Seeing the sunrise and the three motus of Muri, Ngatangiia from Arore Mountain gives you an overwhelming sense of victory as you see the beauty of God’s creation, writes Losirene Lacanivalu.

When borders began to open after the Covid-19 pandemic, Luther Zainey decided to embark on a new business journey- giving people the opportunity to challenge themselves- close to an hour hike up Arore Mountain in Muri.

It was all about seeing the best sunrise view in Rarotonga.

And according to a tourist Dale Cameron when he hiked back in 2023, Zainey was a wonderful guide for their sunrise hike up Arore Mountain.

“He was very patient with our young daughter, who was a little slower than the rest of us, and taught us some of the local history along the way. The sunrise views from the top were stunning. It took us about 30-40 minutes to hike up and we had plenty of time at the top - we never felt rushed. Highly recommend - it was a highlight of our trip to Rarotonga!” he recommended on the Arore Mountain Adventures social media page.

Five years ago, I decided to take the walk up the track that could lead to the amazing view that everybody was talking about with Mable Elizabeth and family. Unfortunately I could not complete the walk and could not push myself to reach the top.

Tourists who made the walk on February 28, 2025. ARORE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES/ 25030930.

And upon returning to Rarotonga three years ago, Arore Mountain was always on my bucket list - it eventually happened.

Last week, I walked through the same track as I did a few years ago but this time it was for my husband’s birthday and for me to complete the walk with our flatmate.

We parked at the Muri main road and walked up the road as part of our warm-up.

Reaching the starting point, I for one was already breathless, but kept telling myself ‘ok I have to do this'.

At 5.30am we began our walk, the track was clear, there were proper markings on trees to follow and ropes to hold on to.

As we hiked up, there were stops to catch my breath just to reach where I had come to a halt years ago, I was told “make sure you reach the top, I’ll be waiting”.

And I eventually did, following the ropes and track, I took my time and at my pace, I finally reached the top just in time to see that breath-taking view- the sunrise out in Muri.

Masi Seavula, takes a selfie with Losirene Lacanivalu and her husband Ratu Osea Dasalusalu at Arore Mountain on March 1, 2025. 25030932.

When you finally reach the top, you feel you have accomplished a challenge and it gives you a positive mood.

Speaking to the landowner, Zainey says Arore is a popular hiking spot.

Zainey still manages the area at least once a month, cleaning the area and ropes and he is hoping to do more work on the trails and some seats at the top.

Zainey, who is also a chef, wants to give tourists a different experience.

In an earlier report, he said according to the stories he heard, warriors would sit up on the mountain and watch for any war parties arriving and watch the valley behind them, protecting the village.

A tourist walks down the trail after she reached the top of Arore Mountain. ARORE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES / 25030931.

When he was first given the land, he cleared it using a bush knife and chainsaw and as he reached the first view spot, he was astonished with the sight and decided to continue to clear the bushes, extending the track further up where he then saw spectacular view of the three motus and Muri, Ngatangiia.

Zainey is encouraging tourists and local guests who wish to experience this walk, it would be good to hike up in the early hours of the morning, where he would be your guide, you will be provided torches and you could reach the top by the time sun rises to witness the sunrise.

He says it is important and always safer to go with a guide, especially for visitors.

The Sunrise tour always starts at 5.30am at $65/ person for sunrise and $55/ person for day tours. There are special discounts for group tours and those under the age of 10 are free.

You can find more information on the Arore Mountain Adventures Facebook page or contact Luther Zainey on 79118 or lutherzainey81@gmail.com