Suggested Activities:
Raro Safari Tours
Welcome to Raro Safari Tours, where adventure meets the extraordinary! Embark on a journey like no other as we navigate through intriguing stories of the Cook Islands’ past, from its Polynesian settlers to its colonial heritage.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the vibrant Polynesian culture that weaves through the very fabric of Raro. Explore the secrets of ancient traditions, savor local flavors, and connect with warm-hearted islanders who welcome you with open arms.
Raro Safari Tours offers a captivating 3-hour adventure exploring the beautiful landscape of Rarotonga. The tour includes convenient return transfers for participants and operates on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, with tour departing at 9AM for pickups and starting at 10AM.Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Rarotonga’s stunning scenery and discover the natural wonders of the island with Raro Safari Tours.
Adults: $111 PP
(incurs 5% online booking fee)
Children (6-11) $56 PP
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy: In the event you need to cancel you tour, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made after 7 days of when a booking was created will incur a 50% cancellation fee. For any bookings cancelled within 24 hours of your booking tour date will incur 100% cancellation fee. In this instant you could either reschedule (pending on availability), request to have it transferred to someone else or have your account credited, which will be valid for 1 year.
Elderly Guests: Our Safari tours involve off-road terrain and may include bumpy rides due to the nature of the environment. Please be aware that our vehicles do not have seatbelts. Instead, we encourage passengers to hold on to one another as part of the unique RARO way experience. If you have any health concerns or conditions that might be aggravated by such conditions, we advise you to consult with your healthcare professional before participating in the tour.
Infants/Toddlers: We understand the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of our youngest guests. Please note that our vehicles do not have seatbelts. Instead, we recommend that you hold onto your infant or toddlers to ensure their safety and comfort during the tour. Our tour guides are trained to prioritize the well-being of all passengers.
Arore Mountain Trail
Venture up private lands through a maintained trail with a local guide to spectacular bird’s eye panoramic views of Muri lagoon, the motu’s (islets) and the lush Rarotonga mountain scapes.
Climbing ropes and steps have been installed to assist, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding trails on the island.
Guided tours take approximately 60 minutes – 1 hour 45min return.
Arore Mountain Trail provides 2 types of tours:
Sunrise Guided Tour – $95 per person
Tour starts half an hour before sunrise approximately 5:15 / 5:30am from the Ngatangiia Meeting house. Torches provided. Return transfers included
Day Walk Guided Tour – $85 per person
24 hours notice. Return transfers included
Self-guided walks are not permitted at this time on the Arore Mountain Trail.
All tours are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Te Vara Nui – Over Water Night Show and Buffet Dinner
Te Vara Nui Village is Rarotonga’s premier cultural attraction and stunning entertainment venue, located at Muri Beach in Rarotonga. The Cook Islands’ greeting “Kia Orana,” meaning “may you live long,” reflects the beauty of our islands and our people. At Te Vara Nui Village, you’ll meet with local Maori who will share their stories, knowledge, and heritage during a cultural village tour.
Finally, enjoy our delicious buffet in our waterfall garden, while witnessing Rarotonga’s finest dancers perform under the torchlight. This spectacular over-water night show reflects our village’s experience, offering an unparalleled display of electrifying and authentic cultural performances—truly unique on the island!
Te Vara Nui Village offers something for everyone: inspiring fun, authentic entertainment, activities, and surprises. It’s the number one experience in the Cook Islands and not to be missed!
In short, “this special place pays homage to our unique culture and its breathtaking environment, leaving a lasting memory long after you return home.”
Over Water Night Show and Buffet Dinner
We proudly invite you to join Rarotonga’s largest over-water night show, presenting an unmatched electrifying authentic cultural performance…
Set in lush rock waterfall gardens, the village boasts the most stunning entertainment venue, showcasing a beautiful legendary story, “The Legend of Tangaroa.”
Enjoy our breathtaking over-water performance, while Rarotonga’s finest dancers perform under torchlight. Taste our delicious island/Western fusion buffet prepared by local and international chefs.
Immerse yourself in our local culture through “The Legend of Tangaroa,” embracing the Cook Islands Maori.
Includes:
Island/Western fusion buffet dinner (Check-in time: 5:30 – 5:45 PM)
Restaurant and bar open from 5:45 PM
Spectacular water night show starts at 7:30 PM and lasts approximately 1 hour
“A powerful performance showcasing beauty, passion, color, and excitement with exceptionally choreographed dances.”
The Legend of Tangaroa:
Our Tupuna, our ancestors, tell us a legend of a seafaring warrior named Tangaroa and his tribe who set sail from a distant place. Tangaroa and his wife Arii were explorers from Iwa who heard of beautiful “floating islands” and decided to build a great canoe to find them.
After weeks at sea, Tangaroa discovered what appeared to be floating coconuts. As they approached, it seemed to grow larger… it was one of these “floating islands,” the beautiful island of “Tumu Te Vai Ore” in Rarotonga.
The indigenous inhabitants of this floating island were hostile and unfriendly, hurling spears and shouting loudly to scare Tangaroa and his people away.
Tangaroa circumnavigated the island for many days; his family grew weary, hungry, and tired. Finally, in desperation, Tangaroa called upon his beautiful daughter to dance for the chief of Tumu Te Vai Ore, hoping her beauty would soften his heart and allow them to step onto the land.
Enchanted by her beauty, the chief fell in love with the beautiful girl and welcomed Tangaroa and his family to his island, celebrating the event with feasting and dancing.
Today, this settlement of our Polynesian people is known as “Tangata Enua.”
