Archives: Destinations

One-foot Island in Aitutaki is speckled with lagoons and sandy beaches. It has the perfect setting for snorkeling, especially around the reef, away from the rocky ledges. You will also find the most secluded post-office here in One-foot Island. For one of the best swimming experiences in Aitutaki, you would want to stop by O’otu beach. Be sure to carry a pair of reef shoes and keep your eyes peeled, for you might just spot a hermit crab.

Moturaku is a tiny remote island where you can spot some amazing seabird species. Go on a guided jungle walk and you are sure to hear some interesting folklores such as the one where an island inhabitant lives in a cave with his daughter. Experience the local culture at Vaipae village. You can watch the locals engage in high-spirited performances as they tap their toes and swing their hips to the drumbeat. There are even fire dancers performing their art with techniques that take ages to perfect.

Polynesian cuisine is primarily characterized by seafood dishes and the restaurants on Rarotonga Island offer both kinds of dishes – traditional and also those in cooked in the island style.

A must-try delicacy on the Rarotonga island is the grilled ‘mai-mai’ or dolphin fish. It is especially popular at Trader Jack’s located in Avarua.

For those in the search of some gourmet dining on the Rarotonga Island, Muri’s Flame Tree is a good option. Gourmet dishes can also be savored at Tumunu and Portofino in Arorangi and Tupapa respectively.

The hotels on the island also boast of wide-ranging menus and typically offer a traditional buffet feast called ‘umu kai’ which is accompanied by some drumming and dancing. A traditional earth oven is used to cook the ‘umu kai’ with the help of radiant heat supplied by hot stones. In Avarua, travelers can also find cafe and lunch establishments which offer Polynesian and European meals.

Rarotonga has a circumference of about 32km with a brilliant blue lagoon surrounding it from all sides. You will see colorful tropical fish beautifying this blanket of blue water and tall palms lining the pearl white sand of the island. The island also has a coral reef that has waves crashing against it inviting the fishermen to toss their lines.

A major part of the island is covered with beautiful palms and you will find a famous cross-island path which connects the south of the Rarotonga Island to Avatiu valley. It goes through the Te Rua Manga, a prominent rock shaped in the form of a needle. You can also hike to a flat-top mountain or the Raemaru. Other attractive stops could include Arai te Tonga and Wigmore Falls (Papua Falls).

Rarotonga has 3 harbors, namely Avarua, Avatiu and Avana. Out of these, the Avatiu harbor is the only one which has some commercial significance.

Food in The Cook Islands

Many Cook Islands restaurants offer international and local cuisine all over the islands. Cultural attractions at Te Vara Nui and the Highland Paradise also serve up sumptuous buffet fare, alongside traditional cultural dancing.

Ask the friendly locals for their recommendations of the best local diners for goods like eke (marinated octopus), ika mata (fish in coconut sauce) and grilled sweet potato, some of which can be found daily at the Avarua marketplace. Travellers who fancy the local equivalent of a farmers’ market where fresh produce and homemade products by the islanders are on sale should go there for a “Go Local” spread which happens every two weeks.

Nightlife in The Cook Islands

On Friday evenings, join the Night Life Tours that showcase the hottest nightspots in the Cook Islands, where you can enjoy live entertainment. Major hotels often feature an Island Night Show with performances and an umukai or traditional Polynesian feast. Alternatively, head down to Matutu and Cook Islands Breweries for a unique-tasting, locally-made pint or two.

There are a number of villages along the Coral Coast where you can buy exotic artifacts. These will make perfect souvenirs of your Fiji trip and they also make for some excellent gifts. Kula Eco Park is Fiji’s only wildlife park. It is close proximately to the Coral Coast and you can definitely ask your hotel’s help desk to arrange a visit.

The Arts Village in Pacific Harbour is also an excellent place to shop. The prices are quite affordable and there is a good range of products. The Arts Village is also famous for its Fijian cultural shows. If you stay until nightfall, you will be able to witness a fire walk.

There are many restaurants in the Coral Coast area to experience. IVI Restaurant, Ocean Terrace Restaurant, Eco Cafe and Beach Bar ‘n’Grill are some of the well-known hotels on the Coral Coast.

Don’t forget to try the famous Fijian delicacies such as Kokoda (sliced fish, topped with tomatoes, carrots, onions, dunked in lemon juice), Duruka (a vegetable similar to asparagus cooked in coconut) and Taro (a potato-like vegetable cooked in various ways).

You can also experience a lovo feast. Meat such as lamb, pork, and chicken are packed in banana leaves and placed on sizzling hot rocks. On top of the package, tubers like cassava and wild yam are placed. The whole package is then covered with earth and allowed to cook for two to three hours. Fijian curries are also very tasty especially chicken and fish curries.

Another food item you must try is fried breadfruit. Each of the breadfruits is dipped in batter and deep fried till they are golden yellow. There is also a local brew called kava. It has a small alcohol content, so be careful.

If you want to experience rustic Fijian culture, head over to a Fijian village. There are many close to the Coral Coast and are famous for their handicrafts. The Coral Coast is also famous for watersports. Beqa Lagoon is nearby (pronounced as benga). Often called ‘the Mecca of Pacific Diving, Beqa Lagoon is known for shark sightings. Other interesting places to visit here are the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Namosi Highlands, Sigatoka Valley, Tavuni Hill Fort and Pacific Harbour.

The Sigatoka Valley (river) Safari is a well-known tourist magnet. The Sigatoka river is perfect for idyllic boat rides. When you go up the river, the boat will cross villages like Nakabuta and Lawai and you can get down and visit them if you want. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is a nice place to visit too. Remains of human settlements dating back to 3000 years have been discovered here.

Pacific Harbour is called the adventure capital of Fiji. You can catch a fishing charter from here and go fishing in the ocean. Pacific Harbour’s Art Village offers an interesting peek into Fijian culture. There are also some waterfalls in the area where you can go trekking.