Are you travelling to the Cook Islands and only spending roughly a week there? This guide details all the best things to do in Rarotonga. It’s not an endless list of everything there is to do in the Cook Islands, but a guide focusing on the best things to see, do and eat and how to make the most of your precious holiday time.
Rarotonga, or more affectionately known as “Raro”, is an island in the Cook Islands that’s small enough you can feel completely relaxed and remote, but still with plenty of things to do and places to eat.
There aren’t any high-rises, fast food chains or even traffic lights! Just a couple of roundabouts and one main road that runs around the whole island.
Rarotonga is relatively close to Australia & New Zealand (compared to many other parts of the world). I feel so lucky that a direct flight can take us to such a paradise. Crystal-clear lagoons, beaches lined with palm trees, mountain scenery, great food, wonderful locals & so many friendly dogs.
The island vibes of the Cook Islands had me relaxed the second I stepped off the plane. And, as I was only there for a week, I wanted to make the most of the time I had.
Keep reading or save for later, because you’ll want to know the best things to do in Rarotonga (including one of the most unique day trips).
Best Things To Do In Rarotonga
I’ve broken this list of the best things to do in Rarotonga into a few categories: free things to do, budget-friendly, premium, and other things to do in Rarotonga. To make it easier to find what could best suit your travel plans, but I recommend all of them.
Before we get into it, these are two of the most important bits of the local language you should know:
Hello/greeting – Kia Orana
Thank you – Meitaki
Free Things To Do In Rarotonga
Visit The Best Beaches for Swimming in Rarotonga
Muri Lagoon
This lagoon is calm, the water is clear, and the whole area is absolutely stunning. Maui Lagoon is also the perfect place to SUP or kayak while in Raro.
And, in my option this is one of the best areas to stay in Rarotonga as well!
Titikaveka Beach
This is a beautiful stretch of beach and plenty of room for all beachgoers. To find the location, look for Moana Sands Lagoon Resort or Little Polynesian Resort, as both of these resorts back onto the beach.
We spent hours here, and I loved every minute of it. Plus, you can snorkel right off the beach at high tide.
Also, behind the restaurant Charlie’s Raro, it’s still technically Titikaveka Beach (or more locally known as Te Akapuao Beach), but make sure you also spend time along this stretch of the beach. Here you’ll find plenty of shade gifted by the beautiful line of palm trees, an amazing reef and good swimming conditions. Plus, you will also see the popular bent palm tree that leans right out over the beach. It’s easy to walk along the trunk and a great spot for photos.
Aroa Beach
Aroa Beach is awesome for swimming and snorkelling at high tide. The beach can get busy as it’s located behind the popular Rarotongan Beach Resort. And there’s also heaps of street parking close by.
Papa’Aroa Beach
In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rarotonga. Not just because the beach itself is stunning, but because right where you can pull over and park your car, there are lines of palm trees along the beach and no buildings in the way.
So, with the palm trees, clear turquoise water and visible reef, the area is extremely picturesque. Even if you aren’t up for a swim, it’s worth pulling over and getting a few photos.
Although the calm water here offers a great place to swim, just be mindful that there isn’t much else around. So make sure you have water and snacks with you.
Papa’Aroa Beach is opposite Papa’aroa College. Click here for the Google Maps links.
Local Markets
If at all possible, plan your trip to Rarotonga so you’re there on a Saturday.
Every Saturday morning, the Punanga Nui Market is the place to be. This free event has stalls selling local food & locally made products. It’s the perfect place to get souvenirs and also watch a vibrant cultural performance. Plus, if you’re travelling with children, there’s a large playground for them to enjoy.
Punanga Nui Market is open on Saturday from 8 am to midday. I recommend arriving early so you can make the most of this event; the market is quite big. And if driving, arriving early will ensure you get parking close by.
The market is located in the main town of Rarotonga. So afterwards, why not wander the “CBD”, visit some local shops and have lunch at one of the many restaurants. Good options for lunch are Trader Jacks, Kai & Co. and The Lucky Rooster.
Muri Night Market is another great market in Rarotonga. So many food stalls, it’ll be hard to decide on what to eat for dinner. I loved the Raro Taco stand; a large plate was $20 and included tasty bean tacos, salsa, rice and BBQ corn. And make sure you also try Island Fries while you’re there. Muri night market is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Off-Beach Snorkelling
I love this about Rarotonga: you don’t necessarily need a guided tour to access incredible snorkelling spots. Straight off the beach you can see hundreds of colourful fish, beautiful coral and maybe even a turtle.
