Taste of Rarotonga Garden Tour

{ "id": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "tags": [ { "id": "344d8b0a-f4ae-4a8f-b09a-e4105891c7a4", "name": "Cultural Immersion", "slug": "cultural-immersion", "icon": "flame-kindling" }, { "id": "849b73f1-8414-4efb-9ae9-6519d497da15", "name": "Family Friendly", "slug": "family-friendly", "icon": "baby" }, { "id": "c784f386-fa0e-4b53-852b-8ec35d46e29a", "name": "Food", "slug": "food", "icon": "cookie" } ], "categories": [ { "id": "fdb9dde1-e666-4876-a67d-c6913a1da790", "name": "Food & Drink", "slug": "food-drink", "description": "", "icon": "utensils", "parent": null }, { "id": "b5e182fb-e19b-48db-b206-e3e9231e2850", "name": "Food Tours", "slug": "food-tours", "description": "", "icon": "soup", "parent": "fdb9dde1-e666-4876-a67d-c6913a1da790" } ], "reviews": [ { "id": "e4dfdaf5-c9bd-4f74-a799-694ed9f24c96", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2025-04-29T04:18:33.758977Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Deanna", "last_name": "Nikoia", "email": "deanna.nikoia@gmail.com", "order_id": "0", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "A lovely morning spent with very generous and genuine hosts. A wealth of knowledge on local fruits and plants including the medicinal properties and the opportunity to try seasonal fruit/snacks along the way.", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": false, "tour_date": null }, { "id": "d406a49c-360b-4e8d-8fb8-67fc6e2572dd", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2025-06-23T04:34:45.987284Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Deirdre", "last_name": "BROMLEY", "email": "deirdrebromley@gmail.com", "order_id": "36247E99", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "I thoroughly enjoyed a morning with Mirella and her husband. Such knowledgeable and lovely local people living off the land. Wow what an incredible assortment of fruit veges and herbs. So generous with tastings and so yummy arrowroot and breadfruit chips. I'll be back soon as. Thank for your hospitality.", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": null }, { "id": "5df9a203-589b-47b0-b2d9-88cbb2997540", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2025-08-27T06:44:58.073309Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Silke", "last_name": "Powell", "email": "silketpowell@gmail.com", "order_id": "ORD-9AAFF339", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "The morning garden tour was a joy from beginning to end, filled with beautiful sights, fascinating information and absolutely delish food fresh from the garden. Mirella and Katoa have created a fantastic food garden using organic, sustainable practices, and share their passion about what they have learned and are still learning. This tour will be enjoyed by gardeners, foodies and anyone with an interest in sustainable living. \r\nMy deepest thanks for such an engaging tour. Highly recommended 😁", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": "2025-08-11" }, { "id": "e4c6e849-1d90-4924-8122-5f864b4b0872", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2025-08-03T22:17:52.223655Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "John & Giselle", "last_name": "Shirtliff", "email": "johns.jgms@gmail.com", "order_id": "1594A175", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "Arataki Organic Gardens was a delite from start to finish\r\nthey were very welcoming & knowledgable , the food & drinks at various stops on the tour were amazing my favorite was the banana pancake & iceceam with a freshly crushed sugar cane juce drink to finish ,\r\nwe were surprized at the many differant plants & fruits you were able to grow, I think there wounderfull homemade compost was the reason for this.\r\nThankyou for a great morning you were wounderfull hosts", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": null }, { "id": "745f2be4-f076-47de-b65d-d5f76ef38c9f", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2025-09-12T04:20:42.197848Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Angela", "last_name": "Anstis", "email": "rainbyrd@outlook.co.nz", "order_id": "ORD-1B54650C", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "What a awesome morning spent with Marella and her husband, there garden is amazing so many different plants, I learned so much, all the juices and food she had ready was the highlight, will definitely be back and hoping to volunteer working in the garden with them on my next visit, highly