Eco tourism on a bicycle

TEN MUST DO’S WHEN VISITING RAROTONGA

1. Ask for taro with your meal. It is a staple root vegetable used in the Cook Islands as a side to other dishes. Most island night feasts include it, as do many restaurants. 2. Rent an electric bicycle and tour the island. You can peddle normally, or pedal-assisted, or ride fully electric. No vehicle emissions, so it can’t be bad for the Rarotonga environment! 3. Visit the Punanga Nui Market in Avarua on Saturday morning to soak up the cultural atmosphere, buy local fruit, veggies, handicraft, and jewellery. Enjoy a coffee, pastry or smoothie. 4. Stroll down historic, picturesque Makea Tinirau Rd (opposite Beachcomber), past the Cook Islands Christian Church and some of Rarotonga’s oldest and most interesting buildings (and graves). 5. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront from the Avarua Harbour to Avatiu Harbour or vv, stopping to view the SS Maitai shipwreck (1916) just past the reef, whose engine block is clearly visible. 6. Black Rock is a lovely beach just past the airport opposite the golf club. It’s a good snorkelling and body boarding spot. Be startled occasionally by low flying, wide-bodied aircraft approaching Rarotonga Airport. 7. Muri Beach with its wide lagoon and quaint little islands is a watery wonderland with snorkelling, paddle boarding, kite surfing, and lagoon cruises; and, a lovely village for lunch or coffee. 8. At the entrance to Muri lagoon is Avana Point; nearby is a peaceful park with the circle of seven stones, which commemorates the fleet canoes that left for New Zealand from there seven hundred years ago. 9. A visit to Rarotonga is not complete without an evening out at one of the many island night shows that can match almost any budget. The cultural dancing, music, and buffet feasts are not to be missed. 10. Rarotonga has mountainous volcanic terrain covered with beautiful dense jungle. There are various poorly marked tracks, but the cross-island trek is the ‘must do’: better with a guide than not!

Q+A With Corinna Tucker, the new owner of “Storytellers” Eco Cycle Tours

Tell us a little about your personal and professional background

Iam from New Zealand, originally from Hawkes Bay. In 1999 I moved to Palmerston North to complete my tertiary education and ended up staying there for 18 years. I gained my PhD in Sociology in 2011, and from 2010 worked full time at Massey University. I spent the last six years there employed as an Environmental Sociology Lecturer.

What inspired you to buy Storytellers?

When I discovered Storytellers was for sale, I knew it was something I should follow up on, as the timing of it coming up for sale was perfect in terms of my own circumstances, and it seemed a good match for my own background, interests and experience. The chance to operate a business that focuses on disseminating a better understanding for visitors about local culture and environment here in Rarotonga is something that I really value, and the Storytellers business was a great way to be able to do that. Having Jimmy (Jim Mare) already involved in the business as a Storyteller (tour guide) and Jimmy wanting to stay on and become more involved, was another great incentive for me as well.

How do you feel about living and working in Rarotonga?

I love living here. I loved the place from the moment I stepped of the plane here for a visit 10 years ago, and I’ve been coming back regularly ever since. In early 2018 whilst I was based in Rarotonga for my research sabbatical, I knew that this was where I wanted to be! I enjoy the work that I do here now at Storytellers.

What is the philosophy behind Storytellers, the business?

For me it is really about providing a better understanding of the Cook Islands, and in particular of Rarotonga in relation to history, the people, and the land. If visitors can better appreciate the importance of the relationship between the people and culture, and the land and environment, then this will inspire visitors’ caring and respect for the people and place while holidaying here.

Can anyone join a Storytellers tour, regardless of age and fitness level?

Just about anyone can enjoy a Storytellers tour! The youngest participant was a five month old (before my time), and we had an 80-year old lady not long ago. We offer three different length tours so visitors can choose which tour best suits them, whether it is the shorter 3-hour one, or the longest at 5 hours. The important thing to keep in mind is that Storytellers is more about people enjoying and learning about Rarotonga, than it is about the cycling: bicycles are just a great way to explore parts of Rarotonga that visitors otherwise may not encounter, while at the same time learning more about this beautiful place.

Long-time Storyteller tour guide Jimmy on the job

Typically, what do your customers experience on a Storyteller Tour?

Customers largely dictate what it is that they will see and experience: each person is asked what they are interested in learning about, or seeing, and our Storytellers will do their best to incorporate as much of that into the tour. Common experiences include learning about marae and the Ariki system, local fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants, legends and stories from the past, the impacts of missionaries, fishing, the weather. Sometimes visitors are lucky to encounter some local artists; on two occasions this year guests have been fortunate to come across investitures in progress.

With your background in environmental sociology, do you intend to use that in Rarotonga?

I hope to bring that into the business – it’s a really neat fit having a background in teaching and researching, primarily in the area of environment and people. Overseeing Storytellers provides the opportunity to share my passion directly with people, and through how the business is operated. I hope that opportunities will arise where I can use my skills and experience in a positive way to help with the environmental protection and integrity of the Islands in particular.

Does Storytellers have Mana Tiaki Eco Certification?

