12 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Circle Cook Islands is where waste becomes wearable, and where you leave with something made entirely by your own hands.

Run by Sabine, Rarotonga's very own Eco Warrior with over 20 years of upcycling experience, these hands-on workshops at her Nikao studio transform everyday waste (think bike inner tubes, drink cans and plastic chip packets) into jewellery and handmade bags.

The "Make-Your-Own Upcycled Earrings" workshop runs for 2 to 2 hrs 30 mins, requires zero jewellery-making experience and teaches you how to make a seriously awesome souvenir. The "Learn to Weave" workshop, limited to just four guests, teaches the technique behind her famous upcycled bags, and you'll leave with a souvenir, a PDF guide and the skills to make your own bag at home.

Both workshops run rain or shine, indoors, and everything you make is yours to keep.

Visit the Circle Cook Islands shop on Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm, or find Sabine at the Punanga Nui Market every Saturday.

Ariimoana is a fascinating eco-tour operation on Rarotonga, run by Jakopo and his partner Kura, a Rarotonga-born musician and former National Geographic crew member who originally started taking people exploring purely out of love for the island.

Their shared group tours include the popular "Reef Walk" (run four to five times a month, guided by the moon cycle, with a maximum of six guests) and the "Inland Walk", a guided journey through private plantations and village orchards, with access to land made possible through Kura's local family connections.

They also offer private tours including snorkelling, ridge and mountain hikes (notably up the Cow, Rarotonga's third highest peak) and an "Around the Island Tour" available in English or Italian.

Deeply committed to sustainability, the team deliberately avoids turtle tours on ethical grounds and keeps most experiences private to protect both guests and the environment. Keep an eye out for endemic birdlife, including the flycatcher, starling and fruit dove.

Another incredible hiking tour on Rarotonga, Arore Mountain Adventures takes you on a stunning mountain trek in the back hills of Muri, which is especially magical at sunrise.

Run by Arore Mountain Adventures, the trail winds through inland forests where you can spot wildlife and take in interesting flora and fauna, with your guide Luther sharing stories of how he established the trail himself.

The ascent is relatively steep but manageable, with ropes in place to help along the way. At the summit, panoramic views of Muri Lagoon and its motu (islets), plus the inland mountains and valleys, make every step worth it.

The walk lasts approximately 1 hr 30 mins return and is available either during the day or at sunrise (headlamps provided).

Immerse yourself in a unique eco-tour and culinary experience with Arataki Organic Garden Tours. This intimate journey, led by Mirella and Katoa in their lush backyard, offers a delightful exploration of tropical flora and flavours.

You'll be greeted with a fresh local seasonal drink before embarking on a hands-on adventure through native plants and fruits. As you wander the verdant garden, you gain fascinating insights into local traditions, sustainable living practices, and the medicinal uses of indigenous plants.

Your guides, who are also local educators with Regenerate Cook Islands, share valuable knowledge on helping locals live more sustainably with less reliance on imported food. Try coconut husking, savour the marshmallow-like uto (young coconut), and enjoy multiple tasting stations showcasing garden-grown delights.

Ready to tantalise your taste buds while learning about sustainable island living? Book your spot on the Arataki Organic Garden Tours for an eco-friendly journey through Rarotonga's organic treasures.

Location: Ara Metua (Back Road), Avarua, Rarotonga. Look for the sign on the road behind the airport runway.

Discover Rarotonga in an eco-friendly way with Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours! Their exciting cycling adventures begin with a briefing, allowing guests to choose their focus: food, history, art and culture, or a mix of everything. With bikes available for all ages, there's no excuse not to join in on the fun!

Pedal past charming villages, learn about the island's rich history along the ancient Ara Metua coral road, and enjoy tastings of local fruits discovered en route. The "Discover" tour caters to beginner cyclists, while the "Explore" tour is perfect for more experienced riders. Both tours conclude with a delicious local lunch.

For those preferring to explore on foot, join the "Afternoon Stroll" walking tour. This leisurely walk provides a different perspective of the island's beauty and culture, offering amazing insights into Cook Islander life.

Location: Transfers are included, Rarotonga.

A low-impact tour made all the more enticing with its focus on conservation and hands-on nature experiences, Maunga Tours is the legacy of Pa's Cross Island Trek, the original eco-tour of Rarotonga.

Join Bruce for a 3-4-hour hike on the famous Cross-Island Trek, including hiking to the summit of Te Rua Manga, a.k.a "The Needle". You'll be shown all sorts of unique flora and fauna that are otherwise easy to miss if you were hiking on your own. The hike ends at the Papua Waterfall where you can wash off your hard work.

