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 airplane, 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

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
Muri Beach which includes general coastal views

Muri

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

Muri
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
Titikaveka which includes 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 showing a pond and a cascade

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 which includes mountains and a bay or harbour

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$332 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$332
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Could not recommend the edge water resort enough , it is by far the best resort iv ever stayed in aswell the most convenient, not far from anything at all and the staff make it 100x better , would stay here 10x over"

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 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
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! (454 reviews)
"Staff were very helpful as I have mobility problems. The outlook over the lagoon from Captain Andy's was excellent as was the regular entertainment."

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 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$248 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$248
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Was great, sitting watching whales, amenities were good. Everything here that you need"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 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 ...
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Te Manava Luxury Villas

Te Manava Luxury Villas

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 ...
Te Manava Luxury Villas
The Cooks Oasis

The Cooks Oasis

3 out of 5
Main Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Aroa Beach and Black ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
Highly Recommended Lodge
"A beautiful lodge with nice decoration, amenities and large room. Staff are very friendly. I requested for additional banana from the Chambermaid and on the following day, she gave me a bunch. Very thoughtful of her. Well located near the beach and you can enjoy sunset."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

The Cooks Oasis
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

Cities near Rarotonga