Rarotonga Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Circle Island Tour
A drive around the island on the coastal road - the Ara Tapu - serves as perfect introduction to the charms of Rarotonga .
YOUR SCENIC DRIVE
Board your motorcoach and travel through Avarua, circling the island clockwise. Your drive takes you past Arai-Te-Tonga Marae, Ngatangiia Harbor , and Muri Beach . You pass the Cook Island Christian Church in Arorangi, the airport, the Parliament building, and Tereora College , traveling through a lush tropical landscape dotted with plantations of citrus, banana, tapioca, paw paw and taro.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Ara Metua - When Europeans landed on Rarotonga , they were surprised to discover a paved, all-weather road that was centuries old. The " Great Road of Toi" is paved with volcanic rock.
Ngatangiia Point - Legend has it that explorers left here in 1350 A.D. on a voyage of discovery to New Zealand .
Muri Beach - Eight miles of white sand make this the island's finest stretch of beach and a superb place to sun, swim, snorkel or sail.
SPECIAL NOTES
Tour order may vary.
Rarotonga Cultural Village
Visit the Cook Islands Cultural Village in Arorangi for a taste of traditional island culture.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Cultural Village - Each of the village's nine thatched huts is devoted to featuring a different aspect of traditional island life, from craft-making to cooking and dancing. Your visit includes a cooking demonstration followed by refreshments and a performance of traditional Cook Island dances.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Avarua, you travel by air-conditioned motorcoach past the airport to Arorangi. The Cultural Village lies inland, just off the famed Ara Metua, or " Great Road of Toi."
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is not available on Sundays as the village is closed.
Raro 4wd Safari
Travel by 4WD vehicle into the interior for a close-up view of Te Rua Manga, the peak known as "The Needle" - visit a sacred marae and enjoy stunning island, ocean and lagoon views.
YOUR 4WD SAFARI
Meet your local driver/guide in Avarua. Your guide describes the native flora and fauna as you cross the Ara Metua, the ancient volcanic stone road, and ascend the lush Avatiu Valley for a close-up view of Te Rua Manga, the volcanic spire known as "The Needle." Then climb a rugged trail to a plateau on the island's west side where you'll take a short walk along a ridgeline offering spectacular valley and coastal views. Continue along the Ara Metua around the island to Papua Waterfall (Wigmore's Waterfall), enjoying island, ocean and lagoon views. Return to Avarua by the coast road, stopping at the sacred Arai-Te-Tonga Marae.
SPECIAL NOTES
Due to the bumpy nature of the vehicles, this tour is not recommended for expectant mothers or those with back problems. Appropriate walking shoes are suggested for those wishing to take part in the short nature walk.
Eco Tour With Muri Beach
Explore some of the more difficult-to-reach sites on the island of Rarotonga to discover the Maori culture and traditions of the island.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Noni Juice Factory - During World War II, soldiers based on Polynesian islands were taught by the natives to eat the noni fruit. Growing abundantly on Rarotonga today, products of the fruit are exported for the healing properties the fruit is thought to possess. Stop briefly at a factory producing these products.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Lookout on Hospital Hill - The overlook has views of the Arorangi Lagoon as well as the villages and plantations that make up the district of Puaikura.
Needle Lookout - The volcanic outcrop marks the center of the island and is one of its highest points. Carvings can be seen here similar to those found on Easter Island .
DEMONSTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
Watch a demonstration of traditional medicine making on Muri Beach whicle enjooying a platter of fresh fruits.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From the pier board an air-conditioned van for a scenic tour of the island. The drive takes in stunning views over the village of Arorangi and Pacific Ocean , the plantations and valleys. At Muri Beach stop for an explanation of the traditional uses of the fauna and flora for making traditional local medicines before returning to the ship.
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour does not operate on Sundays.
Muri Lagoon Cruise & Lunch
Cruise the crystal-clear lagoon in a glassbottom boat. Swim on a motu coral islet, and enjoy a festive barbecue.
YOUR CRUISE
After a short bus transfer, board your glassbottom boat and cruise the lagoon along the eight mile stretch of white-sand Muri Beach . You have close-up views of coral formations and schools of tropical fish.
CORAL MOTU ISLET AND BARBECUE LUNCH
After your cruise, relax on the deserted beach of Koromiri , a large coral islet or motu. Swim from the beach and enjoy a lunch of barbecued fish and fresh fruit. Reboard your glassbottom boat for the return to the ship.
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is extremely limited in capacity.
Takitumu Nature Hike
A guided walking tour highlights Rarotonga 's efforts to protect and preserve native habitat and species - including the Kakerori Bird, the island's indigenous flycatcher.
YOUR WALKING TOUR
After a short bus transfer, meet your guide and set off for an approximately two hour trek through dense growth and over uneven terrain. Your guide points out the many medicinal plants found in the island rain forest. Keep your eyes open in case you spot the Kakerori, whose numbers have decreased over the years with the rise of island predators.
SPECIAL NOTES
Requires walking over long distances and uneven terrain. Recommended for physically-fit passengers who enjoy hiking. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Bring insect repellent.
Ariki Art & Cultural
An opportunity to meet with local artists of the Cook Islands, learn about their inspiration along with discovering some of the history of Rarotonga .
WHAT YOU VISIT
Avana Passage - A flotilla of ocean canoes departed from here on an epic voyage to New Zealand . The voyage is comemorated by a cicular formation of stones signifying the 7 canoes that departed from the island.
ARTIST'S STUDIOS AND HOMES
A local artist will be your guide to a variety of local artists homes and studios. Each artist will explain there work, answer any questions and provide other historical information. Your tour will cover a wide range of art including pearl shell carving, canvas painting, sculpture, tattooing and textiles. Even if you are not interested in purchasing art you will enjoy the insight into local talent and tradition.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Ara Metua - When Europeans landed on Rarotonga , they were surprised to discover a paved, all-weather road that was centuries old. The " Great Road of Toi" is paved with volcanic rock.
Ngatangiia Point - Legend has it that explorers left here in 1350 A.D. on a voyage of discovery to New Zealand .
Muri Beach - Eight miles of white sand make this the island's finest stretch of beach and a superb place to sun, swim, snorkel or sail.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Board your motorcoach and travel through Avarua, circling the island clockwise. Your drive takes you past Arai-Te-Tonga Marae, Ngatangiia Harbor , and Muri Beach . You pass the Cook Island Christian Church in Arorangi, the airport, the Parliament building, and Tereora College , traveling through a lush tropical landscape dotted with plantations of citrus, banana, tapioca, paw paw and taro.
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is not available on Sunday calls. |
