Cook Islands top 10 things to see & do
Cook Islands lie in the center of the Polynesia triangle. Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands. You will be rewarded with natural beauty and colorful experiences! The surrounding barrier reef protects the lagoons and beaches for safe and beautiful swimming and snorkeling.
1. Aitutaki Lagoon - The world's most beautiful lagoon with its clearly blue waters and unforgettable snorkeling!
Best place to start your stay: goo.gl/DbH1kg
2. One foot Island - This is the highlight of the pristine natural beauty of the lagoon. Here you can get your passport stamped at the most isolated post office in the world!
Best stay: goo.gl/xZ7rE7
3. Hiking Te Rua Manga The Needle - Part of the Cross Island track, the views from this mountain are superb. Recommended stay: goo.gl/aZRp0l
4. Snorkeling Muri Lagoon - One of the iconic places on Rarotonga where you can enjoy the views of many tropical fishes in their natural habitat. Fabulous beach house to stayl: goo.gl/gJ8OFg
5. Black Rock Beach - The spectacular black volcanic rocks are surrounded by amazingly white sand, making this a perfect spot for a day at the beach. This place is traditionally believed to be the place where the souls of the dead people commenced their trip to the afterworld. You can stay at this villa: goo.gl/0EuBwi
6. Arorangi Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) - The cultural experience of the Cook Islands won't be complete without attending a church service with gorgeous songs. Stay close at: goo.gl/qlWLRT
7. Ancient and modern canoe circles - This archeological site commemorates the 7 ancient canoes (vaka) that completed the journey to New Zealand. The modern circle commemorates the 6 Polynesian canoes that arrived during the 6th Festival of Arts.
8. Arai te Tonga (marae) - The Island's most important marae, or sacred place. It was used for gatherings and prayers.
9. Highland Paradise (guilty rocks) - Cook Island cultural center, where you can learn about the Cook Island Maori culture and history. The guilty rocks are particularly interesting, as those who committed adultery where forced to carry the very large and heavy stones a certain distance.
10. sunset at Titikaveka Beach - During the day a great spot for snorkeling, and in the evening one of the best places to watch the often spectacular sunset!
Best stay at: goo.gl/W2zzHY
Hope you enjoyed this short video. If you want to know more about the area don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment. For more inspiration, please subscribe to my channel:
Explore New Zealand's South Island (Part 1) - Top Things to See and Do - Tour the World TV
Looking for ideas for things to do on New Zealand's South Island?
In this three-part episode of the Tour the World travel TV series, we head to New Zealand's fabulous South Island for a little pampering with Scenic Tours. Prepare to be inspired!
Explore fabulous Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin, the wild West Coast and so much more - including magnificent Milford Sound.
To read our destination blogs from this tour, please visit:
You might also enjoy our New Zealand travel guide:
To contact us, please email: info@thebigbus.com.au.
Please note that the competition advertised in this episode has closed.
This episode of Tour the World was coproduced by Peppercorn Productions - publisher of The Big Bus tour and travel guide.
NZ South Island Road Trip Part 1- Christchurch to Moana via Arthur's Pass (4K Video)
This video is about our road trip around the north part of New Zealand South Island back in 2016. We started from Christchurch, drove to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass, up to Nelson via west coast, then back to Christchurch via east coast. It was an amazing trip. Some of my previous videos covered places like Castle Hill, Pancake Rocks, Abel Tasman National Park, Blue Pool...It is also my first time using Final Cut Pro to edit the video. I have to say goodbye to iMovie now since FCP is way much better!
What are the Best Times & Locations to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand?
Natalia asks: Have you ever see the Southern Lights in New Zealand? If yes, when is the best place and time to see the Southern Lights in New Zealand?
-- LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS VIDEO –
The Best Times and Locations to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand ►►
9 Tips For Seriously Good Southern Lights Viewings ►►
How to Photograph Aurora Australis (The Southern Lights) ►►
5 Places to See The Southern Lights in New Zealand ►►
-- GOT A NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL QUESTION? --
BackpackerGuide.NZ hosts weekly LIVE New Zealand Travel Q&As every Sunday at 8am NZDT. (Saturday 2pm Central US and Saturday 9pm Central Europe).
