Rarotonga

Travel Guide

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

Arorangi showing general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing

Arorangi

Arorangi is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some 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 showing tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Muri Beach and Tikioki Marine Sanctuary while in the area.

Tapere of Titikaveka
Rarotonga featuring a cascade 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 featuring a bay or harbor and mountains

Avarua

Beaches, snorkeling, and bars are some highlights of Avarua. Make a stop by Cook Islands Library and Museum or Cook Island Christian Church while you're exploring.

Avarua
Oasis inside forest te rua manga trek

Tapere of Vaimaanga

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

Tapere of Vaimaanga
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P7,838 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
P7,838
P9,014 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Love the location of this property, staff always helpful and friendly. We did have some challenges parking at times."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P6,418 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
P6,418
P7,381 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
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! (987 reviews)
"The Staff went above and beyond to be friendly and helpful. Everyone of them. Things I didn’t care for was the rediculous prices for drinks, what Happy Hour? Wifi is also an unbelievable rip off. No beach to walk on and tough swimming. They have done a really good job fixing this place up and Adults ..."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
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 P8,811 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
P8,811
P10,133 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 12 - Mar 13
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (417 reviews)
"The Raratongan Resort was amazing! The snorkeling was some of the best anywhere-hundreds of fish (including so many nurseries with babies), lots of coral, many, many eels, and turtles; the beach was beautiful; the staff and activities were terrific; the room was wonderful; and the breakfast buffet ..."

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2025

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 business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
"spacious room, well povided - washing machine. espresso etc lovely, helpful staff nice breakfast.,"

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
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 Aroa Beach and Puaikura Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (204 reviews)
"Loved the hosts most of all. They put you to ease and at home as soon as you walk in. Our room number on the front reception board had all our names and a printed personalised memo in our room of the things to know about the premises and house. The villas are artistically built and for someone like ..."

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2025

Magic Reef Bungalows
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! (82 reviews)
"Thr staff sre awesome. Everyone is organized."

Reviewed on Feb 23, 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.

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