Umu Experience: A Taste of Cook Islands Culture
Immerse yourself in Cook Islands culture with traditional umu cooking, captivating performances, and a delicious island feast at the Umu Experience in Avarua.
The Umu Experience in Avarua offers an immersive journey into Cook Islands culture, showcasing traditional umu cooking methods and captivating cultural performances. Visitors can witness the preparation of food in an underground oven and enjoy a flavorful feast, accompanied by music and dance, making it a must-visit for an authentic island experience.
A brief summary to Umu Experience
- Main road, Avarua, Tupapa Tapere, CK
- +68227883
- Monday 9 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
- Thursday 9 am-3 pm
- Friday 9 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Attend the Umu Cultural Night on Monday or Wednesday evening for the full experience, including the umu demonstration and cultural performances.
- Engage with the locals to learn more about the cultural significance of the umu and the dishes being prepared.
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the umu demonstration and cultural performances.
- Consider participating in the Umu Cooking Class for a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Cook Islands dishes.
Getting There
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Bus
From Avarua town center, the Umu Experience can be reached via the clockwise or anti-clockwise bus routes that circle the island. The bus stop is located near the Umu Experience, between Super Brown Tupapa & Love cafe. Buses depart from Cook's Corner in Avarua every hour. A single ride costs around NZ$5, or you can purchase a day pass for unlimited travel.
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Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Rarotonga and can be pre-booked or arranged through your accommodation. A taxi from Avarua to the Umu Experience, located on the main road in Tupapa Tapere, will cost approximately NZ$15-20. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
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Car
If driving from Avarua town center, head east on the Main Road (Ara Tapu) towards Muri Beach. The Umu Experience is located approximately 2 kilometers from Avarua, on the right-hand side, past the Tupapa Tapere area. Ample parking is available on-site. Be aware that the speed limit in the area is 50 km/h.
Discover more about Umu Experience
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Love Café
0.7 km
Experience the love in every sip and bite at Rarotonga's Love Café, serving superb coffee and fresh baked goods in a friendly atmosphere.
Seaspray Beach Villa
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Nevaeh Holiday Home
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Ikurangi Eco Retreat
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Charlie's Villas Pouara
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Tukaka Garden View
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Cook Islands Coffee Company
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Vili's Burger Joint
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KAPS Matavera
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Atiu Hostel
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Cook Islands Real Estate
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Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church
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Maori Stonehenge
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Ocean Escape Resort & Spa
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Tropical Sands
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Cook Islands National Museum
2.6 km
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Cook Islands Library & Museum
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Taputapuatea
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Trader's Reef
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Avarua Harbour
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Marae Moana
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Edna's Anchor
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St Joseph's Cathedral
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Rarotonga
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Storytellers Eco Cycle & Walking Tours
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Punanga Nui Market
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Avana Passage
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Cook Islands Tours
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Game Fishing Rarotonga
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Essential places to dine
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Coastal Kitchen
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Sam's
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Poko's Kia Moana
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Ray's Hut
1.6 km
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Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar
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Bamboo Jacks Restaurant
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Raro Fried Chicken
3.2 km
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Annie’s Fried Chicken
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Margaritas Bistro & Bar
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The Lucky Rooster Eatery
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The Lazy Trout Cafe
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The Plaza
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Matavera Village Traders
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Bargain House
2.1 km
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Creative Centre
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Beachcomber Pearl Market
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Tuki's Pareu
3.0 km
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The T-Shirt Factory
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Raro Records
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Tarani Crafts & Pearls
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Ming Blu Gallery
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Blossom
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id.CK
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Bounty Bookshop
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Paka's Pearls
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Cooks Fudge Factory/ Perfumes of Rarotonga
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Tauae Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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On the Rocks (OTR) Bar
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Rehab
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Trio's Garden Bar
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Terua Git Cooking
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Burgery
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Deli
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On the Juice Bar
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La Casita Rarotonga Mexican Cafe
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The Rickshaw Rarotonga
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The Fix Espresso Bar
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The Mooring Fish Cafe
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Takitumu Tapas
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Rarotonga Sailing Club
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Hula Bar
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