This 3-hour tour brings to life some of the traditional practices of Atiu Island and its people, with a focus on sharing with visitors, knowledge passed down through storytelling, art and demonstration. The tour is a fascinating learning and interactive experience which can be as hands-on, or not, as you wish it to be.
With your young and knowledgeable tour guide Joshua Jim, learn how an umu or underground oven is prepared the Atiuan way. Explore Joshuas backyard and see the majestic Banyan tree—the tree in which tapa cloth is made from. Learn of the many uses of the coconut tree including how to weave the (kikau) leaves of this tree of life.
The tour gives special attention to the Tapa cloth, which in pre-European times, was used to make everyday clothing. Today, it is still used but mainly for special occasions and ceremonial purposes only. In the Cook Islands, making tapa cloth is a lengthy process which can take days even weeks (depending on the length and design) to complete.
Joshua has learned the techniques and skills of making tapa from his elders, and is the only tour operator in the Cook Islands to include and share this unique skill as part of a cultural tour. Modernisation has had a large impact on preserving such traditional skills but Joshua holds strong to what he has learned and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with visitors and locals through his tour.
As you near the end of your days experience, you will enjoy a feast from the umu prepared earlier before you are transferred back to your place of accommodation.
The cultural tour includes return transfers, history of Atiu island, traditional island feast (umu kai), tapa cloth making, natural candle collecting, staple food and demonstration.
Child policy: Child(ren) 6 to 11 years are charged at child rate.
Days of operation: Monday to Friday (3.00pm to 6.00pm).
What to bring: Sun-screen and sun hat, insect repellant, good walking shoes, bottled drinking water, and a camera.
Pax requirements: Minimum of 2 pax must be met before the tour can operate. Maximum pax is 10.
Cancellation Policy:
Over 30 days - No charge.
30 - 15 days - No charge.
Within 14-3 days - 50% cancellation fee.
Within 48 hours - 100% cancellation fee.
Cancellation due to weather - Option to re-book for another date or full refund.