Explore this lush, tropical paradise—seven acres of vibrant greenery, lily ponds, and winding paths.
Maire Nui Gardens & Café is a family-run botanical haven in Rarotonga, established in 1996! Once a swampland, it's been transformed into a flourishing garden showcasing a diverse range of tropical plants, including tamarind, starfruit, guava, mango, lychee, banana, passionfruit, and pomegranate trees. The gardens also feature compost stations and worm farms, reflecting a commitment to organic sustainability.
After exploring the gardens, we stopped by the on-site café, which offers a lovely island dining experience. The menu includes fresh foods of the tropics enhanced with organic herbs and spices from the garden. We couldn't resist trying their renowned cheesecake, served with ice cream and fresh fruit—a delightful treat in a serene setting.
The gardens are open daily and the cafe Monday to Friday.
(schedules may change throughout the year)
Reviews:
"Lovely morning walking around the gardens. So impressive when you look at the before photos in 1996! Café even had live guitar and my drink was excellent."
— Gemma from Auckland, New Zealand
"Great spot for lunch, the food was delicious and beautiful, the service was friendly and welcoming—the kids had a blast exploring the gardens and finding butterflies and bananas!"
— Stacey from Christchurch, New Zealand