Discovering Raro – the 22 best things to do in Rarotonga
Last updated on June 15th, 2026 at 07:53 am
Kia Orana – hello!
Love a tropical beach and warm sun? Love nature and the great outdoors?
If your answer is yes, Rarotonga or ‘Raro’ as its known around here, will be just right for you!
I decided to take a trip there to celebrate a certain big birthday. You know – one that ends with a ‘0’ – and it turned out to be a great decision! My daughter came along and first we went to Aitutaki (not to be missed) and then headed back to Raro where my mum joined us.
A lot of massages, cocktails, and warm water later we dragged ourselves back to the airport wishing we had a few more days – of course!
Rarotonga is the largest island in the Cook Islands and its tropical beaches, mountain scenery, local culture, and laid-back island life keeps travellers coming back – yes, since then we have been back to explore even more – its quite addictive!
This is how it was for us in a nutshell – and in the following sections this guide will give you all the best things to do, as well as answer your questions and give you local tips so you enjoy your time in Rarotonga!
Travelling around in Rarotonga
The best things to do Rarotonga
How do I get to Rarotonga?
The main hub for flights is from Auckland, New Zealand, with 1-2 flights per day with Air New Zealand or Jetstar. You can also fly from Sydney, Brisbane, Honolulu, or Papeete:
– Sydney and Brisbane to Rarotonga with Jetstar
– Honolulu to Rarotonga with Hawaiian Airlines
– Papeete, French Polynesia to Rarotonga with either Air Rarotonga or Air Tahiti
Find your flights and check prices on skyscanner or booking.com.
Travelling around in Rarotonga
You have plenty of options and its fun to try them all!
1. Hire a scooter or car – its easy and cheap, and the speed limit is 50km, so its pretty safe too.
2. Hire a bike and cycle the island. It will take 2-3 hours to ride the 32km ring road around the island (depending on how often you stop). Also see no. 7 in the things to do below.
3. Take the very cheap circular bus around the island. It goes along the ring road in both directions. All the details are here.
Note to get from the airport to your hotel if you have not hired a car, you can get a taxi, or wait for the bus – it is irregular and doesn’t run at night or Sundays. Or you can book a transfer direct to your hotel ahead of time. When you book, make sure you then tell them your pick up time so they can schedule it!
The best things to do in Rarotonga
All the things you don’t want to miss out on!
1. Swim amongst the turtles – or even the whales!
We loved the snorkeling – with turtles and beautiful tropical fish. There are a few places to go. One place we liked was in the crystal clear Aroa Marine Reserve on the southwest coast of Rarotonga. The turtles we came across were very chill and didn’t swim away, making us feel very lucky.
The Tikioki Marine Reserve is on the southeast coast of Rarotonga and is also one of the most popular snorkelling spots.
Also you can park up by Fruits of Rarotonga in the south of the island and walk on in to Titikaveka – another favorite snorkel spot, with big coral bommies, deep water and plenty of large tropical fish. It can be a bit murky in the shallows but just swim out a bit to the clearer water. There are also coral canyons you can swim in and out of which is pretty cool!
However, to guarantee you have the best chance to swim with turtles (and eagle rays and more) taking a tour with locals that know exactly where to go is a good idea. I recommend this 2 hour turtle snorkeling trip to get up close to the turtles, but also to see eagle rays and more – I loved the rays as much as the turtles, and the guides were very professional!
Another option if you have a small group is this Private Rarotonga Turtle Tour.
I haven’t tried it but these sea scooter tours are also very highly rated and another option to consider:
Alternatively, if you have always wanted to swim with whales, you have a great opportunity here between June and November!
These trips are on a research boat so you are directly helping scientist learn more about the whales. Swim with Whales Guaranteed – Small Groups, Photography Included
2. Do the Cross island Walk (allow 4 hrs, 6km)
This is ‘the’ hike to do in Rarotonga. A good climb uphill, an attempt at ‘the needle,’ views, bush, river and a waterfall at the end – you can’t go wrong.
‘The Needle, or, Te Rua Manga?’ It is a volcanic plug / rock in the center of the island which can be seen from afar. You don’t have to go up it, so pass it by if you don’t like heights or find it too much. But its a great little extra challenge if you want to take it.
This is a one-way hike so you need to use the island bus, hitch, or have someone drop you off to start and arrange someone to meet you at the other end. Lucky we had my mum with us to do drop off and pick up.
I recommend you do what most people do, and start from the Avarua end (in the north) and finish at Wigmore’s Waterfall. Use the AllTrails map for directions to and on the walk. You can get dropped off by the bus nearish to the trailhead at the Avarua end of the trail – at Avatiu Rd. It adds a couple of extra kms to the walk. At the Wigmore Waterfall end it adds about 1.5km to the walk to the main road where you can get the bus again.
Honestly, for me, this was the best thing to do in Rarotonga! Admittedly, I love hiking, and I had been in Aitutaki before this, so had had my fill of sea and turtles, but it really was excellent.
Note: Wear proper shoes – it is not a walk in the park kind of walk! Its good to start early and take plenty of water.
3. Swim in freshwater
You can try Wigmore’s Waterfall for swimming. I swam there but a far better place is up the Cross Island Track a bit from Wigmore’s (less than an hour) at a perfect natural pool in the river. See the pic below. It is hard to drag yourself out of it and the only people you will see are the odd few that do the Cross Island walk. Obviously its a great way to finish off the Cross Island Walk as well!
4. Enjoy beautiful Muri Lagoon – SUP, kayak, swim…….
If you’re not staying at Muri head to the lagoon anyway! Its a lovely sandy spot with offshore islands to explore. You can hire a SUP or kayak at Muri to explore. It’s a perfectly relaxing and mildly active way to spend an afternoon.
A very very popular ting to do at Muri is this half day glass bottom boat cruise with snorkeling – and a beach BBQ with music and laughter as well!
There is a carpark with public access to the beach right next to Muri Beach Club Hotel on Nukupure Drive. Or do what we did and have a drink and snack at the Hotel and then stay and enjoy the amenities! Definitely a good day on a beautiful beach with plenty to do to entertain us.
5. Learn to kitesurf or dive!
If you are up for learning a new skill, or already have what it takes – the kitesurfing season is from May to October. That was one for my daughter – not me!
Or – do you dive yet? If not there are at least four places that can teach you and take you diving. This could be the time to finally get down under the water.
6. Grab a bike and cycle the island
Even though its only a couple of hours of actual cycling, its going to take longer by the time you stop and swim, try out different cafes, and visit local art galleries, museums, the derelict Sheraton resort, the Rarotonga brewery……..
Roads are safe with a speed limit of 30kmph in town and 50kmph out of town.
One way of cycling the island and learning a lot about the culture, history and food of the island as you go, is to take a cycle tour! These two tours both provide lunch and time for swimming. I highly recommend doing this!
Your options are: the ‘Discover’ Rarotonga Cycling Tour or the ‘Explore’ Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour.
If you don’t feel like biking, you could try this 3 hour tour of the island in air conditioning instead!
7. Visit the Taputapuatea Marae
The historic Pare O Tane Palace of Makea and the surrounding Taputapuatea Marae are interesting places to take a look at. this is where the paramount ariki (chief) of the area, Makea Takau, signed the treaty accepting the Cook Islands as a British protectorate in 1888. (It’s opposite the Church in Avarua.)
If you are biking – this is a good stop to add to your bike tour!
8. Head to Black Rock Beach
Walk, swim, check out the rocks, and even snorkel at Black Rock Beach.
The rock is said to be where Rarotonga’s spirits depart to the afterlife, which you can learn more about on the information boards there. At low tide, check out the rock pools, at high tide it’s a fun and top place to snorkel. It was really quiet there too so I spent a good couple of hours just mucking around.
And this is another good stop to add to your bike tour!
9. Drop in at the working Gallery Tavioni and Vananga at Avarua
We came across this place by chance when exploring the island. We then spent a lot of time chatting to the guys making traditional canoes (vaka) here which was fun and really interesting! In NZ we call these canoes waka, and with one of our family into waka racing, this was a real bonus to see. The Gallery is run by Run by a Cook Islands master carver and artist – Mike Tavioni.
They also have a gallery with carvings and other art, so there is plenty to see other than the building of the vakas. Its nothing fancy – real and authentic and well worth seeking out.
You will find it on the inner ring road towards the eastern (Avarua) end of the airport runway. It is not advertised and well known to visitors – a real hidden little gem!
Also another one for your bike trip!
10. Get filthy on a buggy tour
Raro Buggy Tours clearly show people a good time. TBH I didn’t do it, but met them when I was hiking and it looked like a blast.
This would be great for a fun way to explore the island for a couple of hours on the less-travelled roads while driving your own buggy. You will absolutely get covered in mud – so wear old clothes. Also, from what I saw, try Raro Quad Tours – you will have just as much fun and muddy good times!
11. Visit the Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Market is held on Saturdays in Avarua, and it has it all – fruit, vegies, local handcrafts etc plus free entertainment, including live music and dance performances. Have a tasty brunch or lunch and definitely try a fresh fruit smoothie – yum! It is a great way to spend a couple of hours and get some free entertainment as well as any souvenirs you want to take home. There is a handy ATM and many of the stalls do eftpos.
A great foodie tour – with lots of eating involved – is this Market and Local Farms in Rarotonga tour. Only on a Saturday, you see the foods for sale in the Punanga Nui Market, then explore the back roads and farms to learn about how they are grown, before sampling them all at a Cook Islands lunch!! Perfect!!
12. Help prepare a traditional umu (earth oven) feast and go on a walking tour
We had a great walking tour learning about and discovering local fruits and plants with Tumutoa tours. I definitely recommend taking one of their tours. (I do not get any commission for this – it was just really good.) I went on the walking tour, only because I’ve done many umus before, but I found the walking tour really enjoyable and interesting! But if you haven’t had an umu meal before – don’t miss out on trying this!
And of course the Market and Local Farms in Rarotonga tour is another great foodie option!
13. Wander and explore the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens.
This is a brilliant example of bringing life back to the land!
Not so long ago the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens were a barren piece of land. Now it’s a tranquil and beautiful 7-acre tropical garden. Show your support and visit for a couple of hours.
Small bridges, a pond, a gazebo and so many tropical flowers and plants – its a great place to chill. We had a yummy meal here too – the food is definitely good! It was a perfect few hours to walk, muse, chill, eat, and then buy some lovely chutneys etc to take home.
14. Tackle the Raemaru Track’s little Via Ferrata
Another hike! Try the Raemaru Track Via Ferrata. Its on the Back Road in Arorangi and there are yellow signposts to the start. This is an in and out hike – the AllTrails map is here.
This is a lot easier than the cross-island trek and a lot shorter as well at 90 mins, 3.1km return. The hardest part is the final ascent – a 15-meter rock climb at the top to the viewpoint (ropes provided to aid you). The track is well signposted, and if you don’t like the look of the final ascent, don’t worry – you’ve still got the views!
Note: There are a few other tracks in Rarotonga that you also might enjoy – you can read about them on AllTrails here.
15. Take the bus full circle around the island
This is one of the ways to get around the island, but it is also a lot of fun and a cheap way to see what’s going on! It’s a wave-it-down bus – there are bus stops but as long as the driver can stop safely where you are, they will! Mingle with the locals and sit and let the world go by. It costs $5.00 for a one-way trip. Even better, you can buy a 10 trip pass for $25 – and you can have multiple people use the same card! Perfect if there are a few of you. For me it was just fun to watch the world go by, chat to locals, and see the island from a different perspective!
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Rarotonga, but if you want a guided introduction tour of the island then this 3-Hour Rarotonga Island Discovery Tour is just right – you can always go on the bus later!
16. Take a day trip to Aitutaki
If you are not going to Aitutaki or another of the Cook Islands alongside your time in Rarotonga, at least consider taking a day trip to Aitutaki. (Though, I really recommend having a few days there if you can.) It is nothing short of idyllic and the lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the world (judged by me)!
Just look at the pic ↓ – and tell me if you disagree!
Read more about Aitutaki and what to do there in my post – A Cook Islands Paradise – Blissing out in Aitutaki
17. Have a spa treatment
My favourite thing is a massage, and a must if its your birthday! I booked a mobile masseur which was perfect – full massage and then fall into the hammock at my place! Can’t go wrong.
A couple of mobile massage therapist options are:
It is soooooo nice not to have to ‘go’ somewhere for your massage but to have it come to you. But if you want a spa environment then some highly rated spas that give massages are:
18. Try an Island night with traditional dances and food
Most resorts offer these and they do get booked out in advance – so definitely book ahead. You will have a buffet style meal of traditional foods, and then be entertained with traditional dancing. We had a great night with far too many cocktails involved.
19. Visit the Muri Night market
The Muri Night Market is all go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5pm. This is a food / dinner market and there is every kind of food to suit just about anyone! Arrive early and bring cash! We went back twice because it was too hard to choose what to eat. Mingle with the locals and enjoy a cheap and cheerful meal!
20. Enjoy the Shipwreck Hut sunset and have the famous fish sandwich at Charlie’s Cafe
Enjoy the sunset with a beer or cocktail in hand at the Shipwreck Hut at the Aro’a Beachside Inn – it’s ‘the’ sunset thing to do in Raro!
On another night make sure you are at Charlie’s Cafe and Bar between 4 and 6 to get your happy hour drinks and then order the famous fish sandwich to eat while the sun sets. You can’t go wrong!
22. Collect some coins!
Finally – Cook Islands money is super cool. Cool enough to want to take some home!
22. And finally (on the eating front) – my locals secret!
Last but definitely not least – I have my secret bonus you won’t find on any other guide to Raro (I’m pretty sure – so shhhh).
On Sunday mornings, and only Sunday mornings, get yourself in a car or on a bike and drive a few kms north of Muri to the Matavera area. There on the roadside you will find the best bakery out!! The VMV Bakery – and the Coffee House Matavera!
It’s not marked but as a local told me, you will see the queues so you cant miss it. And that turned out to be absolutely true! Its only open Sunday morning, and you need to be there by 7am. Yes I know – but its worth it!
I promise you wont be disappointed – please comment below and tell me if it was just the best!
That’s it – we found plenty to do in Raro for people that want nothing but beach and water, and for people that want some action. Of course don’t forget there are other islands like Aitutaki too.
Things to pack for Rarotonga
These are the things I was glad I had with me when I was in Raro:
- Good and comfortable walking / hiking shoes.
- Water shoes – the coral is sharp and it protects you from any unlucky encounter with a stonefish
- Sunscreen (reef safe – I like ocean potion)
- Sun hat
- A UV protecting rash suit and swimsuit.
- A sand-free quick drying towel.
- Your own snorkel and mask if you have them
- Mosquito repellent (deet free)! Also lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection.
- A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste, which is heavily discouraged on the islands.
- Your camera/phone and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone.
Frequently asked questions about travel to Rarotonga
Q: Where is Rarotonga?
A: Rarotonga is the largest and most visited island in the Cook Islands, which are a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii
Q: Is Rarotonga worth visiting?
A: If you like tropical beaches and a chill atmosphere, with a few interesting things to do when not on the beach, then absolutely – yes!
Q: Is Rarotonga safe for tourists?
A: Yes – its considered one of the safest Pacific Islands and by world standards is very safe. Opportunistic theft might happen, but violent crime is very rare. Normal precautions apply.
Q: What is the best time to visit Rarotonga?
A: May to October is the drier season, with cooler temperatures and calmer conditions. November to April is warmer and more humid with higher rain chances. June to September is peak season and the best time to visit for better water conditions.
Q: Can you swim and snorkel year-round?
A: Generally yes, but wind and weather affects how good it is. The best time to snorkel in Rarotonga is during the dry season from May to October,- especially at high tide and in the early morning. The water is warmer in the wet season but can be murkier – the morning and high tide is still best then.
Q: How many days do you need in Rarotonga?
A: 3–4 days is good for a short tropical break. 5–7 days is best for adding in some activity – beaches, hiking, snorkelling etc, and slower island time. 7–10 days is best if you are combining a trip to Rarotonga with a trip to nearby Aitutaki.
Q: How do you get to Rarotonga?
A: See above – but flights come from Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Hawaii, and Tahiti.
Q: Do you need a visa for Rarotonga?
A: Not usually – you will get a 31 day visa on arrival, and New Zealanders will get a 90 day stay. Check here for the latest details. You need proof of an outward ticket and of accommodation for your stay.
Q: Is Rarotonga expensive?
A: Compared to Southeast Asia, yes. Compared to Bora Bora or the Maldives, generally no.
Q: Can you drink tap water in Rarotonga?
A: Generally no. It can be ok but best to use filtered or bottled water.
Q: Do you need a car in Rarotonga?
A: Not necessarily. You can use the bus and taxis and you can bike, but its good to have one for a day or two if you really want to explore without biking!
Travel Tips for Rarotonga
- If you fly from New Zealand or Australia, even though its only a three-hour flight, you go back a day. So, if you leave New Zealand on Sunday, you will arrive in Rarotonga on Saturday.
Be careful you book accommodation on the right days. - You can use either the local Cook Island dollar or the NZ dollar in Rarotonga. Note that the Cook Island coins are great collector pieces!
- Bring reef shoes for coral areas and be kind to the environment – bring reef safe sunscreen! Also bring your own snorkel gear if you have it.
- Go snorkelling early in the morning – its almost always better.
- Stay at least 5-7 days if you can, and don’t miss out on going to Aitutaki if you have the budget and can stay a bit longer!
- Download offline maps and other things you might want before you get on the plane. Mobile coverage is generally good but may not be when away from the more populated areas.
Where to stay in Rarotonga
Accommodation comes in plenty of varieties from homestays to beach huts, a hostel or two and, of course, the resorts!
If you want to be sandy beachside your best bet is the Muri Lagoon area or Aroa or Titikaveka beaches. Aroa and Titikaveka have the snorkeling, Muri has the beach vibe. But nothing is far away in Raro so look around and see what kind of accommodation suits you best.
Book a hotel with booking.com. To get you started I have hand-picked some great options with a very high review ratings:
High End – Pacific Resort Rarotonga or Muri Beach Club Hotel or the Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
Mid Range – Muri Shores or Ocean Escape Resort & Spa
Good Value – Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape or Ariki Retreat (Adults Only)
Budget – Kura’s Kabanas or Aroa Kainga Bungalows and Apartment
Larger villas – Cook Islands Holiday Villas-Tuoro Holiday 4 bedroom villa or the Serene Holiday Home 3 bedroom villa
Note: If you fly from New Zealand or Australia, even though its only a three-hour flight, you go back a day. So, if you leave New Zealand on Sunday, you will arrive in Rarotonga on Saturday.
Be careful you book accommodation on the right days.
Plan your trip checklist
These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!
Money – You can use either the local Cook Island dollar or the NZ dollar. There are ATMS on the island and larger restaurants and shops accept credit cards.
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. My top picks for you in Raro are:
- A 2 hour turtle snorkeling trip or the Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure
- A half day Muri Lagoon glass bottom boat cruise with BBQ and snorkeling
- Swim with Whales Guaranteed – Small Groups, Photography Included
- Cycling on the ‘Discover’ Rarotonga Cycling Tour or the ‘Explore’ Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour
- Market and Local Farms in Rarotonga tour
- Airport to hotel transfer
Thanks so much if you used one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!
Aere Ra – goodbye from the Cook Islands!
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