Maire Nui Gardens
A tropical botanical garden in Titikaveka on the south coast, with ponds, ginger flowers, heliconias and water lilies, and a café serving brunch.
Maire Nui Gardens covers about 7 acres and is privately run by a family. It features abundant tropical flowers and fruit trees, including a water lily pond, bamboo paths, ginger flower and heliconia beds, with the green mountains of Rarotonga behind, making it very photogenic. The garden café is popular for homemade cakes and brunch. Admission is about NZ$5 to 10, though entry may be waived with a café purchase, so check on site. It can be combined with snorkelling at nearby Titikaveka on the same morning.
Opening hours
Approx. 8:00 am–4:00 pm (closed Sundays; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Titikaveka Beach & Fruits of Rarotonga Snorkelling
- Te Ara – Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise
- Muri Lagoon & Beach
- Muri Night Market
- Takitumu Conservation Area
- Te Vara Nui Village
- Avana Harbour (Ngatangiia)
- Wigmore's Waterfall (Papua Waterfall)