But that doesn’t mean you can snorkel anywhere around Rarotonga. The island is surrounded by a reef, but several reef channels & passages around the island can be extremely dangerous to swim in. This is due to fast-flowing seaward currents that rush out to the open ocean.
These channels are clearly marked on the tourist maps you can pick up everywhere, and if in doubt, ask a local.
Two snorkelling spots in Rarotonga that are safe and easy to access from the beach are Tikioki Marine Reserve and The Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve.
The Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve is just behind the Rarotongan Beach Resort, so easy to find but can get very busy.
Then there is Tikioki Marine Reserve (or often just referred to as Fruits of Rarotonga). The best time to swim here is at high tide or shortly after; otherwise it becomes difficult to swim over parts of the coral.
I particularly loved Tikioki Marine Reserve; it felt like it was the perfect environment for a turtle to hang out – although I didn’t see any!
If driving here, you can park across the road from Cafe Puretu, which is also next to Eleni House.
Both of these locations offer great snorkelling, right off the beach, and you don’t need to swim far out to view so much stunning coral and fish.
Drive Right Around Rarotonga
Rarotonga is 32 km in circumference; there is one main road and no traffic lights, so it’s impossible to get lost. The drive all the way around Rarotonga will take between 40 and 50 minutes, and you’ll be driving at around 30 – 40 km/h.
It’s a cruisy drive and particularly a good option if it isn’t beach weather. Taking the time to casually drive around the island, instead of just when you’re on your way somewhere, will allow you to see places you may have otherwise missed. Pull over at scenic viewpoints, pass local villages, notice small roadside fruit stands, try different places to eat and pop into small local shops.
Find the perfect car hire with Discover Cars.
Kayak in Muri Lagoon
Kayaking in Muri Lagoon is the perfect way to explore one of the most beautiful areas in Rarotonga. The water is shallow, crystal clear and calm. And being on a kayak gives you easy access to explore the three little islands (motu).
During our first couple of nights in Rarotonga, we were staying right on Muri Lagoon and our hotel had kayaks available for guests to use for free (like many do). We went out in the morning before it got too hot, and my toddler even fell asleep out there, which shows how calm and relaxing the morning was.
If you aren’t staying on Muri Lagoon, you can hire kayaks for around $20 per hour, and discounts are available if you hire them for longer. You can hire kayaks through local companies such as KiteSUP and Captain Tama’s.
Plane Spotting
Many people don’t realise that Rarotonga is actually an amazing place for plane spotting. So if this kind of thing excites you, you’ll need to check it out.
If you drive to the Nikao Seawall behind the Rarotonga airport, there are parking spaces to the side; then stand on the path along the seawall, and the aircraft will fly right over your head.
Some of the aircraft types that regularly land at Rarotonga are Airbus A320 and Boeing 787. Plus, the smaller twin-turboprop Saab 340.
When you plan to do plane spotting in Rarotonga, it’s important to check the airport’s schedule. This is a very quiet airport, and there can be hours between flights landing. We had loose planes to go and be there when our Jetstar aircraft was landing the morning we were flying home. But unfortunately the flight arrived quite early, and we didn’t make it in time.
Either way, it’s worth checking out the Nikao Seawall; it’s beautiful. It’s painted with a bright ocean-themed mural that fits perfectly into its surroundings. And it is actually the longest seawall mural in the South Pacific, stretching approximately 560 to 562 meters.
Stop by the Rarotonga Swing for a Photo
Something quick and easy to add to your list of things to do in Rarotonga. The Rarotongan swing is built right on the beach and although touristy, it’s fun, picturesque and can be a souvenir to take back home!
The swing is on the east side of Rarotonga, just up the road from Vili’s Burger Joint. Click here for the Google Maps link.
Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Rarotonga
I was surprised to learn how quickly things can book out in Rarotonga, especially when visiting in peak season. If there are certain restaurants you want to eat at, book at least a few days in advance. And, when it comes to booking day trips or tours, these need to be booked before you even arrive to avoid disappointment – assuming you’re only in Rarotonga for a week or so!
