As most of Rarotongas population lives on the narrow coastal fringe the lush mountainous interior is virtually uninhabited and can be reached only by walking tracks and trails. While there are walks and trails that are safe and accessible for all levels of fitness we would recommend you go on an organised walking tour to get the most out of the knowledge and experience of the local guides, and to save becoming lost in unfamiliar terrain (some trails shown on maps have long since become overgrown).
Pa's Mountain Walk offers a 4-hour nature walk and a strenuous 4-hour cross-island walk. Pa has 12 years experience in guiding walks and has built up a worldwide reputation for the depth of his knowledge and his humour. You will learn about local legends, fauna, flora and medicinal plants, and he is also happy to guide other walks by arrangement.
His tours operate from Monday - Saturday. Another interesting trek is through Te Ko'u Track with guide Bill Tschan. Bill is a Swiss German but has lived in Rarotonga for three decades and has always taken in a keen interest in the islands diverse botany. The Te Ko'u Track is described in "Rarotongas Mountain Tracks and Plants" as an easy trek up Takuvaine Valley followed by a long, steep climb up the mountain.
The views of the coast are spectacular, and along the way there is a vast expanse of stunning taro plantations, large Polynesian Chestnut trees, a row of old Arabica Coffee shrubs, Mango and Rose Apple trees, flowering plants such as the Shampoo Ginger, Red-hot Cats Tail, Pink Plumeflower, Cardinals Guard and the Balsam Pear, and some massive Utu (Fish Poison) trees before you cross a number of streams and reach a beautiful cool mountain pool fed by a small waterfall.
The very steep climb to the top begins at this point, and in the wet this can be very slippery and difficult despite the many ropes. Along this steep climb you are rewarded with yet more fascinating plants.
Bill Tschan offers both English and German speaking walks at a cost of $35.00 per person for adults and $15.00 for children under 14 years. He can be reached on 22244 or 22121. You can also try his email on tshan@oyster.net.ck Both Pa's Mountain walks and Bills Mountain treks can be booked at the Tour Desk or Reception.
Even if your going on a guided tour, ensure you take with you plenty of drinking water (and even a small pick me up snack) as it can get very hot and you can quickly become dehydrated, especially if your body is not used to the tropical conditions. The heat can be especially taxing for those with heart problems, so try to pick a cooler, preferably overcast day if you are keen to hike up to the Papua Waterfall or up into the mountainous interior.
Cook Island Trek Update
Please note for your own safety that the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has now issued an official warning against attempting the Cross Island Trek without an experienced local guide. This is because the path is now thickly overgrown, and soil erosion can also make parts of it particularly hazardous, plus if you inadvertently divert to the wrong path you can find yourself walking alongside large electricity cables.
Recently the Cook Islands Police were called out to rescue lost hikers whose holiday experience was somewhat marred by this event. In any case, taking along an experienced guide enriches your walk with deep local insights, knowledge and colourful yarns.