As most of Rarotongas population lives on the narrow coastal fringe the lush mountainous interior is virtually uninhabited and can be reached only by walking tracks and trails. Its highest parts consist of cloud forest, an ecological wonderland.  | There are walks and trails that are safe and accessible for all levels of fitness, but to get the very most out of your walk, head off with a local guide who can show you the many points of historical and natural significance.
Please note for your own safety that the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has now issued an official warning against attempting the 'Cross Island Trek' without an experienced local guide. Taking along an experienced guide enriches your walk with deep local insights, knowledge and colourful yarns. Pa's Mountain Walk offers a 4-hour nature walk and a strenuous 4-hour cross-island walk. Pa has 12 years experience in guiding walks and has built up a worldwide reputation for the depth of his knowledge and his humour.
You will learn about local legends, fauna, flora and medicinal plants, and Pa is also happy to guide other walks by arrangement. Another interesting trek is through Te Ko'u Track with guide Bill Tschan. |
| Bill is a Swiss German who lived in Rarotonga for three decades and has always taken in a keen interest in the islands diverse botany. |
The Te Ko'u Track is an easy trek up Takuvaine Valley followed by a long, steep climb up the mountain, rewarded along the way with fascinating plants and stunning views.
The views of the coast are spectacular, and along the way there is a vast expanse of stunning taro plantations, large Polynesian Chestnut trees, a row of old Arabica Coffee shrubs, Mango and Rose Apple trees, flowering plants such as the Shampoo Ginger, Red-hot Cats Tail, Pink Plumeflower, Cardinals Guard and the Balsam Pear, and some massive Utu (Fish Poison) trees. |  | You will cross a number of streams and reach a beautiful cool mountain pool fed by a small waterfall.
For the less energetic there is a three-hour 4WD safari which takesguests through the mountains and into the thriving rainforests, or breath-taking aerial scenery can be enjoyed with a 20 minute scenic flight from the airport.
Click here to view images of the Cook Islands |  |
|
