11 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands in 2025

Last Updated: 9 June, 2025

The Most Eco-Friendly Tours in the Cook Islands

The more you travel, the more you realise how precious this world is to protect. Whether you want to immerse in the natural wonders of the Cook Islands, including its vibrant flora and fauna, or want a more educational experience for your group, the eco-tours in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands will be an invaluable experience.

Explore some of the best tours on this list, which utilise sustainable practices, educate on conservation, and have a low environmental impact while allowing you to encounter amazing aspects of nature.

For more about travelling sustainably in the Cook Islands, also check out The Guide to Ecotourism in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Renting a Car in the Cook Islands.

1. Ariimoana

A fascinating eco-tour on Rarotonga that gets you exploring the reef safely, Ariimoana is run by a local family, Kura, Jacapo and their daughter Mahi. Discover marine creatures that you’d otherwise miss and absorb a wealth of knowledge about Rarotonga and its marine life, giving you an insight into local conservation efforts.

Their reef tour is an excellent option for families, which we recommend in our list of 30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids. The team also offer inland mountain walks, showing you local edible plants and fruit to try along the way.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Vaimaanga, south side of Rarotonga.

10 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]

2. Birdman George Eco Tours

Experience the ultimate ecotourism adventure on Atiu with Birdman George. George Mateariki, a key figure in local conservation, offers a customisable eco-tour focusing on the island’s history, ecology and sightseeing. While birdwatching isn’t the main focus, opportunities arise to spot local avian species.

The 4 to 6-hour journey takes you through historic trails and significant sites, with George sharing insights on Atiu’s unique ecology, medicinal plants, and the island’s bird sanctuary. The tour concludes at a picturesque beach with a tropical fruit platter.

For a special experience, join the Sunday tour featuring a full umu meal (traditional underground oven) on the beach. Alternatively, book a spot at “Birdman George’s beach restaurant” on Sundays for a taste of local cuisine (self-transport required).

See more tours like this in the 5 Best Tours in Atiu.

Location: Transfers are included, Atiu.

11 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2025]

3. Arataki Organic Garden Tours

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.

12 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2025]

4. Storytellers Eco Cycle & Walking Tours

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.

5. Maunga Tours

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.

6. Ocean Toa

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.

7. Tumutoa Tours

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.

8. Marine Research Centre

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.

9. Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre

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

10. Arore Mountain Adventures

Another incredible hiking tour on Rarotonga, Arore Mountain Adventures takes you on a stunning mountain trek in the back hills of Muri. Experience the natural beauty of the inland forests of Rarotonga and look out for wildlife on this hike that can be done either in the daytime or at sunrise.

The walk lasts approximately 1 hr 30 mins, and headlamps are provided for the sunrise walk. Learn more about the walk in the 10 Best Guided Walks in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Tours depart from the Muri Meeting House, Muri eastern side of Rarotonga. Transfers are available for a fee.

11. SPCA’s Waggy Tail Walking Experience

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.

More About the Best Eco-Tours in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

That’s it for the most sustainable and eco-friendly tours of the Cook Islands in this list of eco-tours in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. For more eco-tours focussed on wildlife, for example, take a look at the following guides:

Finally, discover more about the flora and fauna of the islands in our guide, Wildlife in the Cook Islands: Animals in the Cook Islands & Where to See Them, as well as alternative experiences in the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

About Laura About Our Team