HOT HIGHLIGHTS

Coffee: If you’re a coffee drinker try LBV, a few steps up the road from Te Vakaroa Villas and Nautilus Resort. It offers barista-made coffee from the Cook Islands’ own Coffee Company. Be sure to try the chocolate banana croissants. Coconuts: If the smiley locals nestled in their seats roadside isn’t enough for you to pull over, then the sight of hanging bananas, coconuts and breadfruit will. Te Puna Market is a mustdo. Grab one on the go and two for later in the evening. If you were smart enough to grab a bottle of Appleton’s Rum from duty-free then you’ve got yourself your own happy hour right in your villa. Market: Visit the Muri Night Markets for a delicious insight into the many Rarotongan dishes. These markets run three nights a week. Locals suggest waiting till Thursday — it’s the most popular night, with plenty of food options, cultural dancing and music and plenty of ambiance. Try a chunky monkey coconut smoothie served in a coconut and a raw fish dish from the D’Cuisine stall. Punanga Nui Markets: From island crafts, black pearls, sarongs and delicious cuisine, these morning markets are the perfect way to ease yourself into Saturday. With Pacific music entertainment and as many fresh coconuts as you can get your hands on, it’s easy to get lost and spend most of your morning here. Arrive from 6am, or if you prefer to remain on island time, drive into town and pay it a visit before midday. View: It may seem odd, but cycling up to Rarotonga’s hospital will provide you with Instagramworthy photos to make everyone back home jealous. With a foreground of a palmtree canopy leading out to the lagoon and beyond, to the Pacific Ocean — you’ll want to sit back and soak it up. Therefore, it’s best to pack a picnic and your towels to set yourself for the afternoon. Food Ika Mata at Bite Time: For $10 you can feast on fresh yellow-fin tuna mixed with a creamy sauce and fresh garden greens, with a side of rice to give it some substance. If you’re feeling extra peckish, for $12 you can add tuna sashimi as a combo. Sashimi salad at The Mooring Cafe: If you’re after quality and willing to pay for it, The Kiwi owned and operated Mooring Cafe is one not to miss. These are some of the best sandwiches you’ll find on the island. The fish are caught off the reef and brought straight into the kitchen. It doesn’t really get fresher than that. Opt for the garlic prawns doused in avocado and lush greens, or a $13 classic of seared tuna, mahi, chicken or a classic vege combo. Fish sandwich from Charlie’s: This is where you go to get a hearty meal. Despite the sandwiches being larger than your head, you get to enjoy the best view of the lagoon from the family-owned and operated abode. A burger from Maori Cafe: It certainly doesn’t look like much . Trust me, this is one burger you need for that 11am-I’m-so-hung-over-from-happyhour-cocktails-last-night. When my partner convinced me to take a bite of his vege special: salad, pineapple, egg and cheese with a special sauce my eyes grew wide and we were back the next day. Experience: Highland Paradise Cultural Show. If you’re after a true cultural experience then the cliff-top site of a former royal residence is the place to visit. With a marae tour, insight into umu cooking and a true Rarotongan feast (taro and ika mata included). MC Taniera prides himself on his ability to wear eight different shirts throughout the night, as he guides the audience through the different cultural dances, traditional costumes and historic moments of Rarotonga, from battles in the time of cannibalism, to the arrival of the missionaries in 1823, up until 2016. Snorkel & Kayaking: Te Vakaroa Villas and Nautilus Resort both provide snorkelling gear so there is really no excuse to miss out on what the lagoon has to offer. Nautilus caters to all water bunnies with an “aqua room” boasting kayaks, paddle boards as well as offering specialised diving classes. Kayak or snorkel out to Taakoka island, which is right in front of the resort. Discover the underwater life surrounding the island, then adventure on land for the afternoon .