Te Vara Nui Village Tours and Activities

Te Vara Nui Village as well as a large group of people
Te Vara Nui Village featuring indigenous culture
Te Vara Nui Village as well as a small group of people
Te Vara Nui Village
Te Vara Nui Village featuring a bar as well as a large group of people


Join an interactive experience to appreciate the authentic educational and entertaining story of Cook Islands’ culture.

See a concentration of Maori cultural artifacts and performances at Te Vara Nui Village. The setting itself is alluring, with a lake, islands, volcanic rock gardens and small waterfalls.

Follow the drum beat to participate in the Cultural Village Tour. Learn about traditional methods for fishing, pearl farming, preparing medicine and navigating. This includes a delightful intermixing of reality and legend, including stories of canoe migration to and from the islands, missionaries and cannibalism. Visit a sacred religious site known as a marae. As part of the experience, watch local artisans carving and preparing traditional dance costumes. Many of these activities are interactive, so bring your camera to photograph family members as they get involved in drumming the pate and dancing to traditional music.

Settle in for an evening of entertainment at the Over-Water Night Show with local dancers and musicians performing on multiple stages at the waterfall garden. Many of the village performers are related to Te Vara, bringing traditional knowledge and skills to provide authenticity of Maori culture. Enjoy the sumptuous buffet of island foods and Western favourites included in the ticket price.

The Legend of Tongaiti is communicated through drumbeats and dance rhythms lit by flaming torches. Learn about Tongaiti, the ancient legendary warrior who traveled with his family by wakas, or seagoing canoes, in search of floating islands. Upon arriving at an island of unwelcoming natives, Tongaiti asked his beautiful daughter to dance. Her rhythmic swaying softened the heart of the village chief, who then welcomed the travellers for dancing and feasting.

The 2-hour Village Tour occurs daily in late afternoon. Fees are reduced for children. Those under 5 enter for free. The Over-Water Night Show and Dinner occurs just after the Village Tour, with dinner followed by entertainment. Reserve spots in advance. Purchase the Combo Extravaganza to combine the village tour and night show and dinner.

Te Vara Nui Village is on the southeastern shores of Rarotonga, less than a 10-minute drive from Avarua. Add this spot to your holiday agenda to appreciate the local culture as well as beautiful beaches of the Cook Islands.

Plan a trip to see Te Vara Nui Village

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Moana Sands Lagoon Resort - Adults Only
Crown Beach Resort & Spa
Te Manava Luxury Villas

Tours & day trips

See all 13 activities

Water activities

See all 4 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Reviews of Te Vara Nui Village

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
73
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Mike

Needed to change our booking which was in their favour but a price increase of $1. When you spend $360 for the night we thought it disgusting that they demanded $1. At first we thought they were joking but they knew how to spoil the whole night.

Popular places to visit


Top Te Vara Nui Village Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Pacific Resort Rarotonga

4.5 out of 5
Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Muri Beach Club

Muri Beach Club

4 out of 5
Muri Beach Point, Rarotonga
Muri Beach Club
Muri Beachcomber

Muri Beachcomber

3.5 out of 5
Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Muri Beachcomber
Manea on Muri

Manea on Muri

2.5 out of 5
Muri Beach, Rarotonga, Cook Island
Manea on Muri
Mangavai Bungalow

Mangavai Bungalow

3 out of 5
Taupini Drive, Mangavai, Rarotonga, Rarotonga
Mangavai Bungalow
Muri Beach Resort

Muri Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
Main Rd, Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Muri Beach Resort
Te Vakaroa Villas

Te Vakaroa Villas

4 out of 5
Ara Tapu (Main Road), Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Te Vakaroa Villas
Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas

Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas

5 out of 5
Muri, Rarotonga
Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas
Aircon, 5 bedroom home on ocean front in Rarotonga!  With kids playground, 12pax

Aircon, 5 bedroom home on ocean front in Rarotonga! With kids playground, 12pax

Rarotonga
Aircon, 5 bedroom home on ocean front in Rarotonga! With kids playground, 12pax
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Te Vara Nui Village

Te Vara Nui Village offers a fantastic array of activities, including exhilarating snorkelling and swimming. Visitors can embark on Rarotonga tours, explore the village, and immerse themselves in a fun-filled evening, complete with a rich cultural experience. Don’t miss out on the unique island activities that showcase the beauty and traditions of the Cook Islands, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Shopping

Muri Night Markets, a vibrant public market only 322m from Te Vara Nui Village, offers a delightful mix of local crafts and food. Punanga Nui Market, 8.0km away, features an array of souvenirs in a lively atmosphere. For more options, Beachcomber Pearl Market is 6.4km away, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

At Rarotonga Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush landscapes, just 11.3km from Te Vara Nui Village. For family fun, Cocoputt mini-golf, located 9.7km away, offers a playful adventure. Alternatively, catch an exhilarating match at the National Stadium, also 9.7km away.

Adventure

Explore the Wreck of the Matai, an exhilarating underwater adventure located 6.4km from Te Vara Nui Village. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover the sunken ship, teeming with marine life, and enjoy an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Te Vara Nui Village, where you can enjoy a spectacular cultural show featuring traditional dance and music. Afterward, unwind at the onsite bar, sipping tropical cocktails while mingling with fellow travellers and locals under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Te Vara Nui Village

Te Vara Nui Village in Rarotonga offers a wealth of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, including stunning beaches, a beautiful lagoon, and the captivating island scenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by attending the Te Vara Nui cultural show or the enchanting overwater show. With plenty of Rarotonga attractions to explore, this destination is perfect for those seeking a unique Pacific experience in the Cook Islands.

  • Muri Beach: Located 1.1km from Te Vara Nui Village, Muri Beach is a stunning stretch of sand perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a leisurely swim. With its laid-back beach vibes, it’s an ideal spot to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
  • Muri Lagoon: Just 644m away, Muri Lagoon offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor vibes. This tranquil lagoon is perfect for kayaking, snorkelling, and exploring its rich marine life, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Koromiri: Situated a mere 483m from Te Vara Nui Village, Koromiri is a picturesque island that boasts beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. It's a fantastic spot for a day of exploration or a picnic while enjoying the stunning views.

Best time to go to Te Vara Nui Village

The best time to visit Te Vara Nui Village can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Te Vara Nui Village falls in March, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Te Vara Nui Village falls in August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Te Vara Nui Village

To save money during your visit to Te Vara Nui Village, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Fridays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Utilising public transport can also help keep costs down. For added savings, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package, and use filters to find eco-friendly hotels that suit your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Te Vara Nui Village are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Te Vara Nui Village about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Te Vara Nui Village is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Te Vara Nui Village is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool offers you the ability to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Te Vara Nui Village hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia