Market, Farm, Fork: a Foodie Tour!

A cornucopia of food. In this photo: cassava, coconut, banana, mango…

The ultimate foodie, grower and gardener tour!

Join us as we browse the Punanga Nui market on a Saturday morning, looking at the different produce and prepared local foods on offer - this is your opportunity to find out what it is you are looking at! We then take a journey along some of the inland roads of Rarotonga, seeing and learning about the different local produce and its uses, both old and new. We also visit a local garden, and to complete our experience, we will enjoy a ‘taste of the Cook Islands’, where you will get to sample some of the produce and foods that we saw at the market. If you feel inclined, you can try your hand at husking a coconut at our lunch spot.

This tour takes place on a Saturday morning. We meet at the Punanga Nui market in Avarua, at the front, left of the main stage at 9.30am (get there a bit earlier if you want to do some shopping for souvenirs). Look for someone wearing a ‘Storytellers’ top! From here we do our introductions, before wandering around the market, looking at the various foods and fruits on offer. We then make our way to the truck, and head off along the inland roads, seeing the various plantations, fruit trees etc, as we venture toward our lunch location. After lunch we get back on the truck, and you will be transferred back to the Punanga Nui market, or we can drop you off at your accommodation if you need a ride. We intend on being back at the Market at around 12.45/1pm.

Tour summary, inclusions and cost:

  • Available Saturday morning only - minimum x2 people and maximum x9 people*.

  • Easy tour, suitable for all ages; family friendly;

  • Tour vehicle is a truck - you will have the option of riding inside, or on the back, ‘island style’ (note we are limited to x4 inside, and up to x8 on the back - though it is pretty cosy with 8 on the back!);

  • Tasting local fruits and dishes;

  • Includes a return transfer;

  • Cost: NZD99/person. Children under 5 years old NZD40.

  • OPTIONAL: ‘Kai Rarotonga’ booklet - a book about a selection of food crops / trees, and local dishes. Available for purchase for NZD10 - just ask!

Cancellation policy: if it is very clear that we need to cancel (i.e. there is some really awful weather about), then we will notify you early Saturday morning (by 8am). Otherwise, we will be at the market at 9.30am, by the main stage.

*If you have a larger group that would like to participate in this tour, please contact us directly as we may be able to accommodate you.