Cook Island traditional dance is considered the most sensual in the South Pacific. The women are renowned for their swaying hips and the men for their thumping movements. The dances are based on stories of old passed down through the generations. What really makes these performances though is the accompanying rhythmic upbeat drumming for which the Cook Islanders excel at. The Rarotongan Beach Resort is the best venue for these dance performances which start about 8pm on Wednesday and Saturdays. Non-guests are welcome to watch for a fee of about NZ$40 which includes a traditional island feast. Some bars and nightclubs in Avarua have island dance displays and contests. The Aitutaki Pearl Beach Resort also has an island night with buffet feasts of local traditionally cooked food followed by Cook Island dance performances.

The best place to learn a little about Cook Island dancing is at the excellent Cook Island Cultural Village on Rarotonga. Guided tours, replica villages, demonstrations, dance displays and feasting.



Rarotonga Tour Companies

Cook Island Resort Listings



Our top 10 things to do in the Cook Islands:

1) Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise - island hopping, beaches and snorkelling

2) Traditional Dance Shows - best dancers in the South Pacific

3) Overnight trip to Atiu Island - caves and traditional life

4) Explore Rarotonga by Moped - buzz around Rarotonga

5) Aerial Sightseeing around Rarotonga - take to the air

6) Night on the Town - fine dining and great nightlife

7) Cook Islands Cultural Centre, Rarotonga - handicrafts and stories

8) Muri Beach, Rarotonga - activity beach centre on Rarotonga

9) Cross Island Hike - Rarotonga - rainforest and waterfall

10) Learn to Scuba Dive - relaxed scuba diving courses for beginners


Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:

Fiji Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Samoa Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tonga Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tahiti Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Hawaii Tours - Top 10 Attractions

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Other Recommended Websites: Beautiful Pacific - South Pacific Holidays Fiji Resorts & Holiday ; Cook Islands Resort & Holiday ; Samoa Resort & Holiday ; Tonga Resort & Holiday ; Tahiti Resort & Holiday ; Vanuatu Resort & Holiday ; New Caledonia Resort & Holiday