Watersports

Scuba-diving and snorkeling are excellent in the clear waters of the islands’ many lagoons. Visibility is seldom less than 30m (100ft) and the scenery is quite varied, with canyons, caves, 73 types of live coral and a rich marine life. A maximum of 10 persons can dive at any one site at any one time.

There are four dive companies operating in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, usually offering two diving trips a day. Divers must have a recognized diving certificate. Some of the best dive sites include the Matavera Drop-off; the Ngatangiia Swimthroughs (particularly well-known for its unusual and rare fish species); Koromiri Coral Garden; Mataora Wreck (purposely sunk in December 1990); Papua Canyon (known for its eagle ray population); and Sand River.

Whale watching can also be practiced in the Cook Islands: the humpback whale season is from July to October. In addition to observing the whales from a boat, it is possible to swim with them wearing a snorkel; for details, contact local operators. Game fishing excursions (usually five-hour trips) are available. Visitors can also watch flying fish being netted at night in outrigger canoes equipped with bright lights.

Aitutaki’s magnificent 50 sq km- (19 mile-) lagoon is suitable for fly and bait fishing. It holds the world all-tackle record for Hump Head Maori Wrasse. Windsurfing at Muri beach is the center for windsurfing and sailing. Visitors are welcome at Rarotonga Sailing Club, where sailing races are held on Saturday afternoons from October to May. Kayaking tours in the lagoon are also available, as are lagoon cruises to the coral reefs in glass-bottomed boats or in a semi-submersible vessel.

Walking

The island of Rarotonga offers a wide range of walks for all ages and fitness levels. There are 13 marked trails, and guides should be hired for all routes leading into the inland area of Rarotonga. Details are available from hotels and other tourist establishments.

The most popular trails include the Cross Island Trek (a four-and-a-half-hour trek through the center of the island on paths known to be historical war paths of ancestral warriors); Pa’s Mountain Walk (a four- to five-hour walk through the lush interior); Te Kou Trek (a five-hour trek with steep ascents and good views); and the Ikurangi Trek (a four-hour trek for experienced hikers only, also providing the opportunity for rock climbing around the top of the mountain). The Takitumu Conservation Area Walk also offers birdwatching. Guided lagoon reef walks are possible at low tide along Rarotonga’s coral fringe.

Other

The Rarotonga Golf Club has a nine-hole golf course. In addition, lawn bowls has an enthusiastic following and is a long-established sport in Rarotonga. Two-and-a-half-hour pony treks to Wigmores Waterfall leave twice daily with a maximum of six people per trip (advance booking is recommended).