Maire Nui Botanical Gardens
The Maire Nui Botanical Gardens are 7 acres of stunning garden with bridges, lily ponds, bright flowers, local fruit trees, and the mountains as the backdrop. The property is very well kept and is the perfect place for a peaceful walk or somewhere to let the kids run around and burn some energy.
The entry fee is $10 per adult; kids are free, and there’s also an attached cafe. The Maire Nui Botanical Gardens are open daily from 10 am – 3 pm, except on Mondays & Tuesdays they don’t open till 11 am.
Cook Islands SPCA Animal Shelter
If you feel like giving back while in the Cook Islands, this is a great option, and for animal lovers it may just be one of the best things you do in Rarotonga.
At the time of my visit, the SPCA Animal Shelter was home to 78 dogs, and each one gets to leave the shelter daily to run around and explore. If you’d like to join the doggies on their walk, you can sign up for the Waggy Tails Dog Walking Experience.
I loved being a part of this; we were able to tag along on their outing, assist with lead training and visit Wigmore’s Waterfall, where most of the dogs went for a swim.
After the walk, everyone was welcomed into the shelter to visit some of the younger dogs. There were even a few tiny puppies, so cute.
The cost is $25 per person, and all the money goes towards running the shelter. For food alone, they need $5,000 per month. And, as well as SPCA caring for their own dogs, they also give free health checks to stray dogs and desex as many as possible (on average 10 a week).
Check out their Facebook page and contact them there to book in for Waggy Tails Dog Walking Experience.
During your time on Rarotonga, you’ll quickly notice how many stray dogs are running around the island. In the Cook Islands, you’re only allowed a maximum of two dogs per household, and generally there aren’t any fences around people’s homes; dogs are free to run around and spread their seed everywhere. This can create multiple issues, so it’s great to see and support an organisation that is lovingly caring for these dogs and working towards having fewer stray dogs roaming around.
Wigmore’s Waterfall
Even without visiting the dogs at SPCA, Wigmore’s Waterfall is still worth visiting. You can park outside SPCA, and it’s an easy 6-minute walk from there. Through the jungle and alongside a stream, it’s a very beautiful area and a nice contrast to the beach.
I had read that when parking here to visit the waterfall, you may be asked to pay an entry fee, which is approximately NZ$2 for scooters and NZ$5 for cars, but I had no personal experience with this.
Be mindful that there are a lot more mosquitoes here, so don’t forget the insect repellent.
Before coming here, I thought it would be the perfect place for a swim, to cool off on a hot day. But after seeing that this is where multiple dogs bathe every day, I had second thoughts!
Sunset From Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar
The Shipwreck Bar is a lively, pirate-themed bar right on the beach on the western side of Rarotonga. It’s connected to Aro’s Beachside Resort and is one of the best places to enjoy a drink at sunset on Rarotonga.
Also, every Monday night they host a Cultural & Fire Show. The show starts at 7 pm and I would recommend pre-booking a table. The show costs $10 per person (free for those under 12 years old), and in-house guests also don’t need to pay.
Visit Rito Cook Islands Store
The girls in particular will appreciate this one! Rito Cook Islands is a premium range of natural skincare. They have used natural resources of the Pacific islands and have a wide range of skincare and haircare products. And it’s all very reasonably priced.
I only got a few things while I was there (luckily you can order online to ship to Australia), but I’m particularly obsessed with the Antioxidant facial oil.
The store itself was very small when we visited, but they were literally in the middle of constructing a bigger one, on the same property. I look forward to seeing the new building when I’m next in the Cook Islands.
Here’s the Google Maps link to Rito.
Premium Things To Do In Rarotonga
Aitutaki Day Tour
If you aren’t in the Cook Islands long enough to also stay a few nights on Aitutaki, the Aitutaki day tour is a must!
It’s expensive, $749 for an adult, but this could be the best day trip you ever do in your life. The Aitutaki Lagoon really is as stunning as they say!
I’ve written a detailed post on the Aitutaki day trip; click below to check it out.
Other Things To Do In Rarotonga
Now, the few things listed below I wasn’t able to personally do on this trip, either because I hadn’t booked early enough and it sold out, or the activity wasn’t suitable while travelling with a toddler.
So I’m not going to go into too much detail, but if it sparks your interest and you’re looking for more things to do in Rarotonga, these would definitely be something to look into. Just make sure to book early to avoid missing out.
