAV the brand represents the romance and escapism that is the mood of the Pacific by utilizing traditional motifs, sea life, flora and fauna patterns in print designs - namely block printing, hand painting and dip dyeing all of which are done by hand using various fabric paint and techniques.

Cook’s Fudge Factory

Located at Cooks Corner in the Perfumes of Rarotonga store. They have a great selection of yummy fudge treats for those with a sweet tooth. With over 20 different flavors to choose from customers will be delighted with the variety which includes among others: coconut, fruit, Irish cream, cappuccino, raspberry ripple, banana chocolate, lemon meringue, rum and crème brulee.

DINING

Dining on Rarotonga ranges from local take-out to sumptuous world-class restaurants. Part of the fun of a Cook Islands vacation is sampling the different establishments – perhaps a different one each day.

Trader Jacks

Trader Jacks is renowned for its seafood. Located in the center of town overlooking the Avarua harbor, it is open for lunch and dinner. Outside of regular eating times, Trader Jacks is almost always open for Kati Kati (bar snacks). There is live entertainment and major credit cards are accepted.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Avarua Harbour, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 26464
Email: info@traderjacks.co.ck
Website: www.traderjackscookislands.com
Opening hours: 10:00 to 22:00

Sails Restaurant & Bar

Located on Muri Beach overlooking the Magical Muri Lagoon. Sails Restaurant and Bar is open 7 days for lunch and dinner. All major credit cards are accepted and reservations are recommended.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Phone:+682 27349
Email: dine@sailsrestaurant.co.ck
Website: www.sailsrestaurant.co.ck
Opening hours: 10:00 to to 22:00

Café Salsa

Café Salsa offers creative cuisine at affordable prices. Located in downtown Avarua next door to CITC they have the best wood fired pizzas in the Pacific!! Great coffee and service is available Monday - Saturday for breakfast and lunch, and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for dinner from 17:30.
Type: Restaurant
Address: Avarua, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 22215
Email: tony21@oyster.net.ck
Website: www.salsa.co.ck
Opening hours: 09:00 to 22:00

The Edgewater Resort Brasserie

Edgewater Brasserie offers a treat every night with the extra special famous Island Nights (Buffet and Show) every Tuesday and Saturday night. There is live poolside entertainment and full a la carte dining. Reservations recommended.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address :Arorangi, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 25435
Email: stay@edgewater.co.ck
Website: www.edgewater.co.ck
Opening hours :06:00 to to 22:00

Pawpaw Patch

Pawpaw Patch is without peer! There is a Sunday BBQ on the beach (weather permitting) and live entertainment. Reservations recommended.
Breakfast 7 days - 08:00 to 10.30
Dinner Mondays through Saturdays - 18:00 to 21:00
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Titikaveka, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 27189
Email: jennings@oyster.net.ck
Website: www.pawpawpatchrestaurant.com
Opening hours: 08:00 to to 22:00

Deli-licious

Located on the roadside in Muri Beach Village, Deli-licious is open 7 days a week serving coffee, cakes, and breakfast and lunch.
Type: Cafe
Address: Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 20858
Email: reka@delilicious.net
Website: www.delilicious.net
Opening hours: 08:00 to to 14:00

The Portofino Restaurant

The restaurant features gourmet cuisine with one of Rarotonga's most extensive menus. The air-conditioned indoor dining is a comfort and the outdoor garden area a delight for the senses. Nibble on pizza, pasta, steaks, ribs, seafood and fabulous desserts.
Reservations recommended. All major credit cards accepted.
Type: Italian Restaurant
Address: Avarua, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 26480
Email: parrot@oyster.net.ck
Website: www.portofino.co.ck
Opening hours: 11:30 to to 22:00

Tamarind House

Only three minutes from the center of Avaru, Tamarind House is situated in a unique heritage colonial house, set in a large and tranquil garden overlooking the ocean. Tamarind House provides a picturesque and relaxing for dining.
Open for Brunch/Lunch from 09:00 - 14:30 and dinner from 18:00. Light meals available all day.
Type: Fine Pacific Cuisine
Address: Avarua, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 26487
Email: tamarind@cookislands.co.ck
Website :www.tamarind.co.ck
Opening hours: 09:00 to 23:00

