Rarotonga is an island with a dormant volcano in its center. It is one of the 15 islands that comprise the Cook Islands, which are spread out over an area the size of India. Wow…..
The Maoris from New Zealand landed here in the 6th century in double-hulled canoes called "wakas". Modern times brought art in the form of carvings, weavings, and paintings.
Things to do here today would be limited, because it is a Sunday, a day of worship and rest. The only exceptions are three tours offered by the shore excursion staff. They are all 3 hours in duration, costing from $70 to $100. Most all of the island's buses have narrow wooden seats, no a/c, and no PA system. One of these tours we took several years ago, but while on a different ship. It went to the Muri Lagoon and included a BBQ lunch and time to snorkel off a small island. It had rained the day before, and the snorkeling was a bust.
This is where we began to see black pearls advertised, mainly because Rarotonga and neighboring islands are the second largest producer of these precious pearls in the world. For quality pearls set in a designer creation, we are talking big bucks.
The population is 19,569, and the island itself has a total area of 92.6 miles. The island is 32 kilometers around, or a little over 20 miles. No doubt about it, there is a British feel about this island. English and Maori are spoken here. But it is the New Zealand dollar that is widely used. US dollars as well as Australian dollars were accepted as well in some places.
This is an island of old colonial and new churches, numerous graveyards, and plantations. And on Sunday, not much is opened for business, as we would find out later.
Once again, we decided to go over early on the first tender boat. Our same small group sat patiently as we watched the crew work to bring supplies over to shore. But first, we saw a man being rolled on a guerney, obviously being medically evacuated. Lucky for him, the swells had calmed down over night, and he was able to be transported first. After he was safely taken over, the local officials were brought back to the ship. We needed clearance from them, as usual. Don't think they had started anything by the time we were summoned to exit the ship. Once again, we rode over with the supplies and the basic staff who would man the operations shore side.
We landed at the regular point at Avatiu, right next to the capital of Avarua. Taking a left turn, we came upon the information area with maps and info. One of the greeters asked if we had been there recently, and we said yes, several times over the last few years. She said she recognized one of us from previous trips. Maybe they say that to everyone, who knows?
As early as it was, most all of the souvenir tables were set up with island treasures. Three new silky pareos were added to the collection, since they were priced right. And yes, I do wear these at home all summer.
The Punanga Nui Market was completely empty of vendors. This is a fairly large outdoor produce market, which also serves as a fast-food like venue for the locals. Except, not today.
We continued walking from 8:30am to 11:30am, knowing we could reach Muri Lagoon, situated on the south-east end of the island. Taking in the sights along the way, we enjoyed the churches and their service that were taking place. Seems like a dozen denominations are on this island.
Water side homes lined the rocky and sometime inaccessible beaches. Many of the residents had pigs, goats, and one had a horse. Some had guard dogs that got us a bit nervous. We still remember Joe who got bit in Tonga a few years ago, and we did not want a rerun of that. We figured the reason these dogs barked was due to the fact that no one walks here. Everyone drives a car, truck, scooter, or bikes. Or they take the bus. During the week, two buses run around the island……one clockwise, and the other counter-clockwise. Although we are not certain what the local bus costs, there were two shuttles being used for the ship's passengers that cost $10 per person each way, no matter where you were going. They were bursting at the seams every time they passed us.
We only stopped a few times, but the most important stop was at a small market where we bought an extra soda. We had brought water, but with such a long hike, we did not want to run out. They did take US dollars, but at an equal rate…one for one. The going rate for the New Zealand dollar was 1.40 to $1 USD.
We passed the major school area with their huge soccer field. There were very few kids out and about today. No school, but church day. Several times during our hike, locals as well as taxi drivers stopped and asked if we needed a ride. No matter which way we were headed, taxi drivers wanted $10USD for the ride. We declined since the reason we were walking was for the exercise. As long as we picked up the breeze from the shoreline, we were OK.
By the time we approached the Muri area, it was 11:30am. And knowing that few places would be open for lunch at Muri Lagoon, we knew there would be just enough time to make it back to the Tamarind House before they closed at 1:30pm. We could not afford to go slowly at this point, because there were no more choices for a lunch break.
This is when the locals began stopping their vehicles and advised us not to walk in the heat of the day. It is simply not done here. One nice lady said she was heading for Avarua, and the ride was free. Almost caved in, but once again, we said no thanks.
There was a point that we passed where locals can fill up water containers with filtered water for free. One vacationing New Zealander asked us where we were from, and how much did this cruise cost. He thought it was a great value for such a long trip. Then his ride came along, and he offered to bring us back to the ship. Cannot imagine this type of concern where we live, or folks being so thoughtful.
Arriving at the Tamarind House before 1:30pm, we found they were happy to invite us inside. After walking for 5 hours, a table out of the sun with a wonderful breeze was perfect. So were the Tui beers that were ice cold. Only the Sunday brunch menu was available, but it did have spaghetti with a small salad. We added a bowl of fries, and split the meal. More than ample. An hour flew by quickly, and we noticed the colonial-style restaurant had emptied out. Anyway, it was a much needed hour to relax. Time to head back.
Only the souvenir tables were opened on the way back. We calculated that our round trip hike was over 13 miles. We heard the last of the greeting "Kia Orana" – may you live long. Sounds like a plan to us.
Sure was nice to get back onboard with the air-conditioning. It wasn't long before we went to the sail away, which was after 5pm. We all agreed that it was fortunate that we were able to tender into the best landing, because using the alternate approach was not the greatest idea on this year's world cruise. Remember the hole ripped into the tender boat when it washed up and over the coral reef? Captain Fred verified that he would NEVER attempt that alternate boat landing…… ever.
Dinner for us was once again in the Pinnacle Grill with our host Tom M and another nice couple, Tim and Charlotte, also members of our travel group. We are always apprehensive about who we will be dining with, so it was a pleasure to spend time with this nice couple. Turned out, we had all been on the Volendam back in 2002 when we hit 55 foot seas near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Something none of us ever forgot. The evening went by so fast, it was after 10pm by the time we left.
All of us were exhausted from our day in Rarotonga, and we are sure that we all missed the virtuoso pianist Van-Anh Nguyen, a very talented young lady we have seen on past cruises. We're sure she will return for one performance.
Bill & Mary Ann
Arriving to Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Looks smooth enough
Seas had calmed down
Northwest tip of the island
Here we go…inside the tender boat
Amsterdam at anchor
Local police vessel
Kia Orana…..welcome
Tourist information
Kainoa checking out the info
Hope it doesn't rain today
The souvenir tents
Some great deals here
Black pearls too
Punanga Nui Market was closed
Empty….no vendors
Only chickens at the market
Local shop
Like the designs
A local entertainment hut
Locals have parties here
Picnic tables
Part of the produce market
Becoming one nation
Blooming tropical trees
St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral
One of the highest peaks – 653 meters
This is paradise
Anchored in Avatiu Harbor
The town was closed
Dramatic volcanic peaks
Where is everyone?
A rowing club
A stream from the mountains
Another church
Tropical tree
Bamboo Jack's, an Asian restaurant
View from the village
Knickers, lingerie and more
Homes on the main road
Chillis, a local nightclub
Very green on this island
One of several clinics
Inaccessible peaks
Tamarind House, lunch site later
Beautiful setting for the Tamarind
Took an hour to walk this far
Gentle surf within the reef
Bill with the ship on the horizon
Volcanic rocks filled the surf
Mangrove plants
Many palms
A government building
Typical setting for a house
Another club
Road side convenient store
Empty lot
Nice place to live
Looks like a pre-fab house
Hard climb to the top
Some hiking trails up there
Bet there is a good view from the top
We prefer it down here
Many graves line the road among the houses
The biggest convenience store on the way towards Matavera Village
Clouds drifted over all day long
Bananas
A peek of a swimming pool at a resort
A-frame home
Garden setting
Coconut palms….watch your head
Swallowed up by the jungle
Café, nice, but closed
Some of the resorts offered a day pass
Elephant yard art
A goat in the front yard
A tethered pig near the goat
A peachy abode
Hibiscus looked like velvet
More yard graves
Fenced property
Nice house signage
A coral hibiscus fringed in gold
A lot for sale
The breeze blew through here
Getting close to the schools
What a view
