The most famous hike in Rarotonga, Cook Islands!

Te Rua Manga, also known as The Needle/Cross island walk

This hike offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the island. The 6km trek takes about 3-4 hours to complete and is divided into three main sections: an uphill climb through the jungle (from the town side), a walk along the ridge tops, and a steep downhill descent to Papua Waterfall - or vice versa.

It's a challenging but rewarding adventure, so make sure to pack water, snacks, sturdy footwear, sunblock, insect repellent, and a mobile phone for safety.

Use Maunga Tours if you want an amazing guided tour across the whole walk (pick up/drop off included). Otherwise you can do the loop track to & from the waterfall end - be aware the gravel road out to this point is full of pot holes & costs a few dollars too. Otherwise you can go from the town side - super nice, flat new road and the steepest, quickest way up to the needle.

If you want to do the full cross island walk - you can either catch the public bus and walk to the start/end of the track, or hitchhike, taxi or grab 2 cars/scooters and do the drop and pick up.

Leave no trace behind on this beautiful island trail.