Cultural Rarotonga, THE COOK ISLANDS
Airing Date: Dec 4th, 2006
The Cook Islands is made up of 15 islands scattered over 2 million square km's of Pacific Ocean. To the west is Tonga and Samoa to the East is Tahiti and French Polynesia.
The islands are divided into 2 groups, the northern group with islands such as Penrnyn and Manihiki, home of the lustrous black pearl , and the Southern Group - which includes the largest and the most populated island, Rarotonga.
Visual arts in the Cooks has exploded in recent times.The production of local artwork has skyrocketed since the inception of galleries promoting them in 2001.
The range of art covers everything from carving, printmaking and painting to the fabulous tivaevae - something the Cook Islands have been renowned for. Cook Islands art is now regarded as having the potential to create one of the largest export industries the tiny nation has to offer.
A-riki Art Tours started up 9months ago to support, promote and celebrate the talent, vision and vibrancy of the artists of the Cook Islands. Your tour guide is an internationally renowned carver and artist, Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp who will introduce you to artists and their work.
Tours are conducted Monday-Friday 10am-1pm, Saturday 9am-12noon. The tour includes free pick-up and drop-off from anywhere on the island, complimentary beverages. personalised tours by arrangement and Harley Davidson tours available on request. Visitors are transported in a fully air-conditioned mini van.
The
Punanga Nui Cultural Market near the harbour is worth a visit, particularly on Saturday mornings, when the market place hums. The fruit and vege's here are considered by some to be the best you'll find in Avarua.
This is where you can pick up your island arts and crafts at good prices, plus you can sample some local food like the traditional marinated fish dish Ike Mate and taste the local herbal drink - Noni Juice.
FURTHER INFORMATION 7 night package from $1639 ex Brisbane, $1675 ex Sydney, $1719 ex Melbourne, $1879 ex Adelaide
$2369 ex Perth. Includes return airfares, accommodation 7 transfers. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 4/12/06.
Air New Zealand Holidays - PH:
1300 365 747
