ISLAND ECO EXPERIENCES
Explore Rarotonga
the Right Way
We believe the way you travel matters as much as where you go. Rarotonga rewards those who look a little closer — and these experiences will help you do exactly that.
COOK ISLAND WORDS
Kia Orana
More than hello. Literally,
may you live long. Say it often.
Meitaki
Thanks. Everything is good. I am well. How Cook Islanders share how happy they feel.
Mana Tiaki
Our shared responsibility as
guardians of these islands
and their environment.
CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL
Connect with the Culture
Rarotonga has more than 600 years of living history -
these experiences bring it to life.
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
Authentic historical sites forgotten for 150 years, now lovingly restored. Explore ancient maraes and
traditional buildings, and experience drumming,
singing, dancing, weaving, carving, medicine making, and umu feasting the way it has been done here for centuries.
⟶ highlandparadise.co.ck
Storytellers Eco Cycle & Walking Tours
Explore Rarotonga by bike with passionate guides
who share their knowledge of local culture, history, plant life, food, and the natural environment. The perfect balance of gentle adventure and real learning.
⟶ storytellers.co.ck
Tumutoa Tours
Award-winning guides Ngame and Mānia open their Are Kuru — the Breadfruit Hut — and their hearts, for a genuine insight into traditional Cook Islands life. Four dynamic tours, all rooted in authenticity. Winners of the A1 Meitaki Award.
⟶ tumutoatours.com
Progressive Dining
A unique cultural dining experience that moves
between three local homes, with a different course at each. A small string band provides live island music throughout the evening — unhurried, warm, and entirely memorable.
⟶ cookislandtours.co.ck
NATURE & CONSERVATION
Give Something Back
Experiences that connect you with the people actively
protecting Rarotonga's natural world.
Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre
Learn about the creatures inhabiting Cook Islands
waters and land — from whaling history and
shipwrecks to the birds and turtles currently being rehabilitated on site. You can feed the animals in care. A genuinely moving experience.
⟶ discoverecocentre.com
Arataki Organic Garden Tours
Step inside working gardens growing fruits,
vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants entirely
naturally. Passionate local guides share their
knowledge of land care, biodiversity, and sustainable living — the kind of knowledge that rarely makes it into guidebooks.
⟶ aratakiorganicgardentour.yourholiday.me
Muri Environment Care
A vibrant conservation initiative that brings together education, ecological restoration, art, and hands-on community engagement. Features a plant conservation nursery, active restoration projects, and an enriching learning space open toall ages and abilities.
⟶ mec.org.ck
Swimming with the Turtles
Rarotonga's turtles are precious — and encounters with them should stay that way. Please only choose operators who have signed the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Cook Islands Tourism, which sets out best practice guidelines for safe, respectful wildlife interactions. Your choice of operator directly affects how these animals are treated. We are happy to recommend responsible operators — just ask us.
⟶ cookislands.travel - turtle tour operator partnership
ADVENTURE & MOUNTAIN TOURS
Get Off the Beaten Track
Rarotonga's interior is as dramatic as its coastline -
these guides know every inch of it.
Maunga Tours - Pa's Cross Island Trek
The legendary cross-island hike, guided by the next generation carrying on Pa's legacy. From the famous ridge crossing to Te Manga — Rarotonga's highest peak — these hikes take you through rugged ranges while sharing the island's flora, fauna, and history.
⟶ maungatours.com
Arore Mountain Adventures
A stunning mountain trek through the back hills of
Muri, taking in inland forests with wildlife spotting
along the way. Available as a daytime walk or a sunrise adventure — headlamps provided for early starters (1hr 30 mins).
⟶ cookislands.travel
Ariimoana Walkabouts
Personable, intimate adventures with guides Kura and Jacopo. Kura is an eco-warrior with a deep passion for the moana (sea) and the enua (land) — her insight into Rarotonga's natural environments is unlike anything else on offer.
⟶ facebook.com/ariimoana.walkabouts
E-Bikes
A fun, easy, and genuinely eco-friendly way to explore the island at your own pace. Take the back roads to find plantations, local livestock, maraes, and churches — or follow the coast between snorkelling spots, cafes, and roadside stalls.
⟶ tik-etours.com
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Small Choices, Real Impact
You don't have to be on a tour to tread lightly. Here's what makes a genuine difference during your stay.
ENERGY
Turn off lights, fans, and air
conditioning when you leave your villa.
PLASTIC
Bring a refillable bottle. Our water is safe to drink straight from the tap.
WATER
Take shorter showers and reuse towels and linen where you can.
REEF
Use coral-safe sunscreen.
Conventional sunscreen damages the reef right outside your door.
FOOD WASTE
Separate food scraps and place in the compost bin — they feed the local pigs. Nothing wasted.
TURTLES
Choose MOU-certified turtle tour operators only. Your choice matters.
“
Mana Tiaki - this is our shared responsibility
KIA ORANA - SERENITY VILLAS, ARORANGI, RAROTONGA