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Oceania Cook Islands Cook Islands Do & See Wreck of the Matai

Overview

Wreck of the Matai

The guide was updated: 2022-12-28

In the Avarua district of Rarotonga, it is possible to see (even just from the shore) the sunken wreck of the SS Matai that was carrying a load of cars from the United States to New Zealand in 1916. It is now one of the preferred spots for divers and truly a unique attraction! PADI Dive Center and Adventure Tour Operator Adventure Cook Islands:

Useful Information

Address: Kavera Beach, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Website: www.adventurecookislands.com
Phone: +682 22212
Email: enquiries@adventurecookislands.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Diving

Diving

For divers, the outer reefs surrounding Rarotonga and Aitutaki are remarkable places boasting 30 metres plus year-round visibility. Some of the best experiences include suggestive canyons, caves, long tunnels, towering drop-offs (some of them up to 4,000 metres), swim-through under and through coral reefs and shipwrecks such as the Alexander. Dive Rarotonga:

Fishing

Fishing

If you are in the mood for an exhilarating day’s outing just beyond the reef, then go fishing! Charter operators provide all the gear necessary for every type of fishing, including saltwater fly or sport and light tackle. Marlin Queen Fishing Charters:

Hiking

Hiking

Away from the water’s edge there are some fabulous walking tracks and attractions: on Rarotonga, for example, visit the Highland Paradise and Black Rock, a spiritual place for the islanders. With Pa's Treks Day Tours you can either take the "cross islands trek" where you will cross the island of Rarotonga or "Pa's nature walk (Eco Tour)" which is more gentle and where you will learn about the nature and biology of the plants in an entertaining way.

Caves

Caves

On Atiu, have a look at the majestic limestone caves that have also been used for burials! Remember to take with you a torch, sturdy walking shoes and learn the legend of the lovers Inutoto and Tangaroa and their association with Anatakitaki Cave, which is spectacularly adorned with stalagmites, stalactites and also home to the Kopeka bird. Visit Raka’s Cave with its fifteen different chambers and let your guide tell you about the many generations of the Rakanui family who have lived and died in this magnificent hideaway!

Cook Island Christian Church

Cook Island Christian Church

The Cook Islands Christian Church is a beautiful old white-coral building. Built in 1853, it is worth taking a stroll because of the particularly interesting graveyard. Furthermore in front of the church there is a monument dedicated to the Polynesian missionary Papeiha and Albert Henry, the first prime minister of the independent Cook Islands, is buried here (his grave features a life-size bust of him)!

Sailing

Sailing

If you prefer to keep your feet dry, then take a glass-bottom or a semi-submersible boat to view the countless tropical fishes and exquisite corals. Windsurfers, sailboats, catamarans and kayaks are also great fun activities. On Rarotonga, the most popular place for sailing activities is Muri Lagoon. Also, there are several hire facilities available on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki offering you all the equipment you may need!

Aitutaki

Aitutaki

Aitutaki, to the north of Rarotonga, is the second most popular island to visit and it is easy to see why. The island completely surrounds a breath-taking, crystal-clear turquoise lagoon fringed by pure white beaches which makes it a heaven for divers and snorkelers.

Atiu

Atiu

Atiu, in the northeast area, is the third largest island in the group and is well-known to bird watchers and naturalists as a fascinating destination. The Makatea, a central elevated flat-topped mass of volcanic rock surrounded by a raised coral limestone reef is one of its best-known features.

Festivals

Festivals

Festivals and dancing plays an important part of life for the people of the Cook Islands. For example, the traditional Ura, a Maori sacred ritual is very popular dance here. Visitors who are fortunate enough to be around, are encouraged to join the celebrations and live a priceless experience because of the deep cultural and historical significance. The Te Maeva Nui celebration, one of the most important and largest festivals held each year around the national day of 4th August, brings all the people from all the islands together to rejoice the nation’s self-governance. There are colourful floats, singing, dancing, drumming and feasting.

Te Vara Nui Village

Te Vara Nui Village

A holiday should definitely be the occasion to relax and forget about everyday-life, but also a chance to get to know something more about the culture of the land you´re visiting! At Te Vara Nui you could take a tour of the village discovering its history and then enjoy a night here with a mouth-watering buffet and amazing entertainers performing traditional dances!

Wreck of the Matai

Wreck of the Matai

In the Avarua district of Rarotonga, it is possible to see (even just from the shore) the sunken wreck of the SS Matai that was carrying a load of cars from the United States to New Zealand in 1916. It is now one of the preferred spots for divers and truly a unique attraction! PADI Dive Center and Adventure Tour Operator Adventure Cook Islands:

Maire Nui Botanical Gardens

Maire Nui Botanical Gardens

The paradisiac nature of the Cook Islands is not only about crystalline water or white beaches and the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens undoubtedly proves it! These gardens mainly contain tropical flowers and plants that create the perfect environment to relax or to take a romantic walk!

Punanga Nui Cultural Market

Punanga Nui Cultural Market

Outdoor market that offers local produce, fresh vegetables, colourful fruit, clothes, black pearls, several craft items and island music. Everything here is unique and reasonably priced, so take your time to find the hidden gems in each stall!

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