Ruatonga, Cook Islands
Museums
If you are in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and you want to visit museums, one place you should definitely check out is the Cook Islands Museum and Library. It's located in Avarua and features a range of exhibits on Cook Islands history, culture, and natural history.
If you would like to explore more museums, you can also visit the nearby Atiu Island Museum and Tumunu Garden, which is about an hour's flight from Rarotonga. This museum showcases Atiu's unique cultural heritage and displays traditional artifacts and artworks.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, according to locals are:
1. Ika Mata - a traditional raw fish salad marinated in coconut cream, lime juice, onion, and tomato.
2. Rukau - taro leaves cooked with coconut cream and onion.
3. Rori - a seafood dish made with crayfish or lobster, cooked in coconut cream with garlic, tomatoes, and onions.
4. Poke - a type of raw fish salad similar to Hawaiian poke, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili peppers.
5. Kaiangara - baked breadfruit stuffed with onion, garlic, tomato, coconut cream, and meat (usually pork).
6. Umu - a traditional Polynesian feast featuring roasted meats, root vegetables, and tropical fruits.
7. Eke - grilled octopus skewers marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic.
These dishes are often served at local restaurants and can also be found at markets and food stalls around the island.
Activities
Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Rarotonga, Cook Islands:
1. Island Night: Attend an island night at one of the local resorts to experience traditional Cook Island dancing and music performances while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner.
2. Snorkeling: Explore the colorful marine life and coral reefs by snorkeling off one of Rarotonga's many beaches or taking a snorkel tour from one of the dive shops.
3. Hiking: Take a hike to the top of Te Rua Manga, also known as The Needle, for stunning views of the island. Alternatively, go on a guided eco-tour through the lush rainforest to learn about the flora and fauna of the Cook Islands.
4. Stand-up Paddleboarding: Rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the lagoon from a different perspective while getting a workout in.
5. Cultural Tours: Join a cultural tour to learn more about the history and culture of the Cook Islands. Visit historical sites, meet local artisans, and sample traditional cuisine along the way.