Rapae Bay Restaurant – Pacific Resort Aitutaki

The very best of South Pacific cuisine - that's what you will find at the Rapae Bay Restaurant, which overlooks the breathtaking views of Aitutaki Lagoon. It is the signature restaurant for Pacific Resort Hotels, with it's five star design and superb attention to detail in every menu.
Type: Fine dining
Address: Pacific Resort itutaki
Phone: +682 31720
Website: www.pacificresort.com

The Flame Tree

Located in Muri, The Flame Tree Restaurant is open 7 days from 17:00. Reservations recommended.
Type: Restaurant
Address :Muri, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 25123
Email: theflametree@cookislands.co.ck
Website: www.flametreerestaurant.com
Opening hours: 17:00 to to 22:00

Mae-Jo's Cafe & Takeaway

Mae-Jo's is located in the Cooks Corner Arcade in downtown Avarua and also on Aitutaki. Open for lunch and dinner and serving Chinese, Mexican, Indian and Mongolian cuisine.
Type: Cafe and Takeaway
Address: Avarua, Rarotonga and Aitutaki
Phone: +682 26621
Opening hours: 11:00 to to 22:00

Aro'a Beachside Inn

Join the 'Shipwreck Hut' crew for their weekly Sunset Kati Kati and Seafood BBQs with live entertainment, right on the beach on the western sunset shores. Reservations recommended.
Type: Restaurant
Address: Arorangi, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 22166
Email: aroa@cookislands.co.ck
Website: www.aroabeach.com
Opening hours: 17:30 to to 22:00

Sandals Restaurant & Barefoot Bar

Dine with your feet in the sand, feel the beat of the island night drums. Sandals is located at Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with Island Nights - Mondays and Fridays and happy hour from 17:00 to 18:00.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address :Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 20427
Email: rarotonga@pacificresort.co.ck
Website: www.pacificresort.com
Opening hours: 07:30 to to 21:30

Oceans Beachside Restaurant & Bar

Brasserie style dining right on the beach, located at the Crown Beach Resort. Island Night is Tuesdays and Seafood Night is Thursdays. Reservations recommended.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Arorangi, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 23953
Email: info@crownbeach.com
Website: www.crownbeach.com
Opening hours :07:30 to to 20:00

The Point Restaurant & Bar

Point Restaurant & Bar at Muri Beach Club Hotel is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 23000
Email: info@muribeachclubhotel.com
Website: www.muribeachclubhotel.com
Opening hours: 07:30 to to 21:30
Reservations recommended. Adults only 18 years and over.

Club Raro

Club Raro offers friendly Polynesian hospitality and a great range of affordable dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with savory menu specials and tropical cocktails..
Type: Restaurant
Address: Avarua, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 22415
Email: holiday@clubraro.co.ck
Website: www.clubraro.co.ck
Opening hours :07:00 to to 22:00

The Yellow Hibiscus

Located at Palm Grove in Titikaveka, The Yellow Hibiscus Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast and dinner daily. Dinner reservations recommended.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Titikaveka, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 20002
Email: beach@palmgrove.co.ck
Opening hours: 07:30 to to 22:00

The Spaghetti House

How can you refuse authentic Italian cuisine served in air-conditioned comfort? Spaghetti House is located next to the Edgewater Resort.
Type: Restaurant & Bar
Address: Arorangi, Rarotonga
Phone: +682 25441
Website: www.edgewater.co.ck
Opening hours: 05:00 to to 23:00

NIGHTLIFE

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. There are a bevy of quality restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightlife venues to partake-of with international flavors of cuisine, fine wines, along with vibrant dance and music clubs whose doors remain open to party until late into the night.

