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May 19, 2024

　　Motuanga (the Cave of 100 Rooms) is a complex of tunnels and caverns in the island’s southeast that’s said to extend all the way under the reef and out to sea. The cave was used as a hiding place from ‘Atiuan war parties. Access is via a small crawlspace into a surprisingly compact subterranean atrium complete with an underground pool.

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Must-see attractions

　　On the northwest coast is Black Rock (Turou), traditionally believed to be where the spirits of the dead commenced their voyage to ‘Avaiki (the afterworld). It’s also one of the island’s best snorkelling spots. Look out for the sign to the Rarotonga Hospital from where there are commanding views of...

Hidden Spirit Café & Grill

　　Set in the verdant surroundings of the Maire Nui Gardens, this cafe offers delicious cakes and desserts – try the lemon meringue pie (NZ$16) – and healthy salads. Lunches are also available, and afterwards you can take a relaxing stroll around the gardens (NZ$5). ...

　　Vai Tango is the best cave for swimming, a short walk from Ngatiarua village. Schoolkids often head there at weekends and after school, and they can show you where to find it. ...

　　Eerie Anatakitaki is ‘Atiu’s most spectacular cave, a multichambered cavern surrounded by banyan roots and thick jungle. It’s also home to the rare kopeka, or ‘Atiuan swiftlet – listen for its distinctive echo-locating clicks. ...

　　A real highlight in this region is the deep sparkling-blue Vai Nauri, Mitiaro’s natural swimming pool. Local women used to hold gatherings known as terevai at Vai Nauri and at nearby Vai Tamaroa, where they met to swim and sing the bawdy songs of their ancestors. With Mitiaro’s declining population,...

Cook Islands Christian Church

　　Avarua’s white-washed church was built in 1853. The graveyard contains the graves of author Robert Dean Frisbie, and Albert Henry, the first prime minister of the Cook Islands. The main church service is at 10am on Sunday, and visitors are invited to stay for morning tea. ...

Aitutaki Lagoon

　　Aitutaki’s stunning lagoon, brimming with marine life and ringed by 15 palm-covered motu (islets), is a South Pacific tearsure. Maina (Little Girl) offers superb snorkelling and is home to the red-tailed tropicbird, once prized for its crimson feathers. Nearby is the wreck of cargo freighter Alexander, which ran aground in...

　　With its four motu (islets), Muri is the most beautiful section of Rarotonga’s encircling lagoon. The blue water is packed with tropical fish, especially around the motu (Taakoka, Koromiri, Oneroa and Motutapu), and out towards the reef. Taakoka is volcanic while the others are sand cays. The swimming is wonderful...

Highland Paradise Cultural Centre

　　High above ‘Arorangi, Highland Paradise stands on the site of the old Tinomana village with panoramic views over the west and south coasts. Members of the Pirangi family, descendants of Tinomana Ariki, take visitors on guided tours including weaving, dancing and drumming exhibits. It's also possible to explore the sacred...

BCA Art Gallery

　　This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe. ...

　　Motuanga (the Cave of 100 Rooms) is a complex of tunnels and caverns in the island’s southeast that’s said to extend all the way under the reef and out to sea. The cave was used as a hiding place from ‘Atiuan war parties. Access is via a small crawlspace into...

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