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Luxury Rarotonga Accommodation - Activities
Cultural Tours of Rarotonga
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Many of the guests of our luxury villa on Rarotonga are keen to learn about how the Cook Islands have embraced the meaning of 'Protecting the Environment'. The local people have long lived in harmony with their environment. The regions biodiversity is particularly significant on all the raised islands and of interest to almost all who stay at our luxury villa on Rarotonga.
Rarotonga consists of central volcanic hills surrounded by jagged limestone palisade, called the Makatea, which is what remains of an uplifted reef after erosion. The Makatea supports extensive native forests and scrublands which are wilderness areas of scenic beauty. When exploring these forest areas, those who have stayed at luxury villa on Rarotonga, have found that it is well worth using a guide or tour company.
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Raro Montain Safari Tours
Raro Mountain Safari Tours is one such company. They will take you on a fun three and a half hour tour suitable for all ages.
The tour includes:
- The ancient road (Ara Metua), built and paved with volcanic slabs by ancestor chief Toi.
- Papua (Wigmore's) Waterfall.
- The eastern heights where the sun rises overlooking the four motu (islets) dotted in beautiful Muri Lagoon.
- The sacred site of Te Arai-Te-Tonga Marae.
- The lush rainforest interior of Avatiu Valley with a close up view of famous mountain Te Rua Manga (The Needle).
- The highest point accessible by 4WD, overlooking the whole western side of the island and out into the vast blue Pacific.
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Listen to the fascinating history of the ancient Polynesians of Rarotonga, while attacking steep tracks & climbs with ease.
Bookings for the Eco Safari Tours can be made through the reception of our luxury Rarotonga villa.
Lagoon Cruises
Muri Lagoon, not far from our luxury Rarotonga accommodation, has long been known as one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Just recently a marine reserve was created to enhance the recovery of the giant clams. Take a memorable trip on a glass bottom lagoon cruiser and view these clams or just jump right in with snorkeling gear and have a closer look. Snorkel through a real black pearl farm amongst vibrant coloured tropical fish and spectacular coral gardens. Discover how black pearls are cultured.
Popular with guests at our luxury Rarotonga accommodation is the Captain Tama's Rarotonga Lagoon Cruises, which operate the glass bottom boats. They have a very popular day cruise (11am - 3.30pm) with a sumptuous barbecue fish lunch out on the small motu, Koromiri Island. This is located within the Muri Lagoon.
Relax in the company of friendly Rarotongan guides, legendary for their humour and warm smiles. Be entertained by a variety of activities including the infamous coconut opening and pareu tying demonstrations.
Bookings for the lagoon cruises can be made through the Sea Change, luxury Rarotonga accommodation office.
Highland Paradise - The Lost Village Tour
The Lost village of Maungaroa was unearthed by the late Raymond Pirangi (Snr), a descendant of Tinomana Ariki paramount chief in the district, who set about reclaiming his family heritage in 1983.
Highland Paradise is situated in the heart of Arorangi Village in Rarotonga. In the dense bush 205 acres in area and 509 metres high lies this "open air museum" or hidden sanctuary of this ancient tribe. Although the days of tribal warfare are gone, the evidence and signs of struggle and survival still remain.
From the early signs of astrology to the barbaric rocks of sacrifice, Highland Paradise reveals the intellectual know how and the dark truths of our predecessors. These include the navigational stones used to guide the vakas to Aotearoa - New Zealand.
Nowadays the village is encompassed with vast tropical gardens, accentuating its historic significance and paying due homage to those who once inhabited this paradise. It allows a spectacular 180 degree view of Rarotonga. Stretched across 10 acres are the magnificent gardens that contain medicinal and ritual plants of their day combined with introduced rare plants from all around the world.
It is an experience beyond imagination, guaranteed to entice your curiosity. Never before have you ever had the chance to be this close to our heritage. To all visitors we welcome you and invite you to take this journey.
Tour Times: 10.00 am, 2.00 pm, 5.00 pm
Open Daily: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Includes transfers, tour and lunch.
Independent walking tour available.
Private tours, Group bookings, Weddings.
Exclusive events also available.
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Bookings for the Highland Paradise - The Lost Village of the Cook Islands Tour can be made through reception of our luxury Villas at Sea Change, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Tangaroa Tours
'We go where others can't'
- See the awesome views from our mountains
- Travel our ancient road (Ara Metua) built by our ancestor Toi
- Visit ancient marae and palaces
- Find out about our Cook Island traditional customs
- Cruise through our farmlands, smell the noni
- Prepare an umu (traditional earth oven) before we leave on the tour. The umu will cook while we are away on the tour, ready to eat when we get back
- Enjoy a lunch of ika mata (marninated raw fish) rukau (taro leaves baked in the umu) and meat baked in banana leaves
- Safety conscious and fun
- Daily tours, Monday-Saturday 9am to 12.30pm, Sunday, 12noon to 3.30pm.
- All transfers to and from Sea Change Villas and lunch included.
Cook Islands Cultural Village
A Living History of Rarotonga
TOUR ONE: Cultural Village Tour
The guided tour commences at 10am with presentations and information on:
- Cook Island history
- Maori traditional medicine
- Fishing
- Weaving
- Coconut husking
- Carving
- Cooking
- Costume making
- Learning Cook Island dance movements
The three and half hour tour is topped of with a sumptuous meal of local delicacies along with a show featuring dance, songs, chants, legends and music of the Cook Islands in our ‘are karioi’ (house of entertainment).
TOUR TWO: Circle Island Tour
This tour commences at midday ata athe Cultural Village with a delicious lunch and show featuring dance, songs, chants, legends and music of the Cook Islands.
Following lunch the Circle Island Tour commences.
As you travel round Rarotonga our guides will provide an informative commentary and explain points of interest along the way.
The tour finishes back at the Cultural Village at 4.00pm.
TOUR THREE: The Best of the Cook Islands all in one day!
Highly recommended to be taken immediately upon arrival. Visitors to Rarotonga will find this tour as an invaluable experience and will help understand and appreciate what you see and experience while visiting the Cook Islands.
The tour combines the Cultural Village Tour and Circle Island Tour and commences at 10am.
All three tours are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Reservations are essential with minimum numbers required to operate the tours.
This is our heritage, come share it with us!
Avarua Historical Walking Tour
A one and half hour leisurely walking tour of the main town of Avarua. The tour will take you through the most significant historical center of the Cook Islands, tracing the colonisisng of the country by Polynesians, Missionaries and the New Zealand Poohbahs.
Departs each Wednesday from Trader Jack's Bar and Restaurant at 3.00pm. Bookings are required and can be made through the luxury accommodation of Sea Change Villas’ Office.
Circle Island Tour
Enjoy a leisurely orientation tour around Rarotonga in a comfortable coach with Raro Tours.
- Observe a coconut demonstration
- Be enlightened with Rarotongan history and culture
- A sort shopping break
- Enjoy a light lunch
- Walk on our white sandy each.
The Circle Island Tour operates Monday through to Friday from 9.45am to 1.30pm.
Reservations for the Circle Island Tour with Raro Tours can be made through the luxury accommodation of Sea Change Villas, Rarotonga.
Discover more of the activities that will make our luxury Rarotonga accommodation such a memorable destination for your next vacation.
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