recommended", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": "2025-09-10" }, { "id": "52d6ab2d-79ce-4c73-8624-e24f17bb9150", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2025-07-22T06:54:18.749786Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Hayley", "last_name": "Barlow", "email": "hay.low@hotmail.com", "order_id": "ORD-25E201D0", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "Both Mirella and Katoa are absolutely lovely and highly knowledgeable, our morning with them was just magical! They are doing a fantastic job growing the most amazing fruit and vegetables I have ever tasted and I was thoroughly captivated throughout the whole tour. Thank you both for welcoming us into your home and will 100% be back next time we visit!", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": "2025-07-16" }, { "id": "958c3c6e-bf7f-4725-9b60-89b4a9c6dd25", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2026-02-05T23:39:21.281726Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Chris", "last_name": "Chircop", "email": "chris.chircop@yahoo.com.au", "order_id": "ORD-ACCA673D", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "My partner and I really enjoyed our garden tour with Mirella and Katoa! Our hosts were so hospitable and welcoming, the garden was beautiful and the fresh fruit and homemade food and drinks were delicious! The hands-on experiences were also fun, and we left the tour relaxed and well fed!", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": "2025-07-29" }, { "id": "4cee5b02-d9a0-49e4-9563-98f7d915954f", "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "created_at": "2026-03-07T04:52:23.802744Z", "status": "approved", "user": null, "first_name": "Doris", "last_name": "Brinkmann", "email": "dsbrinkmann@gmail.com", "order_id": "ORD-B8F30239", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "Thank you so much Mirella and Katoa for an amazing garden experience. They are both very passionate organic gardeners, and hardly any produce gets wasted in their garden. There were heaps of food stations set up throughout the garden where we could try all sorts of Island fruits and freshly pressed juices. We learned a lot about Island food and about medicinal plants and their uses. At the end of the tour we all sat together in the shade of a coconut tree and were once again treated to Mirella’s tasty snacks and talking like friends. Everything tasted amazing, food presentation was inviting and very clean. We learned a lot about the challenges to be organic in the Islands and how to grow food sustainably.\r\nMirella and Katoa, are very outgoing, lovely people who like to share their knowledge with everybody who is interested. We enjoyed the garden tour immensely and can highly recommend it.\r\nThanks again for a lovely morning\r\nAchim, Doris and Helga", "images": [], "reviewer_image": null, "verified": true, "tour_date": "2026-02-25" } ], "gallery_images": [ { "id": "645ce38e-5e7a-4e17-a5fa-b91376661434", "image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_gallery/Arataki_Garden_Tour.jpg", "title": "", "alt_text": "", "order": 0 }, { "id": "54998343-0d31-4f14-8c07-6187a23b929e", "image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_gallery/SPG07257-SEB_CREDIT_Cook_Islands_Pocket_Guide_.jpg", "title": "", "alt_text": "", "order": 0 }, { "id": "7fbca45c-d796-440b-9382-6ecfd23cf1e0", "image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_gallery/SPG07280-IS_CREDIT_Cook_Islands_Pocket_Guide_.jpg", "title": "", "alt_text": "", "order": 0 } ], "schedule": { "monday_open": false, "monday_start": "09:00:00", "monday_end": "17:00:00", "tuesday_open": true, "tuesday_start": "09:00:00", "tuesday_end": "12:00:00", "wednesday_open": true, "wednesday_start": "09:00:00", "wednesday_end": "12:00:00", "thursday_open": false, "thursday_start": "09:00:00", "thursday_end": "17:00:00", "friday_open": false, "friday_start": "09:00:00", "friday_end": "17:00:00", "saturday_open": false, "saturday_start": "09:00:00", "saturday_end": "17:00:00", "sunday_open": false, "sunday_start": "09:00:00", "sunday_end": "17:00:00" }, "addons": [ { "id": "dcc0cadc-b385-4ac5-8f70-48d8a0ff4ee4", "name": "Return Transportation", "description": "We will organise transportation from your accommodation in Rarotonga to our garden and back to your accommodation.", "price": "29.00", "required": false, "image": null, "checkout_price_should_match_add_on_price": false, "multiply_add_on_price_by_number_of_guests": true, "multiple_add_on_price_by_number_of_days": false, "doubles_checkout_price": false, "product": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "accommodation": null, "room_type": null } ], "variants": [], "product_checkout_fields": [ { "id": 18, "name": "Dietary Requirements", "input_type": "text", "label": "Dietary Requirements", "help_text": "We will endeavour to accommodate most requirements; however, some group items may be substituted.", "required": true, "tied_to_addon_name": null, "products": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "roomTypes": null }, { "id": 81, "name": "Accommodation", "input_type": "text", "label": "Accommodation", "help_text": "", "required": true, "tied_to_addon_name": "Return Transportation", "products": "fe82b961-c060-4a3c-a90b-d535c01b0685", "roomTypes": null } ], "people_types": [ { "type_id": "11341871-7072-4a63-8e0f-cb7a4ce6825f", "type_name": "Teens", "price": 45, "lower_age_limit": 13, "upper_age_limit": 17 }, { "type_id": "b66ca87c-650c-4041-a0fa-c184b534e098", "type_name": "Pre-Teens", "price": 45, "lower_age_limit": 7, "upper_age_limit": 12 }, { "type_id": "87223c78-32d2-4967-8f2f-a0e0d9373a3b", "type_name": "Kids", "price": 0, "lower_age_limit": 2, "upper_age_limit": 6 }, { "type_id": "ebe6282e-4bc1-437c-b010-7f0f2fc1dba6", "type_name": "Infants", "price": 0, "lower_age_limit": 0, "upper_age_limit": 1 }, { "type_id": "c4c5e5ca-a41a-4f33-ad25-10320ddcafb7", "type_name": "Adults", "price": 99, "lower_age_limit": 18, "upper_age_limit": 200 } ], "availability_exceptions": [ { "id": "53ff7708-617e-4b4c-aafc-5a7ed138b067", "exception_type": "closure", "start_date": "2025-07-01", "end_date": "2025-07-02", "modified_hours": null, "modified_capacity": null, "is_recurring": false, "recurring_frequency": "yearly" } ], "advanced_pricing": [], "main_island": "Rarotonga", "return_product_info": null, "asset_info": null, "upcoming_departures": null, "route_info": null, "active_promotions": [], "best_seller": true, "top_reviewed": true, "name": "Taste of Rarotonga Garden Tour", "slug": "Taste-of-Rarotonga-Garden-Tour", "product_free_write": "ARATAKI ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR\r\nJoin us on a journey to discover sustainable living and community connections in the beautiful Cook Islands with our Regenerative Organic Garden Tour. Explore a local garden filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants, all grown naturally. Learn from passionate locals about how they take care of the land, promote biodiversity, and grow healthy food. This special tour gives you a peek into how people, land, and food are all connected, showing you the beauty of living sustainably in paradise.\r\n\r\nTaste of Rarotonga Garden Tour: 2.5h\r\nArrive at the garden and be welcomed by your host with a fresh local seasonal drink. After a quick introduction and safety briefing we start our culinary journey around the garden. Your host will start by discussing the current season and what stage our permaculture garden is in as each tour is very dependent on the season for tasting nd what you'll see. The first section of the tour takes about 30minute where we walk, talk, pick, taste and touch all sorts of plants in the garden as well as discuss our permaculture journey. We also discuss traditional uses of many plants from medicinal to cultural.\r\nWe then arrive our our first degu-station. There you will be about to take half a dozen treats from the gardens. This is extremely season dependent of course but we often have pineapple, dragin fruits, Mirella's famous Banana 5 ways and more. a small smoothie is also on the table for you. After a 20-30min degusttaion we continue our tour.\r\nWe then continue walking around the garden and check out vegetable beds and talk about the cook island relationship with food and what is grown here. this section is another 30min. \r\nWe then arrive at the last degu-station for 45-1h. There we had a full season garden spread. You will taste a variety of plants such as pineapple passion fruits, dwarf coconut trees sugar cane, dragon fruits, pawpaw trees, banana trees, vetiver grass, taro plants, pigeon peas, guava trees, avocado trees, lime trees, soursop trees to name a few. depending on season of course. You will also be able to juice your own sugarcane as by then you'll be thirsty. we treat ourselves while chatting about sustainable practices in the cook islands as well as answering any question about all the food available in front of you. It is a very interactive tour. that will leave your head full of knowledge and stomach full of goodness.", "description": "<div>Join our Taste of Rarotonga Garden Tour and immerse yourself in the world of regenerative agriculture right in the heart of the Cook Islands. Our unique experience invites you to explore an abundant garden thriving with fruits, vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants, all nurtured with sustainable practices. Guided by passionate local gardeners, this tour not only offers a taste of Rarotonga’s lush landscape but also educates on the deep connections between people, land and food.