Rarotonga | Cook Islands - Paradise in the Pacific
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In this special episode we head to a tropical PARADISE in the Pacific known as Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. Here we explore the underwater treasures the island holds scuba diving reefs and wrecks. We surprise my brother and his wife hijacking their honeymoon with their daughter and our parents.
Disaster strikes whilst Kayaking on the reef. I recover well enough to undertake a cross island hike over mountainous rainforest. We learn the Polynesian history and culture of the island with some spectacular performances at a local Marae. So much adventure and beauty in one package on this episode!
Chapters:
Introduction 0:00
Arrival & Advanced Scuba Course 1:45
We arrive in Rarotonga and stay at the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium. The following day Miranda undertakes her PADI Advanced Scuba diving course with Dive Rarotonga. I observe underwater as we spot Green Sea Turtles and numerous marine species.
Scuba Day 2 & the Matai Ship Wreck 6:03
We enter into deeper waters this time around diving to advanced scuba depths and spotting many more marine species including a large Moray Eel. Afterwards we explore the century old wreck of the Matai and witness how nature has reclaimed the ship into the reef.
Honeymoon Surprise 10:38
We surprise my brother Dean and his wife Grace as we join their family honeymoon vacation with our parents.
Rarotonga & Markets 14:45
We check out some sights throughout Rarotonga and visit the night markets where we get to sample some delicious local cuisine.
Snorkelling the Lagoonarium 19:12
From our resort we head out and snorkel on the lagoon, encountering a large school of striped large eyed bream. The snorkelling here is AMAZING! Afterwards we head out for dinner at our favourite restaurant on the island.
Kayaking + accident 23:29
I head out onto the lagoon with the kayak, this pristine paradise turns dangerous when I run into a problem out on the reef!
Cross Island Hike (via the needle) 28:36
We set out to hike across the island via the Cross Island Trail. This takes us through thick rainforest and high rocky peaks. We spot plenty of birdlife and waterfalls on this trail. A real highlight of our trip!
Highland Paradise Polynesian Dinner 35:14
We head to a small Polynesian settlement and Marae where we are taught about the traditional history, customs and culture. Afterwards we have a traditional dinner and cultural performance. The perfect way to end our time in Paradise.
Join us in the next episode as we return back to New Zealand for an epic Winter and Spring!
Пікірлер: 35
Watching from Mars, can't wait to come back to Earth and catch some fish
@GlobalTravelStories
10 ай бұрын
Heard it’s cold as hell out there, make sure you wear a jacket!
@user-co5ny9nb7f
10 ай бұрын
@@GlobalTravelStories 😁😆😅😂🤣
Thank you so much I love Raretonga 💋♥️ Cook is
@GlobalTravelStories
8 ай бұрын
We do too! 🙌
what a beautiful paradise island and it has rich culture!
@GlobalTravelStories
9 ай бұрын
Amazing place and amazing people.. we hope to return someday!
awesome video, I plan to stay at the Rarotonga adult side of the hotel, sanctuary... hopefully is as good as where you stayed. Cant wait to explore the beach there and bike around the island.
@GlobalTravelStories
4 ай бұрын
You’re going to have such an amazing time, it truly is paradise. Enjoy!
Kia orana e Kia Manuia.. Great vlog guys. Look forward to seeing your trip to Aitutaki. Ka kite.!!
@GlobalTravelStories
8 ай бұрын
Thank you! Definitely planning to head there someday, heard it’s magnificent! 👌
Aw that baby is gorgeous, Love your video.
@GlobalTravelStories
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! And yes she is amazing! 😃
See the wedding took place at the Palm Grove resort. Stayed there twice has probably the best snorkelling beach on the island
@GlobalTravelStories
11 ай бұрын
I’m glad you mentioned that because we actually forgot the name of the resort and were trying to find it on the map! So thank you! Beautiful place!
very nice thank you
@GlobalTravelStories
6 ай бұрын
You’re more than welcome 😊
Watching from Bangladesh
@GlobalTravelStories
11 ай бұрын
Awesome, hope you enjoyed! 😊
Ho guys. Great video. We have not long got back from the Cooks and it was blissful. You said you flew direct Syd to Raro with Air NZ but I can’t find any direct flights with them. We went with Jetstar direct both ways.
@GlobalTravelStories
5 ай бұрын
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video and I assume Raro too! We flew from Auckland direct to Rarotonga, we are based in Queenstown NZ. My family flew from Sydney but also via AKL. I believe they used to run direct flights from Sydney pre pandemic but not anymore.
@chrismarch6829
5 ай бұрын
@@GlobalTravelStories ah right. Understood. We had 4 nights on Aitutaki and did the Vaka cruise while there which was fantastic. Followed up with 5 nights in Raro. Magnifique!
@GlobalTravelStories
5 ай бұрын
Sounds amazing, we will definitely have to add that next time!
@14:52 The moment the groom snaps for having his honeymoon hijacked.
@GlobalTravelStories
Жыл бұрын
The best! 😂
Great vlog.but please be wary of padi diving set ups.please try ssi diving schools so much more professional.thanks
@GlobalTravelStories
Жыл бұрын
Why would you say SSI is more professional? I’ve only ever used PADI so I don’t know the difference..
@stevebignell9603
Жыл бұрын
@@GlobalTravelStories I have only said this my other daughter is a SSI diving evaluator instructor.could tell you some horror stories.ha ING worked all over the world.philipines Thailand.and now in Lanzarote in Puerto calero at Rubicon diving.think you would see big difference.. .in safety terms etc.we have just come back from there.back in october.would love to meet up you guys and buy you a drink.take care.
@GlobalTravelStories
Жыл бұрын
@@stevebignell9603 that sounds absolutely amazing! She must have an awesome life.. does she have any recommendations for diving in the Philippines? It’s on our potential list for next year.. definitely keen for that drink if we ever cross paths!
@stevebignell9603
Жыл бұрын
@@GlobalTravelStories I Will ask her and let you know.take care.both of you😄
@GlobalTravelStories
Жыл бұрын
@@stevebignell9603 sounds great, you too!
You should have been wearing a buoyancy aid. That incident could have been fatal. May be you have learned a lesson.
@GlobalTravelStories
Жыл бұрын
Totally agree, from memory they only had kids sizes around the kayaks but I’m sure if I took the time to wait for an adult one they would’ve found one.. lesson learned
@RailsandSky
Жыл бұрын
@@GlobalTravelStories Best wishes. Michael.