Lagoon Cruise
The lagoon tours in Rarotonga take place in Muir Lagoon and look to be perfect for the whole family. They operate on a glass-bottom boat, visit snorkelling areas and lunch is generally included.
Book Here: Rarotonga Lagoon Cruise
Cross Island Trek
This I would especially love to do next time I’m in Rarotonga. The cross island trek is considered moderate/hard; it’s a total of 6km and estimated to take around 3 hours.
It would be a great opportunity to step away from the coast and experience the jungle that takes up the middle of Rarotonga.
For more information on the Rarotongan cross-island trek, visit the Cook Islands travel website.
Dinner with Cultural Show
If you’re looking for an entertaining cultural experience in Rarotonga, the Te Vara Nui Village might be a great option for you.
This is one of the most popular cultural shows on the island; they do book out, so I suggest booking in advance, maybe even before you arrive in Rarotonga.
Although I did read mixed reviews online, some say it’s overpriced, and the show wasn’t very long.
Another suggestion: If you wanted to see a cultural performance (which I do highly recommend; they’re very talented and the outfits are amazing) but are keen to avoid the high price of this dinner. At the Punanga Nui Market every Saturday morning, you can watch a free show.
Swim With Turtles / Turtle Tour
You may get to swim with turtles while snorkelling at Aroa Beach or Tikioki Marine Reserve. But if you want more of a guaranteed experience, I would pre-book a Turtle Tour.
My friend who I was travelling with was lucky enough to get a spot with Go Local on the last day of our trip.
Go Local Cook Islands is 100% locally owned and operated and was recommended to us by a few different people on the island.
They take a group of 12 people out to the passage to swim alongside turtles and eagle rays.
After Bianca did this tour, she only had positive things to say about the company. They were cautious and professional and also got heaps of great photos of the group with turtles.
The only issue with tours like this, they may only take out 12 people at a time, but so do all the other tour operators; if all the turtles are in one spot, so are all the boats and snorkelers!
Where To Eat In Rarotonga
There are so many delicious places to eat in Rarotonga. From fancy restaurants to take-away stands on the beach. I loved the variety and quality that was available.
So a list of things to do on Rarotonga should include a lot of different places to eat.
Keep in mind that many restaurants do need to be pre-booked; we were turned away a couple of times because there were no tables available for dinner. And many of the restaurants & takeaway stands have limited opening hours/days.
Another thing: I was pleasantly surprised by how good the coffee was in Rarotonga, and I never had an issue getting plant-based milk.
Some of the places I loved to eat in Rarotonga:
VMV Bakery – Open Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, but Sunday is their big bake. It’s easy to find because you’ll see the line of people from the road. You’ll need to arrive early, around 6:30 am, because they do sell out. Their sourdough is to die for!
Falafel Shack – my absolute favourite! Set right on the beach, you can eat dinner as you watch the sun go down. I suggest getting one of the share plates so you can try a bit of everything.
Kai & Co. – Such a cute cafe right next to Punanga Nui Market, so Saturday morning you will need to wait a while for your coffee, but it’s worth it. Also, if you a traveling with kids, it’s good to know there is a playground next to it.
Saigon Shack – Who doesn’t love Vietnamese food? This one has heaps of Vegan options, plus the staff were particularly lovely. They’re open for lunch and dinner.
The Beach Hut – Such a good vibe, and your toes will be in the sand, right on Muri Lagoon. We stopped here for a snack and drinks before walking up the beach along Muri Lagoon; it makes for a great afternoon.
Charlie’s Raro – I’d say one of the most popular places in Rarotonga. Perfect for a drink and a pub meal with awesome ocean views. They also have live music every night and happy hour 4-6 pm.
The Lucky Rooster Eatery – Located in town, not too far from Punanga Nui Market, they’re open Monday – Saturday for breakfast and lunch and have a very large menu.
Vibe Fish Van – Similar set-up to Falafel Shack, it’s a great spot to grab takeaway and sit on the beach as the sun goes down.
Kota’a Design Studio – This isn’t a restaurant, more of a small coffee stop, but worth mentioning because it’s a-joining shop has beautifully designed t-shirts and homewear. Plus, the outdoor deck and garden where you can sit and have your coffee is so peaceful.
Roadside Fruit Stalls – If you’re after some fresh produce or want some fruit to take to the beach, keep your eyes peeled for a roadside fruit stall. Here you’ll directly be supporting locals and only getting fresh, in-season produce. Just remember to have cash on you.