Alternatively, leave your New Zealand travel question in the comments below! We’ll be happy to reply to your answer and we might even feature it in our next Q&A video!
-- ABOUT THIS VIDEO –
In this video, Robin and Laura from BackpackerGuide.NZ go over what are the best conditions for seeing the Southern Lights in New Zealand. If you are researching the New Zealand Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis in New Zealand then this is the place.
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New Zealand's 10 Best Attractions according to Rough Guides
New Zealand's 10 Best Attractions according to Rough Guides
10. The glaciers
The steep and dramatic Fox and Franz Josef glaciers can be explored by glacier hike, ice climbing and helicopter flights landing on the snowfields above.
9. Tree ferns
Zealand has a unique ecosystem, its ubiquitous tree ferns sometimes reaching up to 10m in height and providing shade for more delicate specimens.
8. Hangi
Sample fall-off- the-bone pork and chicken along with sweet potatoes and pumpkin, disinterred after several hours' steaming in a Maori earth oven.
7. Surfing at Raglan
A left-hand break that's one of the world's longest, coupled with reliable swells, makes Raglan a prime surfing destination.
6. Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the wave-cut Otago coast of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden. They occur scattered either as isolated or clusters of boulders within a stretch of beach where they have been protected in a scientific reserve.
5. Abel Tasman National Park
Here's New Zealand nature at its most glorious and seductive: lush green hills fringed with golden sandy coves, slipping gently into warm shallows before meeting a crystal-clear sea of cerulean blue. Abel Tasman National Park is the quintessential postcard paradise, where you can put yourself in the picture, assuming an endless number of poses: tramping, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, or even makin' whoopee in the woods.
4. East Cape
New Zealand's East Cape of the North Island is one of the most isolated areas in the country. This region has a reputation for rugged yet spectacular coastlines, rich Maori heritage and culture, and a relaxed way of life centered around Te Moana (the ocean). The East Cape region is where the films Whale Rider and Boy were set and filmed. Both films portray the region's lifestyle fairly well.
3. Otago Central Rail Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 150-kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the South Island of New Zealand. A pioneering project for New Zealand, the successful cycle trail joined the New Zealand Cycle Trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it.
2. Wai-O-Tapu
Wai-O-Tapu is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, Primrose Terrace and boiling mud pools.
1. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a spectacular glacier-carved fiord in the Fiordland National Park on the west coast of New Zealand and isone of New Zealand's most well known scenic attractions. On display in the fiord is a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. It is the best known of a series of fiords in the park, and the only one which is accessible by road.
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Rotorua - New Zealand working holiday top 10 must visit
How to Pronounce Māori Words for Travelers // New Zealand
How to properly say the word Māori and correct pronunciation of the vowels, as well as commonly mistaken places in New Zealand. A brief history of the Māori people and their Iwi, as well as some tips on things to do. A must watch if you're traveling to New Zealand!
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10 Things NOT To Do in Samoa
Get more Tips here!
The Samoan islands are surrounded by miles of pristine beaches, crystal blue ocean, and dazzling reef. But keep in mind that Samoa is a conservative country, and you should do your research ahead of time. Here’s our list of 10 things you should NOT in Samoa.
1. Don’t Stay Standing
When it’s time to get down to business, you’ll notice that Samoans all sit down on the floor to engage in discussion. It’s also considered rude to eat or drink while you’re standing.
2. Don’t Indulge in Kava
It’s customary to take part in the kava ceremony. This narcotic brew is made with the roots of a pepper plant, and the cup of liquid is passed around for everyone to sip and enjoy. Overindulging in the drink can decrease your reaction times and motor coordination.
3. Don’t forget to brush up on the Culture
Samoan Cultural Village and Knowledgeable guides will take you around through different exhibits where you’ll be given a fun history lesson. You’ll also be taught coconut weaving, watch an entertaining dance performance, and be treated to a traditional meal cooked over an earth oven.