&nbsp;<br><br></div>", "island": "Cook Islands", "price": "99.00", "sale_price": null, "wholesale_price": null, "high_season_price": null, "high_season_start_date": null, "high_season_end_date": null, "duration_type": "fixed", "certify_information_accurate": true, "confirm_tripcarver_commission": true, "booking_duration_unit": "hours", "booking_duration": "2.5", "booking_duration_minimum": 1, "booking_duration_maximum": 1, "booking_type": "session", "full_day_booking": false, "mark_as_private": false, "allowed_start_dates": [ "Tuesday", "Wednesday" ], "min_days_advanced_reservation": 1, "max_days_advanced_reservation": 366, "check_in_time": null, "check_out_time": null, "multiply_base_price_by_number_of_people": true, "count_people_as_separate_bookings": true, "last_minute_discount": null, "minimum_number_of_people": 2, "maximum_number_of_people": 12, "extra_price_per_person": null, "buffer_time": 0, "require_confirmation": false, "enable_price_per_people_type": true, "availability_rules": {}, "deposit_percentage": "8", "verify_photo_ownership": true, "ages_allowed": "All Ages", "offered_languages": "English, French, Cook Islands Maori", "whats_included": "<ul><li>Tours guided by knowledgeable local hosts.</li><li>All tastings and a small smoothie at the first degustation station.</li><li>Fresh juices and a substantial garden spread at the final tasting.</li><li>Depending on the season, a few surprises along the way.</li></ul>", "what_to_bring": "<ul><li>Comfortable walking shoes for garden paths.</li><li>Hat and sunscreen (reef-safe recommended).</li><li>A reusable water bottle.</li><li>Insect repellent (natural, non-toxic).</li></ul>", "what_to_expect": "<div><strong>Initial Greeting and Safety Briefing</strong><br> Upon arrival, your host, an expert in permaculture and sustainable gardening, provides a brief overview of the garden's layout and the principles of organic gardening that guide their cultivation practices. A quick briefing ensures everyone is prepared for the tour, highlighting any areas to avoid and safety tips when interacting with the plants.<br><br></div><div><strong>The Culinary Journey Begins</strong><br> As you start your walk, you'll learn about the history of the garden and the significance it played during Rarotonga's border closures. Your guide then discusses the current season's impact on the garden, which influences what you'll see and taste during the tour. This part of the experience is highly dynamic and varies from one tour to the next, depending on the time of year.</div><div><strong><br>First Garden Walkthrough</strong><br> During the first 30 minutes, you explore various sections of the garden, each dedicated to different types of plants, from fruits and vegetables to herbs and medicinal plants. You'll have the chance to touch, smell and taste directly from the plants as your guide shares insights about each species, including their uses in Cook Islands' traditional medicine and cuisine.</div><div><strong><br>First \"Degu-Station\"</strong><br> Arriving at the first tasting station, you're treated to a selection of bites prepared from the garden’s current offerings. This could range from sweet pineapples and exotic dragon fruits to unique preparations like Mirella’s famous 'Banana 5 Ways'. Alongside these treats, a small, freshly prepared smoothie complements the flavours of the garden.</div><div><strong><br>Deep Dive into Permaculture Practices</strong><br> Continuing the tour, you delve deeper into the garden’s layout and the permaculture techniques used to maintain its health and productivity. This segment focuses on the interplay between different plant species and their roles in creating a balanced ecosystem. Discussions cover the integration of food production with sustainable practices that support biodiversity and soil health.<br><br></div><div><strong>Interaction with Food and Culture</strong><br> As you walk through the vegetable beds, the conversation shifts to the Cook Islands' relationship with food. You learn about the native crops that are staples in the local diet and the cultural significance of each. This part of the tour not only educates about agricultural practices but also ties them back to the cultural fabric of the island.