See a concentration of Maori cultural artifacts and performances at Te Vara Nui Village. The setting itself is alluring, with a lake, islands, volcanic rock gardens and small waterfalls.
Follow the drum beat to participate in the Cultural Village Tour. Learn about traditional methods for fishing, pearl farming, preparing medicine and navigating. This includes a delightful intermixing of reality and legend, including stories of canoe migration to and from the islands, missionaries and cannibalism. Visit a sacred religious site known as a marae. As part of the experience, watch local artisans carving and preparing traditional dance costumes. Many of these activities are interactive, so bring your camera to photograph family members as they get involved in drumming the pate and dancing to traditional music.
Settle in for an evening of entertainment at the Over-Water Night Show with local dancers and musicians performing on multiple stages at the waterfall garden. Many of the village performers are related to Te Vara, bringing traditional knowledge and skills to provide authenticity of Maori culture. Enjoy the sumptuous buffet of island foods and Western favorites included in the ticket price.
The Legend of Tongaiti is communicated through drumbeats and dance rhythms lit by flaming torches. Learn about Tongaiti, the ancient legendary warrior who traveled with his family by wakas, or seagoing canoes, in search of floating islands. Upon arriving at an island of unwelcoming natives, Tongaiti asked his beautiful daughter to dance. Her rhythmic swaying softened the heart of the village chief, who then welcomed the travelers for dancing and feasting.
The 2-hour Village Tour occurs daily in late afternoon. Fees are reduced for children. Those under 5 enter for free. The Over-Water Night Show and Dinner occurs just after the Village Tour, with dinner followed by entertainment. Reserve spots in advance. Purchase the Combo Extravaganza to combine the village tour and night show and dinner.
Te Vara Nui Village is on the southeastern shores of Rarotonga, less than a 10-minute drive from Avarua. Add this spot to your vacation agenda to appreciate the local culture as well as beautiful beaches of the Cook Islands.
