Cook Islands Activity Ideas

Team sports are a huge part of Cook Islands life.The matches draw many spectators, both locals and tourists, and are often wild and frenetic. Often tourists are asked to join in. So don't be shy - it will be a fun-filled experience.

There is a gym, and many people jog and ride push bikes around the island.

You can bring your golf clubs, tennis or squash racquets, running shoes or fishing rod to insure some fast and furious competition for your stay in paradise.

Hash House Harriers meet every Monday night for a fun run. A local group of fitness buffs.

There are aerobic and cultural dancing classes offered at various community halls.

The Rarotongan Bowling Club boasts international standard bowling greens and welcome visitors on Saturday.

Muri Beach is the place to head for sailing, windsurfing, vakas and snorkeling. Lessons are available for those in need, and if you are qualified, you can rent by the hour.

Horseback riding is available, and a nice option to see some of the interior of Rarotonga. There are also 4 wheel drive tours that take you into a lot of places, if tramping or horses aren't your style.

There are many tramping (hiking) trails available to be enjoyed with a guide, from the mild to the very difficult. The highlight is the needle climb, otherwise known as the cross-island trek. The guides are excellent in offering insights into the geology, history and culture of the islands. After your trek, enjoy a dip in the wigmores waterfall, at the base of the climb.

Game fishing can provide an exhilarating day's outing just beyond the reef. Fishing charters are affordable and available to novice and experienced anglers. Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish), Paara (Wahoo) and tuna are the most common catch. The local record for marlin is 280 kg.

Rarotonga and Aitutaki offer great diving and snorkeling. The outer reefs offer a diverse range of diving locations with superb visibility. At different times of the year, you could see sea turtles, or whales. Inside the reef, there are hundreds of different tropical fish and a variety of soft corals. If you aren't comfortable snorkeling or diving, when the tide is out there are guided reef walks offered so you can learn about the wonders of the sea.

Snorkeling is available anywhere along the shore line. Just pull in on your scooter and go for it!

The traditional polynesian feast is known as the umaki and involves baking food in an underground oven. There are several resorts and restaurants who offer this experience coupled with the traditional dancers and drummers, making for a unique dining experience.

Restaurants offer traditional foods, along with Chinese, Italian, and Continental. Much of the food is imported from New Zealand. Fresh fish is available and the catch of the day is usually listed outside the door.

Local food consists of eke (octopus), taro; both the root and leaves of which are known as Rukau. Kamara (sweet potatoes), poke (pawpaw pudding) and coconut are available year round. There is a definite New Zealand flavor to the menus.

Nightlife is quiet, with bars being open late Thursday through Saturday; the big night out for locals and tourists is Friday. There are several opportunities to book onto a nightlife tour to get a great feel for a typical weekend night out in Rarotonga.

There is a good range of sightseeing available in addition to the pristine beaches and clear blue sea.

The Cook Islands are a country that combine their traditional lifestyle with that of the modern world. The cultural center is a wonderful place to learn how modern day has impacted the traditional ways of doing things in the Cook Islands. Cook Islanders are very religious and many tourists enjoy visiting the various churches around the island and taking in a service that includes the amazing natural harmonies of the Cook Islanders' voices.

There is a wonderful museum and plenty of traditional sacred sites and points of interest on the islands. These can be pointed out...such as where the Vakas (canoes) arrived in Rarotonga for the first time. These can be pointed out by local guides on the island tours offered.

   If your interest is in black pearls, I can provide you with a host that can provide you with premium quality pearls at excellent rates.

   Bird watching walks at the Takitumu conservation area are available a couple days a week. Tours generally take the morning and lunch in included after the tour.

   Kayaks are available at many of the resorts for use by their guests.

   Lagoon reef walking can be done on your own at low tide or many of the resorts offer escorted reef walks, with a guide describing what you are seeing and the various local or traditional uses for the sea life being looked at.

   Scenic flights can be booked for a spectacular view of Rarotonga from the air.Most international flights arrive during darkness, so a really great way to see the island.

   There is a reef sub that offers two hour cruises outside the reef to see the various coral formations and marine life around the island.

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