Te Vara Nui Village Tours and Activities

Te Vara Nui Village as well as a large group of people
Te Vara Nui Village featuring indigenous culture
Te Vara Nui Village as well as a small group of people
Te Vara Nui Village
Te Vara Nui Village featuring a bar as well as a large group of people


Join an interactive experience to appreciate the authentic educational and entertaining story of Cook Islands’ culture.

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.

Plan a trip to see Te Vara Nui Village

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Things to do near Te Vara Nui Village

Te Vara Nui Village in Rarotonga offers a wealth of activities for tourists, including snorkeling and swimming in the stunning lagoon. Don't miss the chance to embark on a village tour, explore local island activities, and immerse yourself in cultural experiences. Rarotonga tours provide a fantastic way to discover the beauty and heritage of the Cook Islands, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

Shopping

The Muri Night Markets, located 322m from Te Vara Nui Village, offer a vibrant atmosphere for local crafts and food. For more variety, the Punanga Nui Market is 8.0km away, featuring a mix of souvenirs and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, visit the Beachcomber Pearl Market, 6.4km away, for exquisite pearl jewellery.

Recreation

Cocoputt, a mini golf course 9.7km from Te Vara Nui Village, offers a fun family atmosphere with sports and adventure vibes. For golf enthusiasts, the Rarotonga Golf Club, located 11.3km away, provides a scenic outdoor experience, while the National Stadium, also 9.7km away, is perfect for catching live sports events.

Adventure

The Wreck of the Matai, located 6.4km from Te Vara Nui Village, offers thrilling underwater sports adventures. Dive into the vibrant marine life and explore the historic wreck, making for an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning tropical waters of Rarotonga.

Nightlife

At Te Vara Nui Village, immerse yourself in vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional dance and music under the stars. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with authentic island cuisine and refreshing cocktails, creating an unforgettable night in Rarotonga's enchanting setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Te Vara Nui Village

Te Vara Nui Village in Rarotonga offers a stunning blend of beaches, lagoons, and picturesque islands, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by attending the Te Vara Nui show, exploring attractions around Rarotonga, and enjoying traditional island nights. With breathtaking scenery and a vibrant atmosphere, this destination promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

  • Muri Beach: Located 1.1km from Te Vara Nui Village, Muri Beach offers stunning beach vibes with its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. This picturesque spot is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a relaxing day by the sea.
  • Muri Lagoon: Just 644m away, Muri Lagoon is a serene oasis that showcases breathtaking outdoor scenery. Ideal for kayaking and snorkelling, the calm waters are home to vibrant marine life, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Tikioki Beach: Situated 1.6km from Te Vara Nui Village, Tikioki Beach boasts similar beach vibes to Muri Beach, offering a tranquil setting and beautiful sunsets. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the shore.

Best time to go to Te Vara Nui Village

The best time to visit Te Vara Nui Village is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. August is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Te Vara Nui Village

To save money on your visit to Te Vara Nui Village, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially for Friday stays, which are the cheapest. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also yield significant savings. Keep an eye out for New Zealand holiday packages and deals to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Te Vara Nui Village are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Te Vara Nui Village about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Te Vara Nui Village is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Te Vara Nui Village is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily organise your results by price, from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—by selecting the “Eco-certified” filter, you can discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Te Vara Nui Village hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.