Five ways to keep fit on Rarotonga

Rarotonga is an amazing island resort with oodles of delicious food and drink at your fingertips. Day after day lounging on the beach or by the pool with a cocktail or a beer and indulging in the delectable Polynesian cuisines. But on Rarotonga it’s easy to balance indulgence with exercise! Here are a few suggestions:

1. THE LAGOONS

The lagoons are a watery paradise for activities, above and below the surface, including canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, and kitesurfing. Adventure and water sports centres operate in Arorangi (Ariki Adventures), Aroa (Adventure Cook Islands) and Muri (KitesSUP WaterSports) offering healthy, fun activities.

2. THE ROADS

Cycling is popular as the road distance around Rarotonga is only 32 km. E-bikes (Polynesian Rentals, Ride Rarotonga, Tik-e Bikes) have opened the cycling option to visitors who prefer to switch between electric and physical power. Traditional bicycles are readily available. Bikes are a good alternative to scooters and cars as they are eco-friendly.

3. THE MOUNTAINS

Trekking Rarotonga’s mountainous interior is exhilarating but it can be strenuous. Best done on a guided tour (Maunga Tours) or on a self-guided hiking trail. The two most popular treks are the Cross Island Trek (Te Rua Manga 413 m) and the Raemaru Trek (Raemaru, 350m). See page 46 for ‘Exploring’ safety tips.

4. THE GYMS

Cook Islanders love their sport, especially rugby, rugby league, netball, volleyball, soccer, and cricket. Each code has a set season during the year and players love to keep competitively fit. There are decent gyms on Rarotonga including Raro Muscle Gym (Tupapa) and Tumuora Crossfit Box (Arorangi).

5. THE GOLF COURSE

Rarotonga Golf Club is in Nikao. It is nine holes, a nice little course, flat but challenging especially where the fairways crossover and navigating radio masts. The green fees and club hire are fairly priced. The setting is pleasant with the mountains and the ocean close by. No need to book, except for groups.

Why are black pearls so called?

Because they grow in the black lipped oyster (pinctada margaritifera). The pearls are not black as such but range in colour from aubergine, to champagne to peacock green. Cook Islands black pearls are special.

Most Cook Islands black pearls are produced in the pristine lagoon of Manihiki. The lagoon provides ideal conditions for growing black pearls. The variety of colours make them unique.

How do black pearls compare with other pearls in value?

They are second only to the Australian golden pearls ‘South Seas’ pearls.

What are the basic guidelines for buyers of black pearls?

We value each pearl on its size, shape, and quality. The quality of a pearl is determined by its lustre and how clean the surface of the pearl is. So, we look for any imperfections on the pearl and the sheen or lustre of the pearl and grade it accordingly.

This contribution (edited) is courtesy of Farm Direct Pearls.