Rarotonga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Muri Beach featuring tropical scenes
Rarotonga featuring a beach
Muri Beach which includes tropical scenes and general coastal views
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a beach
Rarotonga showing a sunset, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Visit the capital of the Cook Islands to hike through mountainous peaks to hidden waterfalls and swim in sparkling blue lagoons off white-sand beaches.

Spend your days snorkelling, bush walking and relaxing on palm tree-lined beaches on this island paradise. Rarotonga is part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean and is home to the islands’ capital, Avarua. As well as natural beauty and warm waters perfect for swimming, “Raro”, as it’s known locally, offers culture in abundance, including colourful festivals and bustling marketplaces.

While it’s the most populated of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga measures just 32 kilometres (20 miles) at its widest. The island is surrounded by a lagoon, with water that is shallow, warm and full of tropical fish. Beginner snorkellers can learn the ropes in the calm waters off Muri Beach on the east side of the island.

Rarotonga’s natural landscape is made up of small mountainous peaks, rivers and waterfalls. Trek to the stunning Wigmore’s Waterfall and explore hidden valleys and hillside forests on foot or by bicycle. Visit the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens to learn more about the island’s plants and wildlife.

Experience traditional island life in Avarua village. Buy fresh seafood, locally sourced fruit and vegetables and handcrafted souvenirs from the Punanga Nui growers markets on Saturday mornings.

There are no traffic lights on Rarotonga and obstacles such as chickens and coconuts often litter the roadways, making driving difficult. It's best to get around using the bus service that picks up and drops off on demand. It takes about 50 minutes to get around the whole island.

Fly in and out of Rarotonga International Airport. The best way to get between the Cook Islands is by light aeroplane, as boats and ferries are infrequent.The Cook Islands are self-governing in free association with New Zealand and English is one of the official languages spoken on Rarotonga. You’ll also notice locals speaking Cook Islands Māori, or Rarotongan.

The wet season for the Cook Islands is December to March. It brings more humidity than it does heavy rain, but you’re never far from pristine waters. Plunge into blue lagoons to cool off, then throw a towel down on white-sand beaches and relax.

Where to stay in Rarotonga

Muri Beach showing general coastal views

Muri

While visiting Muri, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

Muri
Arorangi featuring kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

4.5/5(245 area reviews)

Arorangi is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

Arorangi
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

While visiting Takitumu District, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

Takitumu District
Titikaveka featuring tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Muri Beach and Tikioki Marine Sanctuary while you're in town.

Tapere of Titikaveka
Rarotonga featuring a waterfall and a pond

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Cook Island Christian Church.

Takuvaine Tapere
Avarua showing a bay or harbour and mountains

Avarua

4/5(114 area reviews)

Beaches, snorkelling and bars are just a few things travellers enjoy about Avarua. Check out Cook Islands Library and Museum or Cook Island Christian Church while you're exploring the area.

Avarua
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is AU$306 per night from 26 June to 27 June
AU$306
26 June - 27 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great for family getaways"

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
The price is AU$333 per night from 21 June to 22 June
AU$333
21 June - 22 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
8/10 Very Good! (439 reviews)
"The snorkeling was amazing, the nature was beautiful, the staff was nice and helpful, kayaks and snorkeling gear could be rented for free. Really great vacation. . the only thing we didn't like was the breakfast. The chef should learn how to properly prepare eggs and bacon."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is AU$226 per night from 15 July to 16 July
AU$226
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Was again a great place to stay. Being Adults only means that it's a fantastic place to relax and also party with the 2 Happy hours through the day and the different events through the week"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road, Atupa, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Quiet location.
"Good managing from the staff. The property is well mantained."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
4 out of 5
Avarua, PO Box 790 , Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"Large well appointed bungalows with pools and fabulous ocean views."

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
Coral Sands Apartments
Coral Sands Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Main Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Aroa Beach and Puaikura ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"Well presented, friendly, easy to comminicate, private and all amenities you need. A super place to spend your holiday. Thank you."

Reviewed on 6 Jun. 2025

Coral Sands Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Rarotonga

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
334
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
127
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Overall a pleasant trip-holiday, Will return when virus has gone !!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it in Rarotonga, our favourite Pacific holiday destination. Laid back, easy to get around and great restaurants and bars.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Raro is a beautiful island to visit and the other times I have been there I have loved it. I would never go back to the Rarotongan Resort

5/5 - Excellent

S

Rarotonga is absolutely beautiful and a great place to seriously relax. Would definately recommend to everyone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

SweetAs car hire are recommended for a fair price and vehicle. Love Trader Jacks & Wilson's Bar

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Prices the same as NZ, so not cheap but so easy not having to worry about changing currency.

Cities near Rarotonga