<br><br></div><div><strong>Final \"Degu-Station\" and Interactive Session</strong><br> The tour culminates at the final tasting station, where a lavish spread of the garden’s seasonal produce awaits. Here, you can juice your own sugarcane, a refreshing finale to the tour. As you enjoy the variety of tastes, the conversation continues around sustainable living, with a chance to ask any lingering questions. This interactive session is designed to leave you inspired and informed, with a full stomach and a deeper appreciation for the role of sustainable practices in the Cook Islands.</div><div><strong><br>Concluding Thoughts and Farewell</strong><br> As the tour concludes, take a moment to reflect on the knowledge gained and the flavours experienced. This final interaction is an opportunity to discuss how you can incorporate sustainable practices into your own life, drawing inspiration from the lush life of the Arataki Organic Garden.</div>", "departure_and_return": "<div><strong>Location</strong>: Arataki Organic Garden, Cook Islands (exact address provided upon booking)<br><br><strong>Duration</strong>: Approximately 2.5 hours<br><br></div><div><strong>Transportation</strong>: Participants will need to arrange their own transportation to the garden.</div>", "additional_info": "", "faq": "<div><strong>What should I wear?</strong><br> Comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors, a sunhat and walking shoes are recommended. You may also want to wear clothing that covers your legs and arms to protect yourself from mosquitoes.<br><br></div><div><strong>Is the tour suitable for children?</strong><br> Yes, children are welcome and it’s a great way for them to learn about where food comes from.<br><br></div><div><strong>What happens in case of rain?</strong><br> The tour goes ahead in light rain; however, it may be rescheduled in the event of severe weather.</div><div><strong><br>Can I buy plants or produce from the garden?</strong><br> Yes, there is an opportunity to purchase organic produce and plants at the end of the tour.</div><div><strong><br>Are there any health precautions to consider?</strong><br> Guests with dietary restrictions should inform us in advance; also, remember to bring natural insect repellent and sunscreen.<br><strong><br>Should I bring an EpiPen?</strong><br> If you are allergic to bee stings, we strongly recommend bringing an EpiPen. The tour involves areas where bees are active. However, no guest has ever been stung to date.</div><div><strong><br>What if I have food allergies?</strong><br> Please inform us of any food allergies well in advance. This allows us to accommodate your needs during any meal provisions included in the tour.<br><br></div><div><strong>Is it suitable for older people?</strong><br> Yes, it is suitable for older individuals. We can move garden chairs around to allow for extra rest time if needed.<br><br></div>", "pg_review": "", "product_help": null, "featured": true, "cancellation_policy": "flexible", "cancellation_policy_extra_info": "", "fitness_rating": "1", "fitness_notes": "", "accessibility_rating": "0", "accessibility_notes": null, "highlights": "<ul><li>Fresh local seasonal drink upon arrival.</li><li>Hands-on interaction with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables.</li><li>Multiple tasting stations featuring fresh, garden-grown delights.</li></ul>", "facilities": [], "itinerary": [], "total_bookmarks": 15, "featured_image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/Arataki_Garden_Tour_1.jpg", "featured_image_caption": null, "extra_notes": "", "all_public_holidays_closed": false, "cruise_extra_information": "", "custom_accordion_item_title": null, "custom_accordion_item_content": "", "display_hours_publicly": true, "allow_single_bookings_once_capacity_is_reached": true, "require_fully_booked_before_next_available": false, "require_minimum_capacity_for_booking_confirmation": false, "minimum_capacity_required_for_booking_confirmation": 2, "is_active": true, "email_extra_information_to_customer": "", "return_option_available": false, "minimum_duration_for_customer_defined_booking": null, "is_rental_product": false, "rental_inventory_count": null, "rental_unit_label": "", "allow_customer_duration": false, "business": "156ffb08-3a2b-4ae2-bd7f-5c6158df0e4c", "accommodation": null, "asset": null, "asset_pool": null, "route": null, "return_product": null, "awards": [] }