Koka Lagoon Cruises
Don’t miss a fantastic day out with the Supreme Award winning Koka Lagoon Cruises exploring the famous Muri Lagoon.
Make your Rarotonga holiday a memorable one, and let the multi talented crew treat you to an experience you won’t forget – snorkelling amongst lagoon life or enjoying through the glass bottom boat; non-stop entertainment with our talented stringband the Koka Strings; enjoy a delicious bbq feast, amazing coconut tree climbing show, coconut husking and more!
Go Local Cook Islands
The Go Local Cook Islands turtle swims are amazing and directly across the road from Manatu. They are a team of 7 guides, all fully trained and experienced in our passages and waters. They have the knowledge on everything about the tides, passages and the open water most importantly the protection and sustainability of our marine life which is a priority.
Go Local Cook Islands offer surfing and body boarding tours, turtle and eagle ray tours, fishing charters, spearfishing adventures, bush walks in our beautiful valleys, and over the reef free diving tours. Pop next door and make a booking.
Explore the Motu’s
This is an amazing experience and one that everyone needs to tick off while in Rarotonga. It is self guided and requires a good pair of shoes or reef shoes, sunscreen and a hat. If you travel to Muri and walk through the lagoon to Motu Koromiri or Motu Tapu. On the ocean side of the Motu’s there are many deep pools with lots of colourful fish to see, shells to discover, historic fish traps and huts to find and amazing reef rock formations to climb. Stay as close to the beach as possible as the interior of the Motu’s are thick with insects that see you as an easy drink. If you get thirsty, test your survival skills and find a coconut to open. The back of the Motu’s feel very isolated and far from civilization.
Punanga Nui - Saturday Market
The biggest most popular market in Rarotonga is called Punanga Nui and is held every Saturday morning in Avarua. Here you will find local fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and produce as well as local cuisine and treats. The market is also the best place to buy local arts and crafts as well as book adventures and activities for the week. It’s important to get to the market early to purchase the unique foods as these get snapped up fast. Try the Poke, Ika Mata (raw fish), Maroro (BBQ flying fish), or island donuts.
Muri Night Markets
The Muri Night Markets are a must if you don’t feel like cooking. They are held on the main road of Muri next to the sailing club and are on most nights, rain or shine. Some nights are busier than others and will have more stalls and options to choose from. There is a good mix of local cuisine and the traditional favourites to cater for everyone’s taste buds. The markets have a great atmosphere and its easy to spend one or two nights a week here enjoying the sights, sounds and flavours. Don’t miss this.
Sunday Church Service
Every Sunday morning in Rarotonga the island comes to a standstill. The many churches around the island fill and the services begin. Whether you are religious or not it is an experience to hear the locals sing in the old church buildings. Visitors are more than welcome to attend. It pays to dress up a bit and have a monetary donation on hand for when the plate gets passed around. Normally afterwards there is a morning tea and time to chat to some locals.
Roadside Fruit and Vegetable stalls
For those that enjoy cooking at home, or trying some unique local produce there are a number of roadside stalls around the island. These have no set hours or days when they operate, but are a great way to purchase fresh fruit and produce and support the local community. As usual the selection is generally best in the mornings. Most of the stalls are cash only and good value for money.
Island night
It would not be a trip to Rarotonga without an Island night experience. This is an amazing buffet dinner with local cuisine and a show with traditional dancing and entertainment. The best island night experience on the island is at the Edgewater resort. The food, the facilities and cultural performance are all fine tuned and you won’t be disappointed. Bookings are essential
Lunch at Little Polynesia
If you are looking for a bit of luxury and to live the high life then book a table for lunch at Little Polynesia. Only 5 minutes drive from Manatu this resort is located on the beach and when the sun is shining and the tide is in it cannot be beaten. The food is fine dining and reasonably priced. If possible, sit outside, take your camera and enjoy your dining experience in tropical paradise.