Muri: The Heart of the Cook Islands' Paradise

• HelloKia Orana
  [Kee-ah O-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeAere ra
  [I-ree rah]
• YesE
  [Eh]
• NoKare
  [Kah-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeMeitaki
  [May-tah-kee]
• Thank youMeitaki
  [May-tah-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryAroa
  [Ah-roh-ah]
• How are you?Pehea to tu?
  [Peh-he-ah toh too?]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. Koe?
  [Mai-tai. Ko-eh?]
• Do you speak English?E koe e kai i te reo Maori?
  [Eh ko-eh eh kai ee teh reh-oh Mah-oh-ree?]
• I don't understandKare au e unu
  [Kah-reh ow eh oo-noo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKia aere mai au kia kite i te manu, meitaki
  [Kee-ah I-ree my ow kee-ah kee-tay ee teh mah-noo, may-tah-kee]
• I don't eat meatKare au e kai i te kai
  [Kah-reh ow eh kai ee teh kai]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKia aere mai au kia utu, meitaki
  [Kee-ah I-ree my ow kee-ah oo-too, may-tah-kee]

• Help!Ara!
  [Ah-rah!]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-reh ah-too!]
• Call the Police!Taki ki te kavamani!
  [Tah-kee kee teh kah-vah-mah-nee!]
• Call a doctor!Taki ki te vairakau!
  [Tah-kee kee teh vah-ee-rah-kow!]
• I'm lostAu i kitea
  [Ow ee kee-tay-ah]
• I'm illAu e mare
  [Ow eh mah-reh]

• I'd like to buy...Kia aere mai au kia hoko...
  [Kee-ah I-ree my ow kee-ah ho-koh...]
• I'm just lookingE tika ua au e riro
  [Eh tee-kah oo-ah ow eh ree-roh]
• How much is it?E aha te moni?
  [Eh ah-hah teh moh-nee?]
• That's too expensiveE teitei te moni
  [Eh teh-ee-teh teh moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?E taea e koe te iti i te moni?
  [Eh tah-eh-ah eh ko-eh teh ee-tee ee teh moh-nee?]

• What time is it?Kia aha te wa?
  [Kee-ah ah-hah teh wah?]
• It's one o'clockTe tahi te ora
  [Teh tah-hee teh oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Te toru tekau
  [Teh toh-roo teh-kow]
• MorningAtapō
  [Ah-tah-poh]
• AfternoonAuē
  [Ow-eh]
• EveningPō
  [Poh]
• YesterdayRānei
  [Rah-neh-ee]
• TodayĀianei
  [Ah-yah-neh-ee]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [Ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [Fah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [Wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [Ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [Teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...
  [Kay heh-ah teh...]
• What's the address?Ko te tuanui
  [Koh teh too-ah-noo-ee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E taea e koe te whakaatu mai i ahau (i runga i te mahere)?
  [Eh tah-eh-ah eh ko-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my ee ah-how (ee roo-ngah ee teh mah-heh-ray)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te roa (kāinga)?
  [Ah-he-ah teh roh-ah (kah-ee-ngah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiketi (ki ....)
  [Heh tee-keh-tee (kee ....)]

The earliest settlers of Muri, like much of the Cook Islands, were Polynesians who arrived around 800-1000 AD. These early navigators utilized their exceptional seafaring skills to spread across the Pacific, establishing communities on the islands. They brought with them a rich culture, which included traditional arts, fishing techniques, and agricultural practices.

In 1773, Captain James Cook and his crew arrived in the Cook Islands during their second voyage to the Pacific. While they did not make landfall in Muri, their presence marked the beginning of European contact with the region. Cook's voyages were instrumental in mapping and documenting the islands, which eventually led to increased interest from European explorers and missionaries.

The 19th century saw the arrival of Christian missionaries, particularly from the London Missionary Society. In 1823, John Williams, a prominent missionary, visited the Cook Islands and played a significant role in converting the local population to Christianity. This period marked significant cultural changes, with the introduction of Western education, new agricultural practices, and the establishment of churches.

In 1901, the Cook Islands, including Muri, were annexed by New Zealand, becoming a part of the British Empire. This event marked the beginning of a new administrative era, with New Zealand overseeing the islands' governance. The annexation brought about infrastructural developments and increased interaction with the broader Pacific region.

The mid-20th century saw the gradual development of tourism in Muri. Recognized for its stunning lagoon and beaches, Muri began to attract visitors from around the world. The construction of resorts, restaurants, and other tourist facilities transformed the area, making it a key destination within the Cook Islands. This period also saw efforts to preserve the local culture and environment amid growing tourist numbers.

In recent decades, there has been a strong movement towards cultural revitalization in Muri. Efforts have been made to revive traditional practices, languages, and crafts. Events such as cultural festivals, dance performances, and the promotion of traditional cuisine have become integral to Muri's cultural landscape. This resurgence not only attracts tourists but also strengthens the community's connection to its heritage.

Muri is located on the southeastern coast of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands. The main gateway to Rarotonga is the Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), which receives flights from major hubs such as Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles. From the airport, Muri is approximately a 20-minute drive. Taxis, shuttle buses, and rental cars are available at the airport for transportation to Muri.

Getting around Muri is relatively easy. The area is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rental bikes and scooters are popular options for tourists. For longer trips around Rarotonga, consider renting a car or using the local bus service, which operates clockwise and anti-clockwise routes around the island. Taxis are also readily available, but they can be more expensive.

The official currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Muri. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets. ATMs are available in Muri and other parts of Rarotonga, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Muri is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in your vehicle. Although Rarotonga has a low crime rate, petty theft can occur. Stick to well-lit areas at night and inform your accommodation provider of any concerns.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in Avarua, the capital of Rarotonga, and there are medical facilities available on the island. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Muri where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering homes and churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and greet the bus driver. Don't bring large luggage on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kia Orana'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as ika mata (raw fish salad). Don't refuse food or drink offerings graciously, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Muri like a local, visit the Muri Night Market where you can enjoy a variety of local dishes and interact with residents. Take part in a lagoon cruise to see marine life and learn about the history of the area. Engage with locals and participate in cultural activities such as traditional dance performances and cooking classes to gain a deeper understanding of Cook Islands culture.