Top Things to do in Cook Islands
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Things to do in Cook Islands, Cook Islands: The Best Cultural Tours
If you're sitting at your desk having Robinson Crusoe daydreams, the Cook Islands might be a great vacation place for you. It doesn't get much more remote or more beautiful—what with the perfect beaches, deep jungle and coral lagoons. Each of the 15 islands seems more breathtaking than the last.
Restaurants in Cook Islands
1. Private Custom Tour: Half-Day Rarotonga Island by Electric Tuk Tuk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Join this half-day tour for a fully customised experience that only a private tour can provide for you. Your experienced guide can help you craft a tour with lots of different options to cater to your own personal taste. This tour is all about discovery, culture, sightseeing, arts and crafts, and interaction with the local people. Our specially selected electric tour vehicles are great fun to ride in as well as being open to let you immerse yourself the magic of the ever changing landscape of Rarotonga. *This tour cannot be booked for cruise ship passengers.
Inclusions: Private tour, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Paul2966
We were on a ship and due to weather we could not get into port. Tik-e Tours refunsedto refund, even though the ship was unable to dock! BEWARE! I would def not use if on a cruise
2. 3-Hour Rarotonga Island Discovery Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Explore Rarotonga from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach as our experienced, local guide takes you on a fascinating 3 hour sightseeing tour. You will travel along the ancient Ara Metua or "Road of Toi" built in 1050 AD and visit ancient marae (ceremonial sites), inland villages and plantations and the beautiful Muri lagoon. This tour is a must do as soon as you arrive on the island, it is the perfect introduction to the islands' rich culture, legends and history.
Inclusions: Hotel drop-off, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks
Exclusions: no fold down seats
Reviewed By 835aimeet
This experience was awesome. We absolutely loved our hosts, they were super fun and offered us drinks a few times throughout the night. The pick up and drop off were easy and were right on time. We went to a really good range of bars and I feel like there would be something that everyone would enjoy. I would highly recommend Going Troppo and would go again if we return to Rarotonga. Going with a group of friends would be fun but it was also fun to socialise with new people.
3. Avarua Historical Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour is a unique experience, the only one of it's kind on the island. The tour guide is very passionate about the history of his beloved Rarotonga and the stories behind the buildings and historical sites are very surprising, interesting and unique as well. It is a very simple but powerful way to meet locals and understand their culture and history.
Inclusions: Light refreshments of tropical fruit and juice included.
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By rossiris
Loved this tour. The food was plentiful and all delicious. So was the drink, homemade lemonade, local tropical fruit juice, or wine. The hosts were friendly and informative, as was the organiser who travelled with us. Entree, was as much as a meal, mains had great choices, and all the desserts were delicious. I was too full to go back for seconds! Also appreciated the grace before the meals and prayer of blessing at end of mains, plus the duet of the Cooks National anthem at close of the evening. Even the occasional shower did not detract. Loved the banter between the mains 'boss' and the 'houseboy'. We are just a senior couple, but there were other couples and young people. We warmly recommend this tour, as it gave us a chance to mingle with local people.
4. 'Discover' Rarotonga Cycling Tour with Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 39 reviews
Cycle along the 'back road' (Ara Metua) and lane ways witnessing the tranquil pace of local village life. There are plenty of stops to take in the magnificent mountain scenery, try out a few local fruits, and hear stories that will bring a deeper meaning to the observations you make. You will be cycling on and off over a leisurely 3 hours, before finishing up with a delicious lunch. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Small group size means that each tour is unique and tailored to suit the interests of those doing the tour on the day. Please go to www.storytellers.co.ck for more information about this and other tours, as well as supplier direct rates and discounted tour bundles.
Inclusions: Lunch, Equipment including well maintained bicycles and helmets, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Bottled Water
Reviewed By Jeanette B
Very good tour with a lot of information about life on Rarotonga an local fruits. We biked and along the way we could have tasted about 10 different fruits-very good.
5. Explore Rarotonga by Electric Tuk Tuk
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 35 reviews
Zip around Rarotonga on an electric tuk tuk with a local guide on this fun-filled adventure in the Cook Islands. Check out sights like the 19th-century Takamoa Theological College and head office of the Cook Islands Christian Church, the fragrant Maire Nui Gardens, Avana Passage and the turquoise waters of the Muri Lagoon, and do some shopping at local craft centres. Get picked up from your accommodation, where you hop in the back of an electric-powered tuk tuk and head out to explore the island. Learn about colonial history, experience the Ara Metua (back road) which winds its way through the villages and plantations of delicious paw paw, bananas and local produce, and let your guide show you the many hidden gems on offer. Take a moment to dig your toes into the sugar-white sand and then continue on to peek in on ukulele makers, pearl shell artists or buzz over local arts and craft shops to seek out artisan-created souvenirs before your excursion winds to a close.
