Cook Islands: Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu Island-hopping

Discover the rich cultural heritage of the renowned erstwhile maritime community of the legendary Cook Islands on this informative tour of the local village of Te Vara Nui. Learn about the celebrated navigational techniques of the island’s venerated ancestors, as well as their rich traditions of local medicine, folk arts, oral history, myths and legends. Try your hand at emulating the ancient fishing techniques of Polynesia. Visit the village workshops to see how local artisans painstakingly weave, carve and create the ceremonial dance costumes of the islands. Interact with local villagers to discover the distinctive Maori culture of the community. Listen to their powerful stories and legends, and watch them prepare a traditional meal using fresh local produce. Visit the local Marae or the sacred enclosure for the village community’s religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. Get an intimate view of the island way of life, before returning to your hotel. (Evening Tour; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Experience the thrill of this two-mile walk through the tree-covered jungle on the island of Rarotonga. Your walk begins with a 400-meter climb, parts of which are like climbing a ladder, and you need to on to tree roots to pull yourself up. When you reach the base of the Needle, or Te Rua Manga, a tall, rocky pinnacle, take in the breathtaking views that extend from one side of the island to the other. Stop at Wigmore's waterfall, also known as Papua, the only waterfall on the island. Your guide offers insights into the history, flora and fauna of the area. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Meal included: Picnic lunch; Fitness Level: Advanced; This walk is suitable for adults of all ages who have average fitness or better. Children over 4 yrs can also complete the hike if they are good walkers.)

Discover everyday life at a 200-year-old village site, largely reconstructed to preserve the traditional heritage of the Cook Islands on this enjoyable excursion. After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, meet your local guide, and drive down to the historical site. Once home to the ancient islanders, the village today is a living museum, with reconstructed homesteads, actual ceremonial grounds, and even traditional underground ovens (umu) that were once used for cooking ritual foods. Interact with the local community, who are proud to show you around and share their fascinating oral history with you. Learn about old rituals and traditions, getting to know how the ancient villagers lived, worked, and feasted in times gone by. Try your hand at weaving traditional fabrics and lend a hand in cooking a community lunch in the village umus. Enjoy the sumptuous island feast (or umukai) prepared by your gracious hosts. Share the table with your village hosts and join them for the traditional dances, learning the basic steps. Drive back to your hotel after the feast. (Available on Mon, Wed & Fri; Duration: Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Meal Included: Lunch; For special dietary needs, please inform us ahead of the tour; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Explore an archeological burial site of the ancient islanders on this fascinating tour. Your visit to the burial cave is arranged by Atiu Villas. After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, get ready to drive down to Atiu Villas, if you’re not a hotel guest. Join the hotel’s experienced guides on a trek through lush tropical rainforests to reach the protected burial site. Admire the dramatic landscape along the way, picking up interesting island trivia, folklore, and colorful legends from your guide. Pay homage to the remains of the hoary souls who lie buried in these old caves, and browse through the ancient artifacts on display at the site. Drive back to your hotel after the trip. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear sturdy walking shoes & bring insect repellent; Not advisable for those with claustrophobia or for small children)