Te Vara Nui Village
Cultural Tour
Te Vara Nui Village is more than the beat of the drums
guiding dancers through the legend of Tongaiti, more than
sampling delicious local food… weaving stories of the Ariki, uses of the Marae and answering
questions on graves and land rights, in the relaxed, friendly
manner of his Mangaian roots.
Here, the importance of sharing Cook Islands culture, origins,
evolving traditions, skills of medicine, fishing, dancing, is
shown in the passionate delivery of local guides Ruta Tangiiau
Mave and Nooroa Ngametua. The Medicine Hut follows, demonstrating traditional use of
local plants, fruits and flowers, with encouragement to touch,
smell and try the medicinal plants, some of which will be served
on the buffet later.
From the arrival of the ‘vaka’ inspired transport, to sampling
freshly made coconut cream, the experience of the Te Vara Nui
village tour is true to the roots of this
beautiful island and its people. Further into the garden we enter Are Pokai (Fishing) to gain
an insight into the ancient practices of fishing, tool and shoe
making, some of which are still observed today. The
display of coral, turtle, pearl and paua shells, along
with carved fishing artefacts, woven nets of kikau, and
life size vakas, mesmerise even the youngest eyes.
Gardens, a wonder to behold, with
waterfalls gushing from massive rocks,
lush ferns and towering palm trees,
surround the lily filled natural lagoon
in serenity and beauty. Vara Hunter,
the renowned Cook Island dancer
and singer, was the inspiration for
daughter Moana and son-in-law Fodil
to design this purpose-built cultural
venue, to preserve and educate others
in the history and culture of the Cook
Islands. Te Vara Nui means “The
Great Vara” and is a testament to her
continuing passion for sharing her
culture.
Stepping straight out of the history books, our guide Nooroa
arrives with a flourish, chanting in a voice ringing with mana
- Are Mai - a call to follow. Large wooden gates, flanked by
gods of days past, loom ahead, opening to begin our journey
back in time.
Are Rakai (Costume) is a bright collage of woven mats,
hats, fans and bags. We are guided through the dying
art of making Tapa cloth from bark, the introduction
of the grass skirt, fast dancing and the origins of
naming Europeans “Papa ‘aa”. Everyone enjoys a laugh,
whilst attempting the moves of the traditional ura
(dance).
No tour would be complete without the “Tree of
Life” - every part of the coconut has a use, leaf, trunk
and nut. Homage is paid to the life cycle of the tree,
from the legend of Matamata, to husking, grating and
extracting water and
cream, and weaving of
thatched roofing, cups
and bowls, without
which native life would
not have been able to
exist on the islands.
The first of three Are (Huts) is Are Korero (History). A
museum of artefacts, weapons and scale replicas of voyaging
vakas, serve as a backdrop for the interactive retelling of the
arrival of Tongaiti, the migration of ancestors from 1000BC
and the close association with NZ Maori. The informative and
entertaining delivery from Ruta captivates, young and old. As we move to the
restaurant, where the
Spectacular Overwater Night Show and dinner awaits, our
guides stand, genuinely honoured to have provided us an
insight to the many strands which weave together the culture of
the Cook Islands.
Outside, our tour continues to the Marae, a small rendition of
original sites found in the mountains, and often seen on Are
Metua (the back road). Nooroa stands proud in native dress, Te Vara Nui operates Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
Bookings essential.
50 • Escape Magazine
Phone: +682 24 006 | Email: [email protected]