Rarotonga - Vaka Eiva Festival 14-21 November 2008
It’s Vaka Eiva time again – so get ready for some serious fun in the Cook Islands sun! The Cook Islands is gearing up to host one of the most entertaining and exciting festivals for outrigger canoes in the world. Held every November since 2004, the iconic and breathtaking volcanic peaks of Rarotonga will once again be the backdrop to a feast of exhilarating and skilful paddling alongside a week of partying, vibrant cultural activities, shopping and serious chilling out time in paradise!
This year, Vaka Eiva will take place from 14-21 November, so if you’re planning to travel to the Cooks in November, make sure you book your accommodation to coincide with festival fun. Another chart-topper festival is expected, with around 600 paddlers and top crews from Aotearoa, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and Guam.
Spectators can all enjoy all the fun and hospitality of the festival as they watch the teams compete in the OC1 & V6 Avana Iron Challenge, the sprint races and the world famous 'pop the ama’ competition at stunning Muri Lagoon and the U19 Junior 10km and 15km races. Of course, nothing beats the excitement of the festival’s two headline acts - the Women's Round Raro ‘Pacific Paddle’ relay race and the Men's Round Raro 'Pacific Cup' relay race.
If watching those races tempts you to get out onto the water in traditional Polynesian style, then fly with Air Rarotonga to the island of Aitutaki and pay a visit to the folks at Paradise Island Tours. Operating from the beach at The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, they will take you exploring on Aitutaki's turquoise lagoon - one of the Pacific's most beautiful - aboard the 70' Polynesian-style vaka, Titi-ai-tonga. There is onboard dining, a bar and ensuite restrooms, not to mention snorkelling equipment if you'd like to test the waters.
But if you decide to stay on the mainland, you'll find plenty of options for getting out on Rarotonga's beautiful lagoon, from windsurfing and snorkelling to kayaking and cruising. You can explore underwater with The Dive Centre, relax aboard a sunset cruise, enjoy a fresh fish barbecue lunch, or view the colourful corals and marine life on a glass bottom boat tour. Capt.Tama's Lagoon Cruizes and Aquasportz Centre offers a range of cruises, and also hires out kayaks, snorkelling gear and windsurfers.
Useful Information
Images courtesy of Harvie Allison of Harvie Allison Photography - Queensland, Australia