Hiking

There are a number of hiking trails on Rarotonga, but the most popular by far is the Cross-Island Track from Avarua to the south coast. A landslide had closed the track during my recent visit, but if it has reopened (check with the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation), it's the best hike in the South Pacific. The trail begins in the Avatiu valley and follows the stream high up to the base of Mount Te Rua Manga (The Needle). It's a very steep and often slippery climb, but the trail is well marked. The best way to do it is with Pa's Cross-Island Mountain Walk.