Courses Diving Dive Prices Course Prices Contact

Wind: SE at 3 mph (6 km/h)  27C (81F)     Update: 29th Jan 2009

 
     
Information on the Cook Islands - activities
     
  Here is some information about activities available in Rarotonga. There are also some contact numbers below:

Being surrounded by ocean, it's no surprise most activities are water based. You can enjoy a wide range of activities from beautiful diving and snorkelling, to kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and swimming. The lagoon is warm and safe to swim in, but there are a few passages that lead out of the lagoon which can be dangerous – try to steer well clear of these. Muri Beach is the main place for windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking, and has a sailing club. There are also glass-bottomed boat tours and lagoon cruises. The best snorkelling is from Black Rock, the Fruits of Rarotonga and Saltwater Café. There are also some great surf spots in Rarotonga - for more detailed surfing information, click here for our surf page!

Apart from getting wet, there are lots of other things to keep you occupied! Visit the famous Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market which is alive with cultural flavours, sounds and smells. It is here that you can also pick up your very own Cook Islands black pearl cultivated in Manihiki and Penrhyn.

A trip to Rarotonga wouldn’t be complete without hiring your own scooter to motor round in true island style! The island is small and easy to navigate as there is just one main road encompassing the island, with some roads off which are great to explore. There is plenty to see, such as Wigmore’s Waterfall and The Cook Islands Cultural Village, which is a fascinating place where they will introduce you to island culture, such as weaving, coconut husking, local medicines, dancing, drumming, cooking, and fishing.

If you’re into local culture and art why not get your own permanent memory of the Cook Islands with a tattoo?! The famous T’s Tattoos, do beautiful tattoos at a reasonable price, or, if that all sounds a little too painful, try some of the local art at the shops and galleries - Pacific Art and Beachcomber have a wide selection.

Another way to immerse yourself in the local culture is to visit during the Te Maeva Nui Festival. This takes place over 2 weeks at the end of July and the beginning of August and commemorates the Cook Islands gaining independence from New Zealand. Every night during the celebrations, there are dancing, singing and drumming competitions held at the Auditorium, where the islands compete with each other. Other highlights include a colourful float parade through the centre of town and fire knife competition.

Dancer of the Year competitions are held each year in late April or early May where you can watch some of the best talent on the island.

If you enjoy trekking, then you’re in for a treat! Although the island is small, there are plenty of walks, ranging from easy 2 hour rambles to the 5 hour Cross Island Walk. This trek goes through mountains and lush rainforest, past streams, a waterfall and an ancient sacred site with breathtaking views along the way. It can be hard going at times and we recommend you go in a group or with a guide. Pa’s Cross Island Trek and Pa’s Nature Walk (for those who aren’t up for the full hike) are both good ways to do it, and Pa will tell you interesting stories along the way.

So as you can see, there is plenty to fit in amongst your diving! You’d better stay for that extra week after all!

Useful phone numbers:

Golf – 20 621
Snorkelling – Call us here at Dive Rarotonga for hiring of your snorkelling gear 21 873
Game Fishing Club - 21 349
Rarotonga Sailing Club - 27 350 or 27 349
Pa’s Cross Island Trek / Pa’s Nature Walk - 21 079
Pacific Art - 20 200
Beachcomber - 21 939
T’s Tattoos - 23 157
Cook Islands Cultural Village - 21 314
Rarotonga Rentals - 22 326
Budget - 20 895
Island Car & Bike Hire - 22 632


 		  
     
  More information: Cook Islands - Entertainment - Surfing - Transport
  
       
 
SSL Certificate
Can't find what you are looking for? - Try our site map - Concerned about privacy? - Read our privacy policy
Dive Rarotonga, PO Box 38, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific. Tel: +682 21873 or info@diverarotonga.com
View our location on a Map of Rarotonga with RaroMap