Rarotonga

Travel Guide

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

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, colourful festivals and snorkeling in warm, clear waters.The island’s circumference measures just 20 miles (32 kilometres) 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 travelling 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

Muri Beach featuring general coastal views

Muri

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

Muri
Arorangi featuring general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing

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
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
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 Arai-Te-Tonga.

Takuvaine Tapere
Avarua showing mountains and a bay or harbour

Avarua

4/5(1 area review)

Beaches, snorkelling and bars are just a few things travellers enjoy about Avarua. Check out Cook Islands Library and Museum or Punanga Nui Market 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 HK$1,195 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
HK$1,195
HK$1,377 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff are extremely friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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! (469 reviews)
"Stunning location. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 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 HK$934 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
HK$934
HK$1,079 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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)
"nice , quiet budget friendly accommodation"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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.
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
"Fantastic property, we really enjoyed our stay there, and are already planning a return visit."

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas
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! (96 reviews)
"Sane, Joe and the team at Kia Orana Villas were amazing. Would definitely stay there again on my next trip to Raro! We are missing Raro and hope to be back soon. Meitaki ma'ata!"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Red Hibiscus Villas

Red Hibiscus Villas

3 out of 5
Puka Uenga Rd, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star villa in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"It was just perfect for the price and very cosy and comfortable"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Red Hibiscus Villas
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%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

David

Beautiful unspoiled island Islanders are lovely people

5/5 - Excellent

Susan

A lovely island. Very relaxing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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