Cook Islands Maori Culture

The Cook Islands pulse with a vibrant and proud Polynesian culture, that of the Cook Islands Maori, closely related to the Maori of New Zealand. Its most electrifying expression is dance and drumming: the islands are famed across the Pacific for their fast, thunderous drumming and the extraordinary, rapid hip-shaking of their dancers, showcased at the beloved island nights held at resorts and villages, often with a feast. Culture also lives in the fragrant ei flower garlands given in welcome, in carving and tivaevae quilting, in the central role of the church and its glorious hymn-singing, and in the genuine warmth and hospitality of the islanders.

What you actually see

• The island nights - the drumming, dance and feast.
• The dancing and drumming - the famed hip-shaking and thunderous drums.
• The ei garlands - the fragrant flower garlands of welcome.
• The church singing - the glorious Sunday hymn-singing.

When to go

Year-round; island nights, combining a feast with a spectacular drumming-and-dance show, are held regularly at resorts and villages and are an unmissable cultural highlight. Attending a Sunday church service to hear the glorious harmony singing is another moving experience, and the annual Te Maeva Nui festival in late July or August is a grand celebration of culture.

Honest expectations

Resort island nights, while genuinely energetic and skilful, are put on for visitors and are a lighter, packaged taste of the culture, so seeking out village events, church services or the Te Maeva Nui festival offers a deeper, more authentic experience. Approached with respect and openness, though, the Cook Islands' vibrant dance and drumming, warm hospitality and living Polynesian traditions are a genuine highlight and the soul of the islands.

Nearby

The island nights and villages of Rarotonga and Aitutaki are the places.