Inclusions: Transport in electric Tuk Tuk, Local driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Paul2966
We were on a ship and due to weather we could not get into port. Tik-e Tours refunsedto refund, even though the ship was unable to dock! BEWARE! I would def not use if on a cruise
6. Cook Islands Cultural Village Tour with Night Show and Buffet Dinner in Rarotonga
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 67 reviews
Experience the perfect cultural experience in Rarotonga. This 5-hour activity combines a fun and interactive cultural village tour, followed by a Spectacular Over Water night show with Island/Western fusion buffet dinner. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Cook Islands on this ultimate experience with your pre-dinner cultural village The tour is from 5pm – 7:15pm. Afterwards, you are escorted to a waterside restaurant. Enjoy a sumptuous island western fusion buffet dinner at 7:30pm and then relax and watch the stunning dancers enthrall you with the Overwater Night Show - set to a legend of Rarotonga, the show is powerful and captivating for all ages! TRANSFERS - can be booked at an extra cost. Transfers must be booked directly with Te Vara Nui and paid locally
Inclusions: Buffet dinner, Glass of champagne, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live entertainment
Exclusions: Drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By chloesansomphoto
Awesome cultural experience thoroughly enjoyed it! The food was incredible too! My only downside was seating, we wanted to be in the wings on the sides but sadly missed out. I understand seating is tight but maybe something to re think. We will still be back!!!! Maybe we can request seating next time? ????
7. Cook Islands Cultural Village Tour at Muri Beach
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
Follow the guides around the cultural village huts and learn through demonstration about the history of the Cook Islands and Polynesian culture, navigation, local medicines, old fishing techniques, costume and Tapa making, legends and more. This 2-hour small group tour is fun for all ages being educational, informative and interactive. Your Village Tour has arts and other aspects of Cook Islands Maori culture reflective of a proud race of Polynesians who will graciously share their culture and tradition with you
Inclusions: Informative and interactive fun tour, Easy walk through a Rarotongan village - sensible footwear recommended, Local guide, Tour escort/host
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off not included in the price (must be booked direct with Te Vara Nui office)
Reviewed By natashaaadanae
Incredible. First time I went i missed the tour but the 2nd time we visited we did the tour and the show at night. The drums are music to my ears, entertainment is awesome and food is even better. I think offering guests mosquito repellent would be a good idea as i got bitten quite a lot as we sat close to the water
8. Rarotonga Orientation & Sightseeing Tour
Recommended for first time visitors to Rarotonga to undertake soon after arriving. The tour is to give you a background on places and things to do around the island including sites, history and way of life. There is a brief stop for a pearl talk where you will learn about one of the most important and iconic export from the Cook Islands. Learn about important and interesting tourist facilities and services around the island.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hop-on hop-off tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By rossiris
Loved this tour. The food was plentiful and all delicious. So was the drink, homemade lemonade, local tropical fruit juice, or wine. The hosts were friendly and informative, as was the organiser who travelled with us. Entree, was as much as a meal, mains had great choices, and all the desserts were delicious. I was too full to go back for seconds! Also appreciated the grace before the meals and prayer of blessing at end of mains, plus the duet of the Cooks National anthem at close of the evening. Even the occasional shower did not detract. Loved the banter between the mains 'boss' and the 'houseboy'. We are just a senior couple, but there were other couples and young people. We warmly recommend this tour, as it gave us a chance to mingle with local people.
9. Afternoon Stroll Walking Tour
Brand new tour! Rarotonga has many stories - and many stories about the stories. For those of you interested in learning more about this beautiful island - but not so keen on riding a bicycle - why not come on a walking tour? Come be intrigued and learn more about Rarotonga with a knowledgeable tour guide, on a casual, easy-paced stroll around the Avarua - Tupapa area near town on a quiet Saturday afternoon. This tour would especially appeal to those interested in the history and culture of the Islands. Finish up with a cold drink at a local bar. Suitable for any age. Please visit our website for more information about this and other tours, included supplier direct rates and discounted tour bundles.
Inclusions: Finish the tour with a drink at a local bar, before being dropped off back at your accommodation or where ever you like!, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Jeanette B
Very good tour with a lot of information about life on Rarotonga an local fruits. We biked and along the way we could have tasted about 10 different fruits-very good.
10. 'Take a Peek' Easy Bicycle Tour
Brand new tour! The ‘Take-a-peek’ bicycle tour allows you to join in on a mini Storytellers Eco Cycle Tour, so that you get a 'taste' of what Storytellers is all about. You will get to experience and enjoy parts of Rarotonga less frequented by tourists, and learn all about the Cook Islands in a relaxed and fun, small group environment. This tour takes place on mainly inland roads, which sealed and flat to gently sloping. This tour is for cyclists of all abilities and fitness levels. It is also a family friendly activity, as we can cater to children of all ages with our smaller children's bicycles, trail-behind bikes, tow-behind buggy or ‘Dolittle’ children’s seat. A great way to get a 'bargain' tour that gives you a great intro-level orientation to Rarotonga.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Please bring your own water with you on the tour
Reviewed By Jeanette B
Very good tour with a lot of information about life on Rarotonga an local fruits. We biked and along the way we could have tasted about 10 different fruits-very good.
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