I am in the process of completing the certification application. For me it is a huge priority to become more environmentally friendly, and to do this to the best of our ability and in every way that we can. We are already limiting fossil fuel use; we no longer sell bottled water, and are switching to biodegradable equipment and cleaners for example.

What is your opinion of the growing emphasis on eco tourism in the Cooks?

I think eco tourism should be a priority here. The environment is such a huge draw card for visitors and hence integral to the economy of the Islands. It would be such a huge shame to see the environment compromised for the sake of bringing in more tourism dollars without thinking long term about the environmental, social and cultural impact.

How do you see Storytellers role in the future of tourism in Rarotonga?

I would like to see Storytellers stick around for a long time, and only get better over time. It would be great to think that we can become an exemplary model for eco tourism in the coming years.

Tours starting from $79

all tours include a delicious lunch or sunset cocktail. We give

10%

of our profit

back to the community.

It was such a relaxing ride filled with so many interesting things about the people, land and culture.

Explore the ancient back road ‘Ara Metua’ and learn about Rarotonga’s history and culture from a passionate local storyteller. No two tours are the same! Three tours are available, ranging in length from three to five hours. Ride at your pace and to your ability.

CoOK ISLANDS SuN E-cycle around the island ADVENTURES IN ADVENTURES IN Agreat way to explore Rarotonga at your own pace is to rent an PARADISE PARADISE e-bike, getting some exercise on the way! They are easy to operate, and suitable for all ADVENTURE COOK KOKA LAGOON STORYTELLERS ECO fitness levels. ISLANDS CRUISES CYCLE TOURS

Tik-e Bikes recommend three cycling options: cycle as you would on a normal bicycle, peddle assist up to 35kph, or go fully electric. You can circumnavigate the island twice on a single charge (a charger comes with a Tik-e Bikes rental). The first to offer this novel environmentally friendly way to enjoy the island, Tik-e Bikes are located opposite the Crown Beach Resort in Arorangi. T: 28 687. Want to visit some of Rarotonga’s best diving spots; Adventure Cook Islands is a good place to start. They also rent scooters, kayaks, & bikes, do the Raemaru Mountain trek, and teach Cook Islands dancing and drumming. T: 22 2212 For an amazing excursion on Muri Lagoon filled with laughs, music and snorkeling, experience Koka Lagoon Cruises. Included is a fish BBQ on a small island (motu), a display of coconut tree climbing and coconut husking. T: 27 769 Storytellers are the only tour guides on Rarotonga to lead these unique cycling experiences, offering a variety of bike riding to suit all fitness levels. Enjoy learning about the island’s history, flora and fauna from locals. T: 53 450

No Licence Fees

Tik-e bikes

Electric bike hire

DISCOVER MARINE AND WILDLIFE ECO CENTRE

This is a great place to learn about the creatures that inhabit the Cook Islands, both on land and in the sea. It’s an interactive centre for all ages, with live fish and coconut crabs, birds, a theatrette, café, and marine exhibits. T: 23 344

THE BEST ECO WALKS IN RAROTONGA

Pa Teuruaa has trekked Rarotonga for three decades, most famous for his cross-island trek. Whilst Pa still leads a Medicinal Herbal Walk twice a week, his nephew Bruce now escorts the crossisland trek three times a week. T: 21 079

KITESUP WATERSPORTS CENTRE

Based in Muri, Rarotonga’s original watersports centre offers the lot: kiteboard lessons, stand up paddle boards (SUP) rental, sea scooter snorkel tours, night and day paddling tours, yoga on a paddle board, and a surf shop. T: 27 877

CAPTAIN TAMA’S LAGOON CRUIZES

Established in 1992, Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes continue to provide a memorable Muri lagoon glass-bottom boat tour and snorkeling experience, packed with Cook Islands humour, fun and a BBQ on the motu. T: 27 350

RARO REEF SUB MARINE LIFE ECO TOURS

The Cook Islands’ only semi-submersible tour leaves several times daily from Avatiu Wharf, weather permitting. A great photo opportunities for sea life, and for picturesque views of Rarotonga and the SS Maitai shipwreck. T: 55 901

THE PERFECT WAY TO SPEND SATURDAY MORNING

Next to Avarua, Punanga Nui Market is a lovely glimpse into Cook Islands culture every Saturday morning with locals selling their fruit, veggies, fish, recorded music, handicrafts, pearls, jewellery, coffee and pastries, just about everything!

THE DIVE CENTRE

Also known as the ‘Big Fish’, The Dive Centre opposite the pristine Aro’a Marine Reserve has everything a snorkeler or scuba diver needs, including equipment rental, dive trips, and dive courses for individuals & groups. T: 20 238 or 55 238.

TIK-E TOURS

They’re 100% electric and 100% fun. Experience the open air and the silence of an electric ‘tuk-tuk’ vehicle that allows you to enjoy your personal tour of Rarotonga, and maybe their famous ‘sunset cocktail hop’, or whatever! T: 28 687

RARO QUAD TOURS

Brother to the cool Raro Buggy Tour is the Raro Quad Tour. If it’s true adventure you’re after then you won’t be disappointed with the 90% off road Raro Quad Tour through Rarotonga’s rugged inland jungle and hidden valleys. T: 23 000