Location: Transfers are included, Rarotonga.

Dive into an eco-friendly and community-focused adventure with Ocean Toa in Rarotonga. This family-friendly operator offers actively guided turtle tours with a team of qualified lifeguards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ability levels.

With turtle sightings guaranteed and a quick turnaround on photos and videos, you'll have lasting memories of your encounter with these gentle sea creatures.

What sets Ocean Toa apart is their commitment to both visitors and the local community. They run the "Ocean Tamariki School Holiday Program", educating local kids about the marine environment they might not otherwise experience.

Tours are capped at eight guests, with four to five lifeguards per group, providing an intimate and personalised experience. After your swim, don't forget to enjoy the refreshing local fruit!

By choosing Ocean Toa, you're not just treating yourself to an unforgettable experience – you're also contributing to the education and environmental awareness of the local community. Now that's what we call a win-win situation!

Location: Tours meet at the Avaavaroa Passage, Vaimaanga. Find out how to get around Rarotonga in our Rarotonga Transport Guide.

Tumutoa Tours offers an authentic and eco-friendly experience of traditional Cook Islands life. Their "Umu Feast & Discovery Walk" combines cultural food preparation with a guided exploration of Inave Village.

You'll join a friendly island warrior to discover edible and medicinal plants, hear local legends, and participate in preparing an umu (traditional underground oven) feast.

This immersive tour runs every Friday from 2 pm to 6:30 pm, providing a perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary experiences.

You'll love trying local fruits and vegetables, learning about traditional cooking methods, and enjoying the fruits of your labour at the end.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, west side of Rarotonga. Well signposted off the main road.

A guided tour of Maire Nui Gardens is an intimate and genuinely enriching experience on Rarotonga, taking you through seven acres of 100% organic gardens with a knowledgeable guide and no more than 11 other guests for company.

Over the course of an hour, the guided tour takes you past lily ponds, footbridges, native and introduced plant species, local fruit trees and food gardens, all on easy, mostly flat terrain. As you go, your guide shares the living history of this remarkable piece of land, title land passed down through generations from the ariki (chief) to her daughter, and now lovingly maintained by the mother who owns and runs the gardens today.

You'll taste fresh herbs, medicinal plants and seasonal fruits along the way, and see the composting systems that keep the whole property running without a single spray, chemical or pesticide.

The tour finishes at the Maire Nui Gardens Café, where a fresh organic tea is included. If you're in no hurry (and why would you be?), stay on for lunch: the menu features the "Tropical Salad", "Garden Tacos" and the legendary "Famous Lemon Meringue Cheesecake".

Self-guided visits are also available for a small entry fee, open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Sunday. Note that the cafe is only open on weekdays.

Take a relaxed, unofficial eco-tour of a giant clam sanctuary at the Marine Research Centre of Aitutaki. Take a look around the giant clam and native clam nursery and learn about the conservation work done here from the site manager, Richard (usually available from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday).

What’s more, entry is just a donation. See more affordable experiences like this in the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki.

Location: Follow the road to the northern tip of Aitutaki, around the left-hand side of the old airstrip and toward the golf course. The Marine Research Centre is signposted on the left-hand side before reaching the golf course.

Animal lovers and families will find an educational and eco-focused visit at the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre.

This small museum-like attraction is packed with activities, including a bird and turtle rescue centre where you can feed rehabilitating animals.

Explore artefacts and learn about whaling and shipwrecks. Don't miss the new Lickity Splitz Ice Cream Parlour for a sweet treat.

Find out more in the 40 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands with Kids.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, west side of Rarotonga. It is open from 9:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and 10:30 am to 4 pm Saturday

For an activity that supports animal welfare and promotes responsible tourism, don't miss the SPCA's Waggy Tail Walking Experience. Acknowledge Rarotonga's iconic dogs and help them out by heading to the SPCA between 9 and 10 am, Monday to Friday, to take a friendly pooch for a walk.

No appointment is necessary; just turn up, sign a waiver, and you're off! It's a fantastic way to spend time during your visit, especially if you're missing your pets back home.

The dogs are usually sociable, making it a fun and casual activity. Additionally, you'll be supporting the local animal shelter, which operates independently of government funding, electricity, and running water.

Enjoy a stroll through the bush or along the beaches in a tropical setting. It's a heartwarming experience that combines sightseeing with a good cause.

Location: Wigmore's Waterfall Road, Vaimaanga, southern side of Rarotonga. No toll charge at the entrance if you mention you're going to the SPCA.