Embracing. Enchanting. Unforgettable.

The heart of Cook Islands culture in one sacred place – Highland Paradise!

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Rarotonga’s Most Authentic Cultural Tourist Attraction

Highland Paradise is a multi-award winning, high quality cultural experience that is second to none. We cannot be beaten for cultural authenticity and value for money. We believe we can offer your clients the best cultural experience on Rarotonga at the best price.

Our unique valley village offer guests a glimpse into everyday Cook Island life 600 years ago and also showcases how Cook Islands culture has evolved over the years through two amazing experiences. The TAPU’AE Day Tour and the KA’ARA Island night.

1. top authentic cultural experience

Experience and view our Authentic Marae and the history of the Island when you come to Highland Paradise

2. Voted best culture award 2025

We’re deeply honoured to receive the CITC Culture Award at the Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards 2025.

3. award winning show and dinner

Drums of our forefathers is an amazing show with over 40 performers, including our Dancers, Drummers and Singers

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Ursin Felix
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Die Show war wirklich super! :) Wir lernten viel über über die Kultur und hatten so einen spannende "Zeitreise". Wir waren von einigen Tagen dort und hatten alles in alle eine gute Zeit: Was ich aber erwähnen möchte an dieser Stelle: Es war eine ältere Frau am Empfang/Kasse welche auch später an der Bar arbeitete. Die Stimmung dieser Frau war die ganze Zeit wirklich schlecht und so fühlten wir uns nicht wirklich willkommen. (Alle anderen waren top, weshalb diese Frau dort arbeitet bleibt mir ein Rätsel) An unserem Tisch wurden wir von den anderen Gäten auch angesprochen ob wir dies so mitbekommen haben.. also nicht nur unsere Wahrnehmung. Zu dem ordentlichen Preis (verlglichen zu Aitutaki kostete es hier 85NZD) sollte es auch Wasser geben eine Flasche wäre nicht zu viel finde ich. Ich hoffe die Dame ändert ihre Haltung oder sie wird in der Küche arbeiten. Alles in allem haben wir uns davon nicht den abend versaut und genossen die Zeit dort. Danke ❤️
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Joe Solo
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Amazing amazing amazing. This is a must do. The evening starts with drinks alcahol and non alcahol options. Then we vist the marae and danny explains what everything means and also goes into the history of the polynisan people. We then a guided back for dinner which honestly is just beautiful and there is always pleanty to go around, even enough for seconds hehe. The show is absolutly just amazing and the performers are very good. I recomend Highland Paradise as a must do activity.
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Jonathan Bones
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Enjoyed this culture show and meal, the history of the village and Marae were well explained and it was easy to follow. The local college put on a good show and it was a nice evening all round. Food was good and plenty of it.
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Jonathan C
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The most magical part of our week-long trip to Rarotonga. The offering ceremony was very special, the food was amazing, and the performances were incredible. A must-do on Rarotonga! We will remember this night forever.
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Dave Edwards profile picture
Dave Edwards
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Dynamic venue and super performance.

KA’ARA - SUNSET SHOW & FEAST
“DRUMS OF OUR FOREFATHERS”

Our Monday, Wednesday and Friday sunset cultural nights include hosted roundtrip transport, guides, village experience visit, tapu lifting, warrior welcome, a cocktail, a traditional Umu (underground oven) feast and a spectacular stage show telling the story of our ancient heritage through singing, dancing and drumming.

DAY TOURS - TAPUAE
“FOOTPRINTS OF OUR ANCESTORS”

Our knowledgable and entertaining guides will showcase our spiritual past and present, ancient legends and practices. On this tour you will be visiting the ancient village of Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki, who left this settlement during the 1830’s when he and his people converted to Christianity.

COMBO– Both TAPUAE and KA’ARA

For the full Highland Paradise experience we offer the COMBO package which includes both our TAPUAE and KA’ARA experiences.

WEDDINGS / SPECIAL EVENTS

Highland Paradise, was an abandoned, ancient mountain village retreat with stupendous sea and valley views and of huge significant spiritual value. It is a unique wedding venue.

TAPEKA Family Union Ceremonies (Something of value for free!)

For six centuries, inter family betrothal ceremonies were performed on our fortified mountain maraes. Such family unions needed to be properly celebrated. Highland Paradise now offers a unique, amazing experience to wedding parties and their guests before and after the wedding. Wedding Groups of 20+ who book for the spectacular authentic “KA’ARA” – Drums of our Forefathers feast and show can request a traditional family union ceremony