The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands’ only sulphur pool is Vai Marere, a 10-minute walk from Mangarei village on the Takaue road. From the main road it’s barely visible and…
Must-see attractions in Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga
Taunganui Harbour & Oravaru Beach
The Cook Islands
‘Atiu’s barrier reef is close to shore. The surrounding lagoon is rarely more than 50m wide and its waters quite shallow. Taunganui Harbour, on the west…
Tongatapu
At the northwestern tip of Tongatapu is a modest monument commemorating Dutchman Abel Tasman's 'discovery' of Tongatapu in 1643. He was on his way back to…
'Upolu
About 14km south of Apia is the lookout for Papapapai-tai Falls, a 100m waterfall that plunges into a forested gorge; they're one of the longest falls in…
Tongatapu
If you think we must be scratching around for highlights to include a triple-headed coconut tree, then think again. Locals swear that this is the only…
'Upolu
A glorious spot for a splash, this series of gentle waterfalls are separated by blessedly cool waterholes. It's best to visit in the wet season. To get…
Tongatapu
Encircled by expansive lawns and casuarina trees, the white weatherboard Victorian-style Royal Palace, erected in 1867, is the pinnacle of Tongan grandeur…
American Samoa
Has a small but interesting display of Samoan artefacts, including va’a (bonito canoes), alia (war canoes), coconut-shell combs, pigs’ tusk armlets and…
Apia
One of the most impressive buildings in Samoa is this massive temple taking up 1736 sq metres on the western approach to town. Completed in 2005 after a…
Rarotonga
Discover the unique flavours of banana wine at Muri’s Koteka Winery or visit the winery’s stall at Avarua’s weekly market. The wine is mixed with whatever…
Savai'i
The modern, iron-roofed fale of Mauga village encircle a shallow, almost perfectly circular crater populated by banana palms. The access road is guarded…
The Cook Islands
You can swim in the three lovely sinkholes west of Takauroa Beach only at low tide. Between Takauroa Beach and Matai Landing, the falling tide empties…
'Upolu
Translated from the Samoan, the name actually means 'Grave of the Missing Stone’ and is dedicated to high chief Vaovasa, who was killed after an…
Aitutaki
The 30-minute hike to the top of Maungapu (124m), Aitutaki’s highest peak, provides splendid views over the entire atoll and the sapphire-blue lagoon. The…
Tongatapu
A modest cairn above a mangrove inlet near Holonga village marks the spot where Captain Cook came ashore in 1777 (on his third trip to Tonga) and where…
Tonga
From Hihifo, the road continues south to Hulu’ipaongo Point, with its sweep of white beach and views south to Uoleva island. About 200m short of the point…
Tongatapu
Royal watchers and rubberneckers (regardless of denomination) head to this towering white church for a glimpse of Tonga's royal family at Sunday service,…
American Samoa
The visitor centre for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa has informative exhibits relating to the region's reefs and ecosystems; if it's not…
Savai'i
This ancient 1m-by-3m rock depression is decidedly unremarkable apart from the legend that surrounds it: apprently, the giant Moso made the footprint when…
Tongatapu
Mala’ekula, the large parklike area opposite the basilica, has been the resting place of the royals since 1893. The statue-studded white concrete tomb…
Savai'i
This cave sits beside the coast road just south of Letui. A round-trip guided exploration of this small lava tube takes only 10 minutes, but you’ll see…
Apia
Down on the waterfront, this steamy labyrinth is packed with small stalls selling craftwork, clothing and souvenirs. Don’t bother to test your bargaining…
The Cook Islands
Near Oravaru Beach, this was once ‘Atiu’s most sacred marae, and it’s still a powerfully atmospheric place – many locals are reluctant to go near it. You…
American Samoa
The village of Leone welcomed the first missionary to Tutuila in 1832. John Williams subsequently erected the island’s first church, garnishing it with…
Apia
A scramble takes place here at the crack of dawn every Sunday to snag the freshest catches for the post-church to’ona’i (Sunday lunch). Unsurprisingly,…
The Cook Islands
The marae of Mitiaro are largely consumed by jungle, but you are still able to see the stone seat of the ariki and several graves at Marae Takero, located…
Rarotonga
On Rarotonga’s west coast, ‘Arorangi was the first missionary-built village, conceived as a model for other villages on the island. The missionary Papeiha…
Basilica of St Anthony of Padua
Tongatapu
Nuku'alofa's most distinctive structure is the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, opposite the Royal Tombs. It has a beautiful interior of stained glass,…
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.
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