Places of Historical and Cultural Significance in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Picture-perfect images of enticing tropical lagoons, and coconut palm-rimmed beaches, set against a rugged and majestic mountainous backdrop: an understandably huge drawcard for visitors to Rarotonga! What many travellers to these shores are unaware of are fascinating and at times conflicting or controversial stories, about various landmarks around the island. This guide will tell you about:why people were urged by the early forebearers of Christianity to move from their inland homes in the mountains and valleys to the coast;significant marae where chiefly titles were invested and offerings made to the many deities;the intriguing stories of tūpāpāku (ghosts / spirits);the story behind the ‘curse’ of the never-completed ‘Sheraton Hotel’; and somuch more.This is the ultimate guide to uncovering some of Rarotonga’s historical and culturally significant sites and stories. Explore the island following the simple directions and location information provided in this book, while learning about the fascinating history of this small island paradise.

Dr Corrina Tucker is an eco-adventure tourism operator in the Cook Islands. She was born in Hawkes Bay and lived in New Zealand up until 2018. Corrina was an Environmental Sociology Lecturer in New Zealand, prior to moving to Rarotonga and purchasing Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours in 2019. She moved to Rarotonga after having been a regular visitor over an eight-year period and after having spent four months in Rarotonga in early 2018 on her research sabbatical, where she looked at tourism and environmental impacts and practices on the island.

During the COVID-19 border closure, she did research work for the Cook Islands Government and taught at the University of the South Pacific (USP). This book (and a series of booklets) was written while the Storytellers business was not operating due to the borders being closed.