Avarua
Inside the National Culture Centre, the National Museum showcases Cook Islands and South Pacific artefacts, and sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions…
Must-see attractions in Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga
The Cook Islands
Marae Puarakura is a modern marae, still used for ceremonial functions, complete with stone seats for the ariki, mataiapo and rangatira (subchief).
Apia
The German-era school building houses an enchanting collection of artefacts and displays focusing on four themes: history, culture, Pacific and…
The Cook Islands
The white-painted CICC is a fine sight, with its blue trim, stained-glass windows and parquet ceiling decorated with black-and-white stars. The Sunday…
Apia
The closest beach to Apia town, immediately east of the harbour. The currents can be strong, so take care and avoid the area marked by buoys where there’s…
The Cook Islands
Lake Te Roto is noted for its itiki (eels), a popular island delicacy. On the western side of the lake, a cave leads right through the makatea to the sea.
The Cook Islands
This marae is where the Tahitian preacher Papeiha first spoke the words of the Gospel in 1823. There’s not much left to see, but a stone commemorates the…
The Cook Islands
Along a walking track north of Kopeka Lodge, Marae Vairakai is surrounded by 47 large limestone slabs, six of which have curious projections cut into…
American Samoa
This beautiful white clapboard mansion at the top of a small hill offers perfect views across the harbour. Tours may be available; ask at your…
The Cook Islands
Marae Rangimanuka, the marae of Uke, is one of Ma’uke’s many marae that are now overgrown, but you can still find it with a guide.
The Cook Islands
Another of ‘Atiu’s burial caves, Rima Rau is reached by a vertical pothole and still contains skeletal remains. Many will find it claustrophobic.
Tongatapu
St Mary's Cathedral, near Faua Jetty, is worth visiting for its beautiful rose gardens, stained glass and vaulted ceiling.
Savai'i
Eerily beautiful and enigmatic ruins of a Catholic church abandoned after the cyclones of the early 1990s.
American Samoa
This traditionally inspired building houses American Samoa's Senate and House of Representatives.
'Upolu
You'll find a series of delightful coves with shallow snorkelling areas and lots of rock pools.
'Upolu
Resting spot of chief Afutiti, who was buried standing up to keep watch over Manono island.
Savai'i
This jungle crater in the Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve is a birdwatcher's paradise.
The Cook Islands
South of Oravaru Beach, Taungaroro and Tumai are two of the most popular swimming beaches.
'Upolu
This waterfall is reached via an overnight hike into the O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park.
'Upolu
There's decent surfing to be had at this pretty beach, accessed from Tafatafa village.
American Samoa
Marks the site of a plane crash in 1980 that claimed the lives of eight people.
American Samoa
This large building is nicknamed the 'turtle house' for its distinctive shape.
