Explore the exciting journey with Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga
Chapter One — Getting Set to Go to Rarotonga
“Welcome to Elastic Island, dear children, Heathcliff the Dog, and Blong the Cat,” said Mr Jollybowler. “Today we depart for beautiful Rarotonga.”
He introduced Kura the Kupa, the Cook Islands fruit dove. She cooed, smiled, and said, “Kia orana.”
“It means hello,” Emma replied.
“That’s right,” Kura said. “It also means ‘may you live long.’ It is a blessing.”
“Lovely,” sighed Blong. “Kia orana to all!” He twirled in his red raincoat.
Then Mr Jollybowler handed out flower crowns. “A small gift before we depart.”
“I love it!” said Blong.
“It’s charming,” said Emma.
“Awesome,” said Kiri.
Learn more about Cook Island Maori here
Read more about top things to do for kids in Rarotonga here
Chapter Two — Arriving at Muri Beach
A young woman in a blue floral uniform stepped forward. “Kia orana, I’m Veronica from Pacific Resort. I have a booking for Kiri, Emma, Ethan, Jed, Heathcliff, and Blong.”
After she left, everyone chose rooms. Emma, Kiri, and Blong took the left. Ethan, Jed, and Heathcliff chose the right.
With the afternoon free, Kiri swam in the lagoon. Jed organised snorkel gear. Heathcliff walked the beach. Ethan wandered the grounds. Meanwhile, Emma relaxed on a lounger with her book, and Blong curled on her lap.
Emma read about the Cook Islands: fifteen islands across a sea area as large as Western Europe. Rarotonga is the largest and most populated. Her imagination soared at the thought of double-hulled canoes crossing the ocean.
“Get off my sun lounger!” a small voice said.
Emma blinked. A colourful gecko with big eyes sat on her shoulder. Blong dozed, one ear twitching.
“Did you say something?” she asked.
“You’re on my lounger,” the gecko croaked, folding tiny arms. He looked very grumpy.
Click here to learn more about the 15 Islands in the Cook Islands
Click here to read more about the Gardens, Flora and Fauna at Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Chapter Three — The Great Black Pearl Heist
Ethan eyed Mighty Moko. “You should stay with us,” he said.
“I’m not going anywhere,” growled the gecko. “This is my place.”
A cry rang out from the restaurant entrance. “They’ve all been stolen!”
A waitress rushed by. Another handed out newspapers. “You need to see this.”
BLACK PEARL HEIST, the headline screamed.
At the next table, a guest gasped. “My black pearl necklace is gone!” Staff hurried to help.
“Goodness,” said Emma. “Even guests lost pearls.”
“What else does it say?” asked Jed.
Click here to learn more about Our Cook Island Culture, History and Heritage
Click here to learn more about Cook Island Black Pearls
Chapter Four — Making Their Way to The Needle
The team refused to give up. They packed food and water, then checked with reception. Two buses circle the island, one clockwise and one anti-clockwise, so they hopped aboard.
At the reception, Louisa greeted them. “How can I help?”
“We want to hike to The Needle,” said Kiri.
“I’ll organise a guide,” Louisa said. “It isn’t easy, but the view is worth it.”
As they rode, Louisa added, “I hope the police find the culprit soon. Black pearls support many families, so this theft hurts everyone.”
Click here to learn more about The Needle
Click here to see more on our flora and fauna at Pacific Resort
Chapter Five — The Top of The Needle
“Look, you can see the whole shoreline,” said Emma. Jagged ridges, dense bush, white beaches, coral reef, and the ocean beyond spread before them.
“I don’t like heights,” Blong whispered, clinging to Emma.
“We won’t stay long,” she said. “Let’s solve the clue.”
Jed spotted a wooden box with a keypad and an envelope. “Found it,” he said.
Learn more about Pacific Resorts Kids corner here
Discover more about the beautiful island of Rarotonga here
Chapter Six — Wigmore’s Waterfall is Wonderful
They reached a lush waterfall and a cool swimming hole. Heathcliff splashed in with a goofy grin.
“Extraordinary,” said Emma.
“Another box,” Jed pointed. Kiri grabbed the envelope and read the clue.
Then Blong dozed on a rock. He slipped and fell with a splash.
Heathcliff pulled him out. “You know I don’t like water,” Blong groaned.
Ethan handed Emma a towel. She dried Blong while Kiri dove into the pool. “This is sweet as!” Soon Jed belly-flopped in. Emma and Ethan dangled their feet.
Click here to buy your copy of Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga and find out what happens next!
Chapter Seven — The Maire Nui Gardens Are Beautiful
Blong danced across a small bridge. “Best garden in the whole wide world!”
The Maire Nui Gardens glowed with tropical colour. Fragrant frangipani scented the air. Jed counted palm varieties. They spotted mango, passionfruit, banana, and pomegranate.
Mighty Moko tried to slow them down. However, Blong spied another wooden box on a stone frog. Food arrived as Emma opened the envelope.
To find out more about Maire Nui Gardens click here.
Chapter Eight — A Diversion
“In the bus, Mighty Moko hypnotised you,” said Emma, holding Blong.
“Bad gecko,” Blong muttered.
Moko looked sheepish. Heathcliff said, “Confession takes honesty and courage.”
“Fine,” said Kiri. “Let’s get to Black Rock.”
“Bus time,” Blong cheered. “The mission is back on track.”
Discover more about the beautiful island of Rarotonga here
Learn more about Black Rock here
Chapter Nine — Black Rock Surprise
A refreshing breeze met them at Black Rock. Jed spotted a golf course nearby and made mental plans. The basalt rocks formed perfect diving platforms above clear rock pools.
