Rarotonga

Travel Guide
Rarotonga showing a sandy beach
Experience the glittering blue lagoons, white-sand beaches and laid-back lifestyle of the capital of the Cook Islands.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Rarotonga is the most populated of the Cook Islands and is home to their capital, Avarua. Known locally as “Raro,” the island offers palm-fringed beaches, bush walking, colorful festivals and snorkeling in warm, clear waters.

The island’s circumference measures just 20 miles (32 kilometers) and is surrounded by a lagoon. Tropical fish and coral abound in the warm, shallow waters. The calm waters of Muri Beach are perfect for beginner snorkelers.

Rarotonga was formed by a rocky volcano, which collapsed to form a round island with small jagged peaks and hidden waterfalls. Visit Wigmore's Waterfall, which teems with wildlife. You can easily explore this and other natural attractions by bike or on foot. Another great opportunity to see the island’s flora and fauna is at the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens, which features much of the local vegetation.

Visit the lively Punanga Nui growers market every Saturday before noon in Avarua village. Try the local cuisine, including seafood, and enjoy live music while buying souvenirs, locally-grown vegetables and flowers.

Chickens and coconuts are just some of the obstacles often found on the roads of Rarotonga, and with not one traffic light on the island, you may find driving an eye-opening experience. You can also get around using the island’s bus service that travels both clockwise and anti-clockwise on the road circling the island. Bus drivers will pick up and drop off on demand. A round trip of the island takes about 50 minutes.

Rarotonga International Airport is the main gateway to the Cook Islands. Boats traveling between the islands can be very infrequent – sometimes weeks apart, with generally no scheduled ferry service – so flying is recommended.

The Cook Islands were once a British protectorate, with control later passed to New Zealand. Today, the islands are self-governing in free association with New Zealand. English is one of the official languages here. Many locals also speak Cook Islands Māori, often called Rarotongan after the capital island.

Where to stay in Rarotonga

Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
Arorangi featuring kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

4.5/5(4 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
Titikaveka featuring tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

5/5(4 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
Avarua showing a bay or harbour and mountains

Avarua

4/5(1 area review)

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

Avarua
Default Image

Tapere of Vaimaanga

Travellers like the museums in Tapere of Vaimaanga, and Wigmore's Waterfall is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Tapere of Vaimaanga
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
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is HK$916 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
HK$916
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (793 reviews)
"We were particularly taken with the lovely service from the staff who would wherever possible accommodate our requests. The resort provides a great breakfast and if you want excellent choices for other meals later in both the restaurant and the “sand” bar. Little things like filtered ice water and ..."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Edgewater Resort and Spa
The Edgewater Resort and Spa
3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is HK$957 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
HK$957
per night
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It’s pretty big"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

The Edgewater Resort and 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 HK$981 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
HK$981
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (336 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay.Loved the dining options ,the staff were wonderful. I had breakfast included which was a tropical breakfast this was very convenient and gave me a good start to the day.I really enjoyed the Island night the meal was great and the dancers were brilliant. Snorkelling out the ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
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 aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and WiFi. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Punanga Nui Market are located nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Very friendly staffs and helpful"

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2024

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
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. Popular attractions Black Rock and Rarotonga Golf Club ...
9/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
"We love this place. Matty & Erin were lovely and full of helpful information. The teenagers were very happy to find that Wi-Fi was now available. We were happy that a water filter was recently installed. We were all happy with the lovely beach only a short walk away, and the pool for cooling off ..."

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2023

The Cooks Oasis
Magic Reef Bungalows
Magic Reef Bungalows
3.5 out of 5
Main Road Arorangi, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Puaikura Beach and Black Rock are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
"We had such a wonderful stay at the Magic Reef. Simone and Lawrence were such nice hosts. We can’t wait to return and would highly recommend the Magic Reef to anyone"

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2024

Magic Reef Bungalows
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

Things to do

Reviews of Rarotonga

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
" "5 - Excellent 69.23076923076923%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 30.76923076923077%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

David
1 May 2019

Beautiful unspoiled island Islanders are lovely people

5/5 - Excellent

Susan
8 Jan 2019

A lovely island. Very relaxing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2018

Locals are tge friendliest people we have met on our travels so far. See tge Saturday morning market in town