7 Events that you
shouldn't miss...
JULY / AUGUST - 26 July to
5th August
Te Maeva Nui – Celebrating our
nation’s independence
Every year from June to August about
2000 people on Rarotonga and on the
outer islands put their lives on hold to
prepare for Te Maeva Nui, the national
culture and dance festival. It is a week-
long cultural marathon held around the
date of August 4th, which is the birthday
of the Cook Islands as an independent
nation.
You may have seen cultural dance shows
around the island, or perhaps in your
resort, but you haven’t seen anything
that even closely resembles the vibrancy
and passion of the finals at Te Maeva
Nui, held in the National Stadium. This
is the cultural highlight of the Cook
Islands year; the only people who are
ever disappointed are those
who miss it.
achievement. See Cook Islands Tourism
for more details.
NOVEMBER 1st to 2nd
Cook Islands International Raro
Rugby 7’s
The Cook Islands International Rugby
7’s Tournament has become one of the
most sought after 7’s competitions in the
Pacific.
Although it’s not the Wellington or
Hong Kong sevens, where hundreds of
thousands flock to the games in colourful
eye catching attire, here in paradise, the
party and dress up atmosphere is very
much island style! After all – playing
sports and having a good time is
something the people of the Cook Islands
know how to do, and do well.
NOVEMBER 25th to 29th
Vaka Eiva
Hundreds of paddlers and their
supporters hit Rarotonga’s shores in
November each year for the Matson
Vaka Eiva; an exciting and fun outrigger
canoeing festival, which is now the
largest sporting event in the country.
Held annually since 2004, Vaka Eiva
has established a reputation as a hugely
enjoyable week of racing, culture, and
festivities, and attracts crews from
throughout the world.
There’s an air of festivity on the island
the whole week long, from the opening
ceremony, throughout the week of racing
and social activities. The area around
Trader Jack’s is the hangout of choice for
paddlers and spectators throughout the
SEPTEMBER 19th to 25th
Round Rarotonga Road
Race
The Round Rarotonga Road
Race celebrates its 41st
Anniversary with its annual
weeklong event from the 19
-25 September 2019 held on
the beautiful tropical island
of Rarotonga. The event
caters for everyone including
families, social, recreational
and competitive runners and
is a fantastic opportunity to
combine a holiday with a
once in a lifetime sporting
Escape Magazine • 97