Rarotonga, the vibrant heart of the Cook Islands, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As the most populous of the 15 islands and the location of the country's international airport, Rarotonga is often the first glimpse visitors have of this enchanting island nation. Our guide to Rarotonga invites you to explore its unique charm, from laid-back South Pacific vibes to stunning landscapes teeming with activities.

Our Cook Islands holiday packages are designed to showcase the best of Rarotonga, providing travellers with an immersive experience in this tropical haven. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, our Cook Islands travel tips will help you navigate the island's diverse offerings. From exploring lush rainforests and white sandy beaches to delving into the local Polynesian culture, Rarotonga is a destination that appeals to all senses.

For those looking for a serene getaway, our Aitutaki resort deals complement your Cook Islands holiday, offering a tranquil escape to one of the region's most beautiful atolls. Meanwhile, Rarotonga itself remains a treasure trove of experiences, perfect for those who love to stay active and engaged on their holidays. This guide is your key to unlocking the wonders of Rarotonga, ensuring your Cook Islands holidays are filled with unforgettable memories.

Your Guide to Rarotonga: What You Need to Know

Arriving Into Rarotonga

It’s time to leave your busy life behind and your stresses on the plane. You’ll notice almost right away that the Cook Islands is a very relaxed and friendly place to visit. From the moment you arrive at the international airport terminal, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming, Kia Orana! Don’t be surprised if you find a local musician playing the ukulele and serenading visitors at the baggage carousel while waiting to collect your luggage.  If you happen to be travelling on the direct flight from Australia, keep in mind that the majority of flights into Rarotonga arrive at around midnight or in the very early hours of the morning, so be sure to consider booking an early check-in at your accommodation so you don’t have to wait around, and you can start your holiday straight away!

Hire A Car or Scooter

Hiring a car or scooter is a great and quick way to explore the island and get where you need to go with ease. The road that circles the entire island of Rarotonga, the Ara Tapu, is 32 kilometres long and only takes about 45-50 minutes to drive if you stick to their 50kmph speed limit. If you are at least 16 years old and hold an Australian, New Zealand, US, Canada or