Admire the vivid colors, unusual shapes and array of green-hued foliage at the lush Maire Nui Botanical Gardens. Green-fingered visitors can look for inspiration for their own gardens before enjoying an organic feast amid the verdant tropical setting.
These small but pretty gardens cover an area of 7 acres (3 hectares) and are a perfect place to relax among nature. Wander around the landscaped grounds past cooling lily ponds and tropical plants of all kinds and soak up the serene atmosphere. Bring a camera to take pictures of the plants.
Some of the trees grown in the garden produce edible produce. Look for tamarind, starfruit, guava, mango, lychee, banana, passionfruit and pomegranate plants, among others. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you might see the white and yellow flowers or the spiky fruit of the dragon fruit tree. As you amble around, try to spot other tropical flora including fragrant frangipani and more than 20 varieties of palms.
After you have properly explored the gardens, rest your feet at the on-site café and eat lunch in the open amid the tropical surrounds. The Hidden Spirit Café serves fresh dishes made using products grown in the surrounding gardens. Try chicken curry in fresh coconut cream as well as salads, smoothies and cakes made using homegrown organic fruits such as pawpaws.
Before you leave, browse the goods for sale at the on-site gift shop. Items on offer include homeware and jewelry.
Find Maire Nui Botanical Gardens near the beautiful white-sand Titikaveka Beach on Rarotonga. Bring along a swimsuit and follow up your visit with a swim on Titikaveka. The gardens are open daily from morning until evening. An admission fee applies, with proceeds going toward the upkeep of the garden. The space can also be rented out for weddings, as well as for corporate and private events.