Adult: NZ$171 per person including hotel transfers
Child: NZ$81 per person including hotel transfers
Family of four: NZ$485 including hotel transfers
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation within 24 hours prior to the tour: No cancellation fee.
Cancellation between 13 to 24 hours before the tour: 25% of the total tour cost will be charged.
Te Vara Nui operates on specific dates each week; please verify and confirm dates carefully.
Progressive Dinner Tour
Leave behind the familiar surroundings of your resort and venture out to local villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle, when you visit with locals in their homes! Enjoy three courses, where each course is hosted in a different local home.
Walkthrough the tropical garden at the home of your first host, who serves your ‘first course’ for the night. Then it is off to enjoy your ‘main course’, where you will be treated to a buffet feast, similar to what you would expect at a large Cook Islands family gathering. Then, your ‘dessert’ host will delight you with local sweets, fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee. When enjoying your meals at each home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band that will accompany you throughout your local dining experience.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Tour operates Mondays and Thursdays
Pick up from 5pm
Drop off from 9:30pm
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
**Dress code is smart casual
Adults: $130 NZD PP
Children: $90 NZD (6-12, under 5 free)
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Koka Daily Lagoon Cruise
Enjoy a glass bottomed boat trip out to Muri Lagoon. Before sitting down to a fish BBQ feast, explore the underwater world and snorkeling among the colourful tropical fish and the giant clams.
A highly enjoyable 4 hour tour, includes:
Glass bottom cruise through Muri Lagoon to marine reserve site
Snorkelling tour at our marine reserve with giant clams, and colourful tropical fish.
Delicious bbq feast with tropical salads and in-season fruits on beautiful Motu Koromiri (“no touching” island)
Cultural experience with awesome coconut tree climbing demonstration and show
Onboard ukelele playing and singalong by the crew (never a dull moment!)
Does not include alcoholic beverages or towels (please bring own towels, swimwear and sunscreen)
Adult: $176 NZD PP
Child (6-11): $60 NZD PP
Schedule details
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Muri Beach but a hotel transfer can be arranged on request (additional cost)
Starting time: 10:00 AM – 10:05 AM
Ending point: Muri Beach but we can arrange a transfer back to your hotel
Lagoon cruise goes rain or shine, feel free to contact on the day if wishing to confirm tour is still operating. Should the tour be cancelled by the tour operator due to adverse weather conditions, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund
Cancellation: If cancelled or modified more than 1 day before the date of departure, no penalty will be charged. If cancelled or modified fewer than 1 day before the date of departure, or in case of no-show, the full booking item amount will be charged
Island Discovery Tour
Start your holiday in the Cook Islands with an orientated cultural tour of scenic Rarotonga in one of our modern air-conditioned coaches. Explore the history and culture of the Cook Island people in the company of our qualified, friendly tour guides.
Follow the roads and paths used by our ancestors dating back to 1100AD; visit a sacred marae (ancient gathering place for royalty) and explore historical sites once inhabited by our people.
Learn where the best snorkelling spots are located in Rarotonga, see why the coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life.
VALID 01 APRIL 2024 – 31 MARCH 2025
Island Discovery Tour (Seat in coach)
$100 PER ADULT
$61 PER CHILD (2-11 years old)
Children 0-1 years old FOC
Tour operates Monday to Friday
Duration: 10am to 1pm (Pick up time confirmed upon booking)
Includes: return hotel transfers, guided tour and light refreshments
What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, camera and comfortable walking shoes
www.rarotours.co.ck/island-discovery-tour
Cultural Village Tour at Te Vara Nui Village:
Cultural Village Tour Adult: $55 Child:(6-11): $35 Ages 5 and under FREE
Highland Paradise
Highland Paradise is a multi-award winning, high quality cultural experience that is second to none.
We cannot be beaten for cultural authenticity and value for money. We believe we can offer you the best cultural experience on Rarotonga at the best price.
Our unique valley village offer guests a glimpse into everyday Cook Island life 600 years ago and also
showcases how Cook Islands culture has evolved over the years through two amazing experiences.
The TAPU’AE Day Tour and the KA’ARA Island night.
www.highlandparadise.co.ck
Maire Nui Gardens and Cafe
Come and explore the Maire Nui Gardens’ seven acres of magnificent tropical gardens with lush cooling lily ponds and spectacular mountain views. It’s a wonderful place to relax and chill.
Hidden amongst our lush vegetation you will find great food options at Cafe & Grill, offering unique island cuisine. Visitors will enjoy fresh foods of the tropics with asiatic influence, enhanced with our own organic herbs and spices.
Maire Nui Gardens – Facebook
Muri Night Markets
The Muri night markets in the Muri Beach Village are a great way to curate your own dinner from the various food trucks, stalls and stands all while mixing and mingling with tourists and locals alike. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings from 5pm, the night markets offer a variety of food from local BBQ meals, seafood, fresh drinking coconuts, chicken curries, wok-fried noodles, pizza, desserts and more.
Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, Rarotonga’s main town, offers free entertainment, fresh food stalls, organic coffee, and authentic souvenirs like pearls, artwork, crafts and hats made of coconut frond. While the market is open until midday, early Saturday morning is the best time to go for locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as homemade treats like poke. Also, make sure to head over to the main stage from about 10am to enjoy live music and dancing.
Titikaveka Beach
Situated on the southern coast of Rarotonga and is known for its long stretch of powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach is backed by lush vegetation and coconut palm trees, adding to its tropical charm.
