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Now recognised
by the highly valued Air New Zealand
Tourism Awards as the
premier cultural
attraction in the Cook Islands |
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Highland Paradise – a world awards winner!
In November 2008 Highland Paradise Cultural
Centre was awarded a worldwide highly commended prize
for “Best Overseas Tourism Project:” as nominated and judged by the
British Guild of Travel Writers.
In Guild communications we were hailed as “an
excellent example of a village community based
authentic tourism attraction”.
“Highland Paradise is already showing positive
results for the community, the island’s
Polynesian culture and the environment whilst
educating visitors and locals alike.”
Highland Paradise Director, Tutu Pirangi says
that “it is recognition for some extremely
dedicated staff and advisors and years of hard
work and vision but above all, the
genuine experience we are able to offer our
visitors. In our minds though, the real success
is that we are able to help ensure our culture
remains truly alive and well through
understanding and experiencing our history”
March 2009
Kia orana Tutu
I wish to send my congratulations with a big
meitaki ranuinui for a lovely evening at the
Highland Paradise & Tour Site on Wednesday
25March 2009.
I was very amazed with everything from the
beginning to the end. As we arrive up to the
Highland Paradise, the drum beats and the sound
of the pu had that welcoming and warm spirit.
The story and history of the place, the
uplifting of the tapu, the donation of the
fruits on the marae, it was highly respected by
the audience.
Then the entertainment dinner / show by the Te
Matike Group and the singing was just great.
You see the guests in the audience, clapping
their hands, swaying themselves to the
rhythm of the singing/drumming etc...
Myself, Rima and Sirelli from the Muri Beach
Club Hotel staff wish to take this opportunity
to say, Meitaki ranuinui for you and your staff
for the great hospitality.
And last but not least, we will recommend your
tour to our hotel guests and hope to bring more
bookings through your way...
Thank you ranuinui
From Rimsy Foster & Sirelli.
Muri Beach Club Hotel,
Front Office Staff.
March 2009
Kia Orana
My husband & I attended your Wednesday Sunset
Island Nights on March 4th. It was a fantastic
evening. Loved the music & what enthusiastic
dancers. We've been to Raro 14 times now & I
can't believe it took us so long to finally see
the Island NIghts. We'll definitely be back
again if for no other reason than to have the
cheesecake. I spoke to a lady on Saturday who
said to email when we returned home & I could
get the recipe. I have never tasted such a
creamy cheesecake & would really appreciate the
recipe & I promise it's only for my use. I won't
be starting a cheesecake business!!! Thank you
so much.
See you next year.
Pat Anderson
December 2008
Dear Highland Paradise,
I hope this email reaches you all well.
I recently visited your beautiful Island and
experienced one of your fabulous Island nights.
I am just writing to pass on my thanks for such
a wonderful evening. My partner, Brett and I had
been in New Zealand, travelling around for
approximately 4 weeks and visited the Cook
Islands on the way back to UK. The Highland
Paradise evening was spectacular – so genuine
and cultural – most definitely a highlight of
our holiday! Brett was chosen as “Chief” and was
also picked to dance on stage! In addition the
talented dancers, singers and musicians; the
food was also amazing! I work for a UK based
Tour Operator called Discover the World and
often arrange stopovers in the Cook Islands for
our clients. I would have no hesitation in
recommending any of your performances to our
clients.
Thank you for a wonderful evening.
Kind regards, Lauren Brewer
Travel Consultant and New Zealand Specialist,
Discover the World
October 2008
“Just to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed
our experience at Highland Paradise and I am
very happy to promote it to our guests at
Makayla Palms when I do their orientation.
We felt that it was an absolute breath of fresh
air to watch a superb and polished performance
from start to finish.
Apart from the actual show which was truly
vibrant, being welcomed ,the marae, the
wonderful spread.... it was also the little
things....interaction with the guests,the
encouragement of photos at the end for the
tourists and the spontaneousness of two young
male dancers who came forward to two shy
littlies so Grandma could take a photo.
Organisation couldn't be faulted from pick up to
drop off.
Congratulations!!!!!
Kia Manuia, Rachel and John Rennie,
Makayla Palms, First Villa accommodation ,
Rarotonga
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