Rarotonga Arts & Crafts Private Tour with Raro Tours
Tour
Arts & Culture
The Rarotonga Arts & Crafts Private Tour with Raro Tours offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors to the Cook Islands, specifically in Rarotonga. Throughout this 4-hour private tour, guests are taken to various local factories, souvenir shops, and cultural sites to learn from local artists and witness the creation of traditional products.
The tour begins with a pick-up from the visitor's hotel, and depending on the location, the first stop will vary. Throughout the day, visitors will have the chance to visit the Koteka Winery, where they can sample the unique flavours of banana wine, and the Cooks Lager Brewery, where they learn about the production of local beer. The itinerary also includes visits to the workshops of passionate local artists, such as Mike Tavioni, a master carver, and Ricky at his ukulele workshop, offering an insight into the craftsmanship behind these traditional items.
A key highlight of the tour is the stop at the Rito Factory, a small family business known for producing health and beauty products made with cold pressed virgin coconut oil. This provides a window into the traditional methods and natural ingredients used in creating these items. Additionally, guests can explore the vibrant and colorful hand-made quilts and crafts at Tivaevae Collectables, and Pacific Weave offers a range of Pacific-made souvenirs and locally made perfumes and soaps.
Throughout the tour, visitors also have the opportunity to explore various local boutiques, pearl stores, a contemporary art gallery, and enjoy a scrumptious lunch. The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, German, and Japanese, ensuring that visitors from diverse backgrounds can fully engage in the experience.
Inclusions in the tour package encompass return hotel transfers, a private guided tour, entry fees, a bottle of water, coffee, and lunch. Guests are advised to bring sunscreen and a hat, insect repellent, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes to ensure they are prepared for the day's activities.
The Rarotonga Arts & Crafts Private Tour with Raro Tours offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, artisanal experiences, and exploration of traditional crafts and industries, making it an engaging and enriching activity for tourists seeking to delve into the local culture of Rarotonga.