Island Nights are held at the following resorts (please be sure to confirm schedule):
Monday ~ Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Tuesday ~ Crown Beach Resort / The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Wednesday ~ Highland Paradise / The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa
Thursday ~ Staircase
Friday ~ Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Saturday ~ Edgewater Resort & Spa /The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa

Dive Rarotonga

You can choose your dive times and even choose your dive site, weather permitting. They offer morning and afternoon dive trips, so you can choose the best time to suit you. They dive 4 times a day with the main dive times at 8:00am and 1:30pm, 7 days a week. You can choose to do a single dive or a two-tank dive at either of these times - the choice is yours!

Dive Centre

Rarotonga's clear, warm waters with fantastic visibility and diversity of marine life make it excellent for diving and snorkeling. If you've never been diving before there are PADI qualified instructors at The Dive Centre who can give expert instruction.

Outside of the reef, there is a diverse range of diving including precipitous drop-offs, a variety of rays, sharks, turtles, whales, canyons, caves, tunnels and shipwrecks (well broken up).

The reef drop-off goes from about 20-30 meters down to 4000 meters. Diving is done at 5 to 30m where visibility is 20 to 60m

(65 - 200 feet) depending on weather and wind conditions. Water temperatures range between 23 - 30 degrees Celsius (winter to summer). Another welcome feature of diving off Rarotonga are the short trips in purpose-built boats - often no more than 10 minutes to superb dive sites - and as the island of Rarotonga is circular there are almost always sheltered spots for diving with good visibility.

Cook Island Divers

Cook Island Divers was the first dive company established in the Cook Islands and has been run by the same owner, Greg Wilson, since day one. Cook Island Divers has been built up and improved over the years to stay on the cutting edge of the dive industry worldwide.

Cook Island Divers is very proud of the fact that it was voted into the top 5 Pacific Dive Operators for Resorts in the inaugural Rodale’s Scuba Diving Readers choice poll. This is significant, given the small size of the destination. They are also the only internationally registered Dive Operation in the Cooks holding affiliation with PIRA (PADI International Resort Association).

Highland Paradise

In the mid 1980s, the late Raymond Pirangi Senior , a Rangatira ( subchief from the prominent Rarotongan Tinomana Tribe, took it upon himself to set out to reclaim his heritage from the daunting dense bush and steep hillsides of Maungaroa. His dream and determination to share all this with the rest of the world has resulted in the resurrection of one of the Cook Islands most important historic sites. Located high up in the rugged mountains of Rarotonga, overlooking the aqua lagoon, fringing coral reef and Pacific Ocean, this unspoiled, breathtaking 205-acre site is of significant cultural renown. It was a safe spiritual and fortress haven for families, warriors and the Tinomana chiefly line for countless hundreds of years. The Highland Paradise Cultural Centre offers a truly

interactive experience for locals and visitors alike. Here, you will personally relive our Polynesian heritage through self-guided or interactive guided strolling tours amongst the lush gardens, village remains, replica ares (houses), historical areas of great significance and towering native trees. And to add the overall experience, you may participate in our traditional sunset feast and show.
Open: 9.00 am and 3.00 pm Monday - Saturday
Tour Times: 10.00 am. Sunset Cultural Show: Wednesday

Pacific Divers

Established 15 years ago and currently operated by Steve Lyon, Pacific Divers offers a comprehensive diving service catering for all levels. Dives include coral terrain dives, canyons, drop offs and drifts. Fish life is varied and include Hawksbill and Green turtles, White Tip and Grey Reef sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Moray, Giant Clams and the myriad of reef fish and invertebrates. With all coasts being accessible, they are able to operate in almost any weather.

Pacific Divers operate excursions everyday starting at 8:30am, Monday to Saturday and 12:30pm on Sunday. You can either do one or two dives on these excursions and there are also trips for certified divers only. Monday to Saturday afternoons are used primarily for training dives (Open Water and Discover Scuba) and are at shallower sites than the morning trips. Certified divers are welcome as well and these sites provide good opportunities for underwater photography.

Included in the rates are all equipment, refreshments between dives and a light snack following diving, dive computers for all divers and transfers to and from Pacific Divers. The dive staff takes digital photos on all dive trips. These are made available to you on CD. One CD will contain dives from 3 or 4 day diving plus slide show and a library of better images.