Highland Paradise has been recognised by the highly valued Air New Zealand Tourism Awards as the premier cultural attraction in the Cook Islands.

Highland Paradise Cultural Centre has been 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".

Below are some comments from a few of our guests

Dear Highland Paradise team,
Thank you for a simply wonderful night last Wed. My family and I enjoyed it and were very moved too by your wonderful evening of history, dance and fab food. You must be so proud! I will be recommending it to all I know who are going to Raro.
Kind regards, Em (Emma Newman Weddings, 11 Highgate Avenue, Merivale, Christchurch 8014)

What Can I say, We have travelled all over the Pacific and Highland Paradise is simply the best. The stories of yester year and the fact that we were standing exactly where those stories played out – is what makes it so special, The guides, the food and the dancing – so real – so authentic. We will be back and will send a host of friends.
Please do not change a thing! John McRae, Vancouver, Canada

Dear Tutu and all the staff at Highland,
So, so thank you! The combination of humour reverence and the reality of it all is what really got to us. We enjoyed the guided tour so much we booked into the “island night” too. Thank goodness we did –It was stupendous ! The kids enjoyed heaping their big plates with all the exotic food and being invited on stage with the dancers at the end. A real highlight for them – and us. The photos and your DVD will never let us forget your amazing place.
Manuia from Maisie, Bob, Jamie and Angie (Melbourne Australia)

Hello Highland Paradise people,
I was at your “Drums of our Forefathers” tour, feast and drum/dance show last month .You may remember me , I was the big German man in the front row who was called on stage to dance as a visiting chief. I want to say what an excellent show and feast you have there. It is very special. We also visited the Vara Muri Culture Village and we much preferred Highland Paradise- yours, as the real thing in the real mountain village. My fellow travellers enjoyed it as much as I did and we have told our travel agents to book everyone with you to make sure they get a place..
Only 1 complaint – too much food! Even for me. Uli Artveld from Frankfurt

Dear Tutu and all the wonderful people at Highland Paradise,
Thank you so much for an amazing evening on Wednesday. We had booked the night with you back in March and were looking forward to it immensely. The night exceeded our expectations. It was AMAZING! It will always be one of the highlights of our trip to the Cook Islands.
Please pass on our sincere gratitude to all there.
Kindest regards and God bless you, Ada and Christopher Neilson, Australia.

My friends came the other night,
Couldnt speak highly enough of the whole evening.. They were full of it! Well done again.
David Bridge (Air NZ manager)

Kia orana Tutu,
I wish to send my congratulations with a big meitaki ranuinui for a lovely evening at the Highland Paradise & Tour Site. 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.

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

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

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