Local Insights

These vibrant Saturday morning markets offer a bit of everything, from delicious food to dancing, as well as souvenirs. The fresh food stalls offer some of the most succulent local cuisine. Our family love the Baby Pancakes and frozen pineapple juice. The fresh fruit smoothie bowls from Freshfix are also a personal favourite. You will also find authentic souvenirs such as artwork, pearls, clothing, and local crafts. Other highlights of the markets include the free cultural dancing and music performances. 

We recommend you arrive early on your e-bike to grab the locally grown fruit and vegetables, as they always go fast, and you don’t want to miss out. 

These markets are a must for all food lovers. The cuisine on offer includes everything from local barbeque, seafood dishes, curries, noodle stir-fry’s, tacos and hamburgers. You will also discover some of the best homemade deserts found anywhere on Rarotonga. Make sure you find the eclairs and the cheesecake.  

Another insider tip is to eat desert first as these tend to disappear quite quickly. You can then wash it down with a fresh drinking coconut.  

The Muri Night Markets operate 4 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) commencing at 5pm. 

Whilst out on your e-bike, don’t forget to stop at the beautiful gardens. With over 7 acres of tropical gardens to explore, take a moment for relaxing stroll as you take in the magnificent mountain views of Rarotonga, as you discover beautiful flowers. The Maire Nui Gardens are open 7 days a week and include a great café which serves delicious cheesecake. 

This museum showcases world-class exhibitions. Displays provide in-depth insights into the cultural historical and environmental timelines of the Cook Islands. The museum also helps support the local economy. All products sold at the gift shop and café are 100% locally made, as they are either grown in local gardens or made by local people.  

The rock is estimated to be around 1.9 million years old. This is where the people of the Cook Islands worked stone for tools. This is also a significant spiritual site as it is believed that this is the place where Cook Islanders start their journey to the afterlife. 

According to local legend, a person’s spirit climbs a pua tree so they can jump to Avaiki (their ancient homeland). 

In later months of the year, hours can be spent sitting and watching the whales and their calves breeching, just on the edge of the reef, as they make the journey towards the Artic feeding grounds. 

Just outside of Muri you will find Avana Harbor. It is said that this is the site where voyaging Polynesians first landed on Rarotonga shores. Many years later Avana Harbour became the point of departure for another epic migration, this time to Aotearoa or New Zealand. You can read the names immortalised in stone by the people of Rarotonga. Today, Avana Harbour is home to Marumaruatua, which is a traditional voyaging canoe. 

We highly recommend you take our time when pedalling your e-bike along the vibrant 560-meter sea wall mural. Not to mention the backdrop of the beautiful clear waters. The mural tells a story of all 15 islands which make up the Cook Islands. You’ll see a detailed display of unique traits of each island, including the people as well as the significant fauna and marine and bird species. At the right time of day, you can also wave at the incoming and outgoing planes just overhead. 

Whatever you decide to do in Rarotonga, be sure to spend lots of time exploring the backroads. The pedal assist on the e-bikes make it a pleasure to take your time enjoying these trails. Seeing the local taro crops up close, to stopping to check out the beautiful hand-crafted ukuleles and experiencing local fruit stands. Whether you’re looking up at the mountains and discovering new hiking trails or gazing out over the beautiful blues of the ocean, the back roads never disappoint. You may even discover 

 The age-old question of why did the chicken cross the road? 

Riding your e-bike along behind the airport as planes are taking off right next to you is always fun too! 

While you’re out and about exploring on your e-bike, make sure you stop in at one or more of the many great beach bars and restaurants. A few of these include:  

SHIPWRECK HUT & BAR 
CHARLIES 
TRADER JACKS 
21.3 VAIANA’S BAR & BISTRO 
CASTAWAY 
WATERLINE RESTAURANT & BEACH BAR  

Ask us more about our favourite spots to explore in Rarotonga, once you’re in store.