"Island Night" is a must. Most of the hotels host one and the performances of music, dance and drumming are as memorable as the costumes. Don't be surprised if you're asked to join in!
Danger!
Goats crossing - on the main road to Avarua
And remember the speed limit is just 50kph (31 mph) on all roads except those in town where it's 30 kph (18 mph)
Goats crossing - on the main road to Avarua
And remember the speed limit is just 50kph (31 mph) on all roads except those in town where it's 30 kph (18 mph)
The weekly cultural market is a must visit for locals and visitors alike - every Saturday from 6 am to about 1 pm.
Cook's Island Bus will drop you off.
Click here for more pictures.
Cook's Island Bus will drop you off.
Click here for more pictures.
Raro Records - recommended for that musical souvenir of the islands
DEMOCRACY IN THE ISLANDS
Rarotonga is the seat of the Islands' legislative Government. Parliament is based on the UK model and, similar to it, has two Houses. The lower house or Legislative Assembly has 25 elected members - 24 from districts of the Cook Islands and one representing the many Cook Islanders who live overseas. The Members of Parliament represent districts and islands. Ten are from the capital island. The upper house, or House of Ariki, is made up of traditional leaders, who provide consultation and advice. Her Majesty the Queen (Queen Elizabeth II) is Head of State. The Queen's Representative, Tom Marsters, acts in her name in the Islands.
Temptingly fresh seafood is always on the menu at the many eating places in town.
Recommended eating places
Recommended eating places
The Parliament building near the airport. It used to be temporary accommodation for contractors who built the airport.
Magnificent Muri Beach...but there's more to Rarotonga than just sea and sand
Shopping in"town", as the locals call Avarua, is a pleasure in itself with such a colourful setting
This is the only roundabout in Raro, in front of the new (and, according to many) very out of place court house built and paid for a few years ago by the Chinese government. If you apply for a motorcycle licence, you'll have to do a test to prove you can go round the roundabout successfully!
(Tip: keep left and give way to traffic from the right!)
(Tip: keep left and give way to traffic from the right!)
Bikes are everywhere, so if you hire one, don't forget where you parked it!
Head eis....as likely to be worn by men as women. Buy one at the cultural market and enjoy both the beauty and the wonderful scent of island flowers
Click here for a detailed map
Religion is an important part of life in the Islands. The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) predominates - this one is in Matavera. I would urge you to go along to a CICC Sunday service and hear the amazing unaccompanied singing. It's an experience never to be forgotten
Click here for a live webcam view of Muri beach
from Sails Restaurant (active from 0630-1830 local time - GMT-10hrs)
from Sails Restaurant (active from 0630-1830 local time - GMT-10hrs)
Personal Impressions
The island's centre is a series of magnificent mountain ridges and peaks. They include Te Manga, which at 652 metres (2,138 ft) is the highest point in the Islands. You can join a guided walk if you're energetic..and fit.
Friendly smiles. Wouldn't you smile if you lived in a place like this? Even the dogs go sunbathing!