They walked the shore. Blong saw it first. “There it is! The next box with the clues!”
Learn more about Pacific Resorts Kids corner here
Chapter Ten — Modelling at the Seawall Mural
They reached the long Nikao Seawall mural. Coral reefs, native birds, sea life, and people in traditional dress covered the wall.
“This is impressive,” Ethan said. Even Moko nodded.
Two artists approached. “Kia orana,” said one. “Each island has a section to tell its story.”
“The Marae Moana mural reminds us how our forefathers sailed the Pacific,” added the other.
Learn more about the largest Seawall in the South Pacific here
Chapter Eleven — A Beachcomber Diversion
They paused at the historic Beachcomber Building. Emma read the sign. Built in 1845 by the London Missionary Society, the limestone building once hosted Sunday School and community events. Cyclone Dolly damaged it in 1967. It was restored in 1992 to showcase black pearls and contemporary art.
“We’d better keep going,” said Jed. “We have clues to solve before 9 a.m.”
Inside, a shop assistant said, “All our black pearls were stolen.” She lowered her voice. “A billionaire’s yacht arrived recently. Some staff acted suspiciously.”
“Balaclavas in the tropics?” Emma asked.
“Much too hot,” Blong agreed. “Very suspicious,” Ethan said.
Learn about the 10 best historical sights on Rarotonga by clicking here
Chapter Twelve — Visiting the Takamoa Theological College
They climbed the steps to a gleaming white stone building.
“It was completed in 1843,” Emma read.
“Older than all of us,” Blong chirped.
“Getting older is a privilege,” Heathcliff said. “It brings wisdom.”
“It was the first Theological College in the South Pacific,” Emma added.
Jed spotted a box at the top of the stairs, grabbed it, and opened the envelope.
Learn more here about the Takamoa Theological College here
Chapter Thirteen — The Banana Court Interview
They stopped at the Banana Court for lemonade and water bowls.
“The thief is getting sneaky,” Ethan said, pointing under the table. Jed pulled out a taped box and an envelope.
A young journalist ran in. “Are you the clue-solving kids?” He peered at the keypad. “What does the note say?”
Question: The Banana Court was the first hotel in the Cook Islands and served as a sanatorium. What year was it built?
A 1905 • B 1955 • C 2005 • D 2015
“Typical PS,” Kiri sighed. “He wants us to give up.”
“We won’t,” said Jed. “Not now.”
Read more about the Banana Court in Rarotonga here
Chapter Fourteen — Punanga Nui Market Surprise
They wandered through Punanga Nui Market. Live music filled the air. Emma browsed sarongs. Jed admired carvings. Kiri tested ukuleles. Ethan found second-hand treasures. He bought a carved wooden turtle and dreamed up a motorised snack-serving version for parties.
Meanwhile, Blong and Heathcliff sniffed their way past pizzas, waffles, kebabs, and pastries. Smoothie stalls blended every fruit imaginable. Local favourites like taro, coconut, poke, and ika mata tempted them.
“This is my kind of place,” Blong said, dancing. “Come on, Kiri!”
Learn more about the Punanga Nui Markets here
Chapter Fifteen — The Cultural Night
They reached Te Vara Nui Village a little late. The hostess greeted them warmly and handed out costumes. “You’re part of the show tonight,” she smiled. “Enjoy the buffet first. You won’t go on until the end.”
The drums began. Dancers in bright costumes filled the stage and floating platform. Lights flickered. Torches flamed. The Legend of Tongaiti unfolded, and Kiri watched, spellbound.
Learn more about Te Vara Nui Spectacular Over-Water Night Show & Dinner here
Chapter Sixteen — Mighty Moko Changes His Mind
Question at Avana Harbour: What was the first European ship to land here in 1814?
A The Cumbersome • B The Cumberland • C The Cummerbund • D The Cucumber
“It’s not Cucumber,” Ethan said.
Mighty Moko cleared his throat. “It’s B, The Cumberland. I’ve learned a lot from guests reading aloud in my room.”
Kiri pressed B. The envelope clicked open.
Find out more on the 10 Best Historical Sites on Rarotonga here
Chapter Seventeen — Back Where It All Began
“What will we do with the reward?” Ethan asked.
“Five thousand dollars,” Kiri counted.
“We should share,” Emma said.
“You’re more blessed to give than receive,” Heathcliff added.
“I vote we donate to a local school library,” said Mighty Moko.
Ethan groaned, then nodded. “Alright. Let’s do it.”
Crowds soon gathered for photos. Matthew, the journalist, reported mystery trucks returning pearls around the island. Officers vowed it would never happen again.
“Brunch, urgently,” Jed said. They planned the rest of the day, with Mighty Moko keen to join.
“I feel more alive than ever,” he smiled.
“I love Rarotonga,” said Blong, mouth full of fish. “Best trip ever.”
Learn more about the School Island Adventures tour here
Chapter Eighteen — The Elastic Ride Home
“Grab a palm tree,” said Kura the K?kupa. “Store your drums in the main pod.”
They secured everything and held on. Drums still beat on Muri Beach as Elastic Island furrowed toward the shore.
“Next stop Browns Bay,” Mr Jollybowler called. In a flash, Rarotonga slipped into the distance.
The trip felt smooth and quick. Soon they hugged the beach at Browns Bay.
“It’s been a pleasure,” said Mr Jollybowler.
“We loved having you,” Kura added. “See you next time!”