We think that for any visitor to the Cook Islands connecting with nature and culture are perhaps the two most important aspects to factor in to planning your holiday… Well, that and trying as much local food and fruit as possible! Which is where this Rarotonga tour with Ariimoana fits in perfectly…
We love island adventures and this is one of the coolest days out we’ve had as a family here in the Cook Islands!
Exploring the island with local guides gave us a totally different insight to Rarotonga and experiences that we likely wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. (And spoiler alert: we tried so many new island fruits I’ve officially lost count!).
Our hosts for the walk are Kura and Jack who live in the village of Vaimaanga. Together they perfectly depict island life; in keeping with traditions and a way of living with the reef and enua (land) that they proudly share.
About the walk – Inland Rarotonga tour with Ariimoana
Departing from Vaimaanga, the first part of the walk is along the southern beach.
The lagoon in Vaimaanga is one of the most well renowned swimming beaches on the island. The sand is white and the shoreline is dotted with coconut trees. It’s truly beautiful!
This is the village where Kura grew up and has lived her life in and out of the water.
Kura will tell you stories of the changing coastline and lagoon, life growing up in Rarotonga and about the reef passages where she hunted for octopus with her grandfather.
Heading inland next, this first part of the walk follows the back road towards an inland trail.
This is the perfect time to hear stories about the area and to get a feel for the ‘rural’ (aka non-city) sides to the island.
We quite literally had taken only a few steps from the beach before we tried our first island surprise…
The sweet nectar from the inside of the curled hibiscus flower and some bright (and tasty!) yellow starfruit.
Up to the ridgeline
Before long the path heads even further inland following a hidden trail to the base of the mountains above the Vaimaanga area.
The trail heads up to the top of the ridgeline for panoramic and truly epic views of the Vaimaaanga and Rutaki beaches and reef passages.
From the base of the mountains the walk to the top of the ridgeline lookout takes around one hour.
The path is clear and not technically challenging and there is plenty to look at and discover along the way including fruit (*lots!) to eat and a couple of small riverbed crossings.
After a rest at the top of the ridges its time to head back down and at the base of the mountain the track returns via a different path to lead you through some private plantations and orchards.
Exploring the plantations
The next part of this Rarotonga tour is an island adventure with epic tastes.
The plantations in Rarotonga are all privately owned by local families in the area and so can’t be visited without a local guide. And it doesn’t get much more local than these two…
It’s truly spectacular to get an insight into all that grows here on the island!
It will depend on the season and time of year, but here are some of the fruits we tried along the way:
- Passionfruit
- Pawpaw
- Mango
- Starfruit
- Wild berries
- Jackfruit
- Oranges (they’re actually green!)
- Limes
- Mandarins
- Koko beans
- Chilli
How far is the walk?
From Vaimaanga and back to the starting point the Ariienua tour is approximately 7 – 8km with the option to add more or tailor make it to suit.
How long does it take?
It is suggested to allow 3.5 to 4 hours for the Enua tour.
With the kids, the entire tour took us around four hours.
Is the walk suitable with kids?
This is a fantastic Rarotonga tour to do with kids!
The walk is interesting all the way along with plenty to look at and discover and a whole lot of new and favourite fruits to taste as you adventure.
The walk up the to the ridgeline lookout is not technically difficult and is well cleared and safe for children.
At a child-friendly walking pace it takes around one hour from the backroad to reach the lookout.
And if you feel like a swim on returning back down from the ridge there is the option to jump in at the Papua Waterfall (it’s well worth the additional 2km walk to cool down!).
What to pack
- Sensible footwear: Sneakers are the best option for comfortable walking on the backroads and plantation trails.
- Sun protection: A sunhat and sunscreen.
- Walking pole: You will be offered a natural walking pole to carry with you if it makes it easier for a few of the slopes and water crossings.
- Camera: Because it is incredible!
How can I book?
This enua (land) adventure is a fantastic local Rarotonga tour. And, we also loved the reef walk with Ariimoana too! (You can read about our Ariimoana Reef Walk here).
- More information about both of these Rarotonga tours is available on their Facebook page and Instagram.
Or, just give Kura a call on +682 70 070 and find out when the next best time is to explore this magical island.
