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Rarotonga’s Most Authentic Cultural Tourist Attraction

Highland Paradise is a multi-award winning, high quality cultural experience that is second to none.
We cannot be beaten for cultural authenticity and value for money. We believe we can offer you the best cultural experience on Rarotonga at the best price.

Our unique valley village offer guests a glimpse into everyday Cook Island life 600 years ago and also
showcases how Cook Islands culture has evolved over the years through two amazing experiences.
The TAPU’AE Day Tour and the KA’ARA Island night.

14 times winners of the Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Culture Award
Highland Paradise
4.3
Based on 67 reviews
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Maria KoloofaiMaria Koloofai
07:25 03 Feb 24
Can't wait
Lisa Scott-RitchieLisa Scott-Ritchie
06:57 26 Jan 24
Pranesh ChandPranesh Chand
00:07 10 Jan 24
The food was very nice.. from our resort they pick us up and takes you to highland paradise.. The people was very nice. It's on top of the hill.Even the performs was great too.
James HitaJames Hita
09:19 10 Dec 23
pbandj37pbandj37
03:41 09 Nov 23
Asked our AirBnB host for something local and authentic and she recommended Highland Paradise....and she was spot on.We did the dinner tour, which begins with a presentation about local culture and history. Three people from the crowd are selected to participate in the next portion of the event, a ceremony outdoors where we ask the land to allow us to be there. After that, the guide takes you to an overlook where he explains Maori history of the three island tribes, how he is connected directly to one of the chiefs, how Polynesians from Cook Islands sent out explorers and eventually migrated to Aotearoa/New Zealand in 1350.After this portion, you move inside for food and traditional music. After you are done eating, the show begins with more history lessons and traditional music & dancing. All musicians and dancers are local students, which is a great link to their history and culture too!Parking was ample, the drive there is interesting, the views are beautiful, the history/culture are enlightening, the food excellent and overall a great time. Cannot recommend this enough! We even met the Minister of Justice and Education!
Angela TillottAngela Tillott
19:27 04 Sep 23
We had a wonderful night at Highland Paradise!! Learning about the history and culture was great. The dinner was delicious and the show was absolutely fantastic!! It is so beautiful to see culture and traditions being passed to the next generations. An absolute must see!!!! Loved it!!!!
Rafael FloresRafael Flores
19:24 04 Sep 23
A must see experience. We did the night tour and it was great! A bunch of passionated people proudly showing their culture and history.Food was nice, be aware that you will be loaded with carbs and protein will be served by them to ration it.
FleurFleur
05:47 12 Mar 23
Would definitely recommend it if you want an authentic informative evening. They talk about the importance of their land as well as historical aspects. They pick you up from your accommodation and as a solo traveller this was most appreciated. The entertainment was absolutely superb and well worth it. There was plenty to eat especially as someone who eats plant based foods. It's an evening you won't want to miss!!!!
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KA’ARA - SUNSET SHOW & FEAST
“DRUMS OF OUR FOREFATHERS”

Our Monday, Wednesday and Friday sunset cultural nights include hosted roundtrip transport, guides, village experience visit, tapu lifting, warrior welcome, a cocktail, a traditional Umu (underground oven) feast and a spectacular stage show telling the story of our ancient heritage through singing, dancing and drumming.

DAY TOURS - TAPUAE

“FOOTPRINTS OF OUR ANCESTORS”

Our knowledgable and entertaining guides will showcase our spiritual past and present, ancient legends and practices. On this tour you will be visiting the ancient village of Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki, who left this settlement during the 1830’s when he and his people converted to Christianity.

COMBO– Both TAPUAE and KA’ARA

For the full Highland Paradise experience we offer the COMBO package which includes both our TAPUAE and KA’ARA experiences.

WEDDINGS / SPECIAL EVENTS

Highland Paradise, was an abandoned, ancient mountain village retreat with stupendous sea and valley views and of huge significant spiritual value. It is a unique wedding venue.

TAPEKA Family Union Ceremonies (Something of value for free!)

For six centuries, inter family betrothal ceremonies were performed on our fortified mountain maraes. Such family unions needed to be properly celebrated. Highland Paradise now offers a unique, amazing experience to wedding parties and their guests before and after the wedding. Wedding Groups of 20+ who book for the spectacular authentic “KA’ARA” – Drums of our Forefathers feast and show can request a traditional family union ceremony