Category: Relaxing In Rarotanga

Day 8 

 

 

How come time flies past when you are on holiday? It’s hard to believe that we’ll be heading home early tomorrow morning.

It’s unanimous – we love Rarotonga! The people are friendly and helpful which is remarkable considering the number of tourists about. The weather has been pleasantly warm, raining most nights and the odd very quick showers during the day.

We have seen whales, magnificent beaches and beautiful tropical gardens. Eating out has been fun – stepping back in time, but nevertheless savouring the fresh seafood and different fruits.

Having a car has been a bonus. We are staying near the airport and on the other coast from all the resorts, so we’ve needed a car to get out and about. Gray was keen to get a scooter, but after seeing a couple our age enter a restaurant the other night, I’m glad we have a car. He looked more than pleased with himself as he swaggered in, whilst she had a look of horror on her face that said, ‘and I have to go back to the resort on that thing after dinner!!’ I do hope their holiday improved for her.

 

Day 7 

 

With the sun shining we head off on our journey around the island. You can go by bus, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. However, we choose our trusty Toyota Vitz to see us there.

Coffee stop at The Café and we’re off.

We do appreciate the speed limit of 50km on the open road. It fits in well with the friendly, island way of life. Quite civilised really. You can spot all the tourists as the rental car number plates begin with either RC or RB. The locals’ cars have no letters, just numbers on their plates. Also only tourists have to wear cycle helmets, though locals are being encouraged to do the same.

About half way round we stop at Muri Lagoon. It is very windy, but the sea and surrounding scenery is stunning.

There is a sign saying that this is the departure point for some of the early canoes that arrived in Aotearoa (NZ). How daunting it must have been setting off, hopeful that there was more land out there somewhere. We have become intrigued with the early sea migrations.

We arrived back at Black Rock at lunchtime and fortunately there was a table at Tuoro Café for us. A short walk across the lawn and we are there. Wanting something light and fresh, we chose from the tapas menu and were thrilled with how good the food was – the best we have had since leaving home. The view, similar to our villa, is stunning across the sea. Well, done Michele and Andy!!!

Day 6 

 

It doesn’t take long to realise that Rarotonga is not a ‘foodies’ paradise. Seafood choices are generally really good, but for those who prefer a change from fish, it is not all haute cuisine!

Today was our wedding anniversary, so our eldest son suggested we have dinner at The Tamarind House. It is the only restaurant that advertises its fine dining menu and experience. Other eateries make sure you realise that they offer casual dining.

 

 

We arrived at the seafront restaurant with palm trees swaying in the breeze, were ushered to our table by a charming young waiter and presented with the plastic folder menu. The raw oysters were fabulous! Without moaning too much, we can assure you that the food that followed, was the worst we have had on the island. It was so disappointing!

So back at the villa we enjoyed a cup of tea and a Tim Tam! Happy Anniversary darling!

But there was a moment of excitement at lunchtime when we spotted a whale leap from the sea. If you were expecting to see them in the photo, sorry!

 

Day 5 

 

 

Visiting the National Museum was as we expected, depicting a similar history to New Zealand. Their excellent map of the Pacific migrations, showed how courageous and skilled the early explorers were. Rarotonga is a little dot in an immense body of water so we marvelled that it was found so early. Apparently the island is a top of a mountain. There is a huge landmass underneath us!

We are now regulars at The Café. We are not prepared to try other coffee shops in case they are not so good – best to stick with what you can be sure of!

The temperatures are certainly warmer than when we first arrived – pleasant mid 20s during the day and high teens overnight. We watch TVNZ news at 8.45pm and see that we have escaped the very cold temperatures at home. We thought that it is Spring!

 

Day 4 

 

Our quiet SH1 is even quieter today. Those on the road are dressed in their finery and headed to Church.

 

We are grateful for our breakfast coffees that our eldest son provided, and decide that if there is no coffee in town today, all is not lost as we can head back home to the plunger.

The Café is closed as we had expected, but wait, how about the airport? Sure enough we spot an espresso machine and settle down for our second caffeine fix for the day.

We headed south to Aroa Beach which is quite spectacular, but apparently not safe for swimming or any water sports for that matter.

As we ate our steak and salad at home tonight, after a beautiful sunset, we felt that Raro is an excellent holiday destination!

 

Day 3

 

 

Early every Saturday morning the Punanga Nui Market is open for business and everyone is there! We even bumped into neighbours from home! Brightly smiling stall-holders are laughing with customers and tourists are mooching about whilst local mothers are busily buying food for their families.

Of course there are the usual tourist shirts, carvings and the very popular black pearls which catch the attention of visitors

We, however, are looking for local fruit and veges, so we head down the rows to check out what appeals to us.

 

Laden up with our big carrier bag, we then head off for a coffee, of course.

 

Black Rock Beach is across the road and we enjoy walking down the beach in the afternoons. Kids are having fun leaping off the rocks and splashing into the warm sea.

 

We have noted how happy kids are here. We’ve not heard a crying or temperamental child. Everyone is happy, friendly and helpful.

 

Day 2

Roosters crowing before daybreak deserve to end up in the pot!!

Despite the early wake up calls, it has been a fabulous day!

As expected, we managed to track down a fabulous coffee shop mid morning. We explored the town and worked out parking for tomorrows market morning. Gray also bought a sim card so that he can use his phone. Our GPS lady is with us here!

After lunch at home on the deck, we wandered across the road to spend some time on the beach. It is coral sand. We were hoping to see whales, but maybe another time. Because the sea becomes deep after only a few metres out, the whales come quite close to shore.

 

Then back to our Villa: taking care when crossing the road. It is the main road around the country: similar to State Highway 1 or the M1

 

Dinner tonight was at Kikau Hut – more seafood!

People are commenting how cold it is and it is colder than we expected. We are hoping for some bright, sunny days so we can get some good photos.

 

Day 1

 

Traveling Days

Leaving from Auckland airport on an early morning flight can be problematic. How busy will the motorway be? Shall we stay in Auckland the night before?

We decided to head down the afternoon before and stayed overnight.

It was a stressless delivery of the car and ride to the airport.

Landing in Rarotonga is interesting! Despite one’s fears there is land there – not a sea landing!

Friendly faces great us and soon we are heading out of town in our little Toyota Yaris.

 

Black Rock Villas is a lovely destination. We are perched on a hilltop looking down on the Pacific. Our villa is very comfortable and our hosts very welcoming.

 

 

Dinner at Alberto’s was fun! Very 1980s but it was nearby and the food was fresh. Early to bed.

 

Day  minus 4

 

Ironing has not ever been a favourite pastime, but today has been different; almost pleasurable, in fact. In the spare room there are now small piles of shorts, Tee shirts and tops. Yes, we are off on another adventure!

Most New Zealanders have visited Rarotonga more than once, but this will be our first visit. The timing is quite good, too. Our winter hasn’t been particularly cold, but it has been wet, windy and dreary, so a warm, sunny Pacific island feels quite alluring! And they drive on the left hand side of the road! How good is that!

Only 4 more sleeps!