Muri Night Market – so many delicious options here; you’ll find it hard to choose. Muri Night Market is a buzzing food market that is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday, 5 pm to 8 pm. I got to try my first plate of Island Fries here, and also loved my plate from Raro Taco.
Beluga – Located not too far from Falafel Shake. Their coffee was amazing, and I ate the most delicious caramel slice. We got takeaway, but it would have been hard to get a table; it was very busy in the morning.
Nautilus Restaurant – Perfect place if you have something to celebrate or a large budget for dinner! The location is stunning, overlooking Muri Lagoon.
Rarotonga Bakery – We loved this Bakery, maybe not as good as VMV Bakery, but they conveniently have two locations, one next to the airport and one in the main town. They open early and have a large selection of fresh sweet and savoury options.
I found most of these places had more than one vegan option available on the menu (even Vibe Fish Van), which was awesome to see.
Getting Around Rarotonga
So, what’s the best way to get around and experience everything there is to do in Rarotonga? The two best options for getting around are hiring a car or scooter, or taking the local bus. There are taxis, but they charge per person, so this would get expensive, especially if using them on a regular basis.
I personally think hiring a car is the best option, more comfortable than a scooter, and no issue if it rains. Plus, having your own car gives you freedom and flexibility so you can easily tick off all the best things to do in Rarotonga. And, no need to worry about a bus schedule.
Find the best car rental deals with Discover Cars.
If you do decide to hire a car, the pick-up process might be rather casual. After we had landed in Rarotonga and completed the arrival procedures, we exited and went to the car rental desks. Probably looking confused because there was no staff anywhere to be seen, a local man came up and asked if we were OK. We said that we had hired a car with this company, so just looking for someone, and he suggested we go into the car park and look for a car with our name on it!
So, we did, and would you look at that: a car in the car park with our name on it and the keys ready to go.
Although, if you would prefer to use the bus, that is also a convenient option. The Rarotongan bus service operates two buses that circle the island, clockwise and anti-clockwise. There are designated bus stops, but I read you can wave them down from anywhere. Each trip will cost $5, and you’ll have to pay in cash.
Best Area To Stay In Rarotonga
It’s hard to go wrong in Rarotonga; it’s not very big, and if you have your own car, it doesn’t take long to get anywhere.
But after staying in 2 different locations in Rarotonga, I think staying somewhere along the southern coast and up to Muri Lagoon are the best areas to stay in Rarotonga. The beaches were the most beautiful, close to safe snorkel areas & plenty of great food options around.
These are the two places I stay in:
Tapunui is a private house that is beautifully designed and has a unique feel. The kitchen and living area are open-air so the sea breeze can roll in, although you need to be careful with mosquitoes. This would be particularly perfect for a large group; the house is two-storey, and it accommodates up to 9 people. It was in a quiet area and only a two-minute walk to the beach.
This property is kind of like a hotel, but there’s no reception, and you’d rarely see any staff, although there is a phone you can use to contact them. I found it a mix between an Airbnb and resort-style accommodation.
The property had a pool, kayaks were free to use and positioned beautifully on Muri Lagoon. Also, the room was spacious, had a full kitchen and separated bedroom, just slightly run down. But for the price and location, it was great.
Below are a few other properties that we passed through during our time in Rarotonga that looked beautiful and were in great locations:
Beachfront, 5-star, and adults-only.
Beachfront, 3-star and has rooms with a kitchenette.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
3-star, family rooms available, and backs onto The Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve, which is a safe snorkelling area.
How Many Days Do You Need In The Cook Islands
I really think you need at least a week in Rarotonga. This will give you enough time to experience all the wonderful things there are to do in Rarotonga and at a relaxed pace.
Then, if you’re lucky enough to have more than a week in the Cook Islands, I would suggest spending a few nights on Aitutaki.
In Conclusion
Kia orana,
I hope you’ve found this guide to the best things to do in Rarotonga helpful for planning your own trip. The Cook Islands are such a paradise, and Rarotonga is filled with relaxed, slow-paced vibes, yet there is still so much to do.
This guide also includes the best places to stay on Rarotonga, so an amazing beach is never more than a couple of minutes away.
Make sure you save this guide for when you’re in Rarotonga!
Happy Travels,
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