4. Don’t Underestimate a Beach Fale
A fale is a hut on the beaches. You can actually rent one and wake up to the waves crashing right at your feet. These handmade structures range from simple to luxurious, but to get a true experience, you’ll definitely want to stay in the old school version made of wood and dried coconut fiber.
5. Don’t Leave the Water Without Your Lava Lava
After soaking up some sun on the beach, make sure to cover up with a lava lava afterward. It’s similar to a sarong, and it basically covers up your body so that you don’t offend the locals. And keep in mind, the lava lava is worn by both men and women.
6. Don’t Forget to Pay Taefu T Matafeo Store a Visit
Between Salelologa and the north coast, you’ll find a tiny establishment called Taefu T Matafeo Store. Inside, you can sip on some of the best espressos ever, while nibbling on homemade cakes. They also serve up light fare, including kimchi, and they have more than enough icy beer to go around.
7. Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…Just Joking
Samoa’s backdrop is rich with gorgeous tropical forests that are home to some of the most stunning waterfalls. On Upolu Island, you will find Sopoaga Waterfall at the foot of Lotofaga Village. At the base of the falls, you can also take part in an umu demonstration and coconut husking.
8. Don’t Be Surprised by Beach Fees
In Samoa, the majority of the beaches are owned by families and villages, and they charge visitors a small fee (from 5 to 20 tala) to swim, take photos on the beach, or even wander around the sand. If you’re staying at a resort, you won’t have to worry about this fee at all.
9. Don’t Visit the National Museum on Weekends
This museum should definitely be at the top of your itinerary, but make sure you stop by during the week, because they’re closed on weekends. You can send a special request to ask that they open their doors for you on a Saturday or Sunday, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll honor it.
10. Don’t Enter During Prayer
Prayer sessions can happen frequently, and if you find that you’ve arrived at someone’s home during a prayer, wait outside until it is finished. If you’re inside their home at the time the prayer’s set to take place, you’ll be expected to take part in the service as well.
What are the Best Things to Do in Invercargill?
Ankita asked: Can you make a video about Invercargill and the best things to do there? We go through some of the Invercargill things to do and some fun Invercargill activities.
-- LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS VIDEO –
10 Amazing Things to Do in Invercargill ►►
5 Invercargill Must-Dos ►►
5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill ►►
11 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Invercargill ►►
Transport World in Invercargill [VIDEO] ►►
-- GOT A NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL QUESTION? --
BackpackerGuide.NZ hosts weekly LIVE New Zealand Travel Q&As every Sunday at 8am NZDT. (Saturday 3pm Central US and Saturday 9pm Central Europe and 1.30am in India).
Alternatively, leave your New Zealand travel question in the comments below! We’ll be happy to reply to your answer and we might even feature it in our next Q&A video!
-- ABOUT THIS VIDEO –
We go through some of the best activities in Invercargill New Zealand.
#BackpackerGuideNZ #NewZealand #NZMustDo
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-- ABOUT BACKPACKERGUIDE.NZ –
BackpackerGuide.NZ is the largest travel guide to New Zealand on the BackpackerGuide.NZ website and on YouTube! Our goal is to help you plan an epic trip in New Zealand! We cover all aspects of the work, travel and living experience in New Zealand, whether you’re looking for a family vacation in New Zealand or doing a working holiday in New Zealand. We give you practical New Zealand travel advice, as well as New Zealand destination inspiration. Make sure to subscribe to BackpackerGuide.NZ to see our New Zealand travel tips several times a week!
Subscribe to our Channel ►►
MAORI DOCUMENTARY | Meeting the Māori people of New Zealand
We've travelled through New Zealand to shoot a documentary about the Māori. They are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand and arrived about 1000 years ago and became the first people in New Zealand.
Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand and the fascinating stories of the Māori. Learn more about the Haka, History, Ta Moko (tattoo) and the connection the Māori have with nature.
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LEKI OP REIS TRAVEL SHOW:
Travel show from Dutch Travel couple Léon and Kirsten. We make all sorts of travel videos and documentaries about beautiful destinations and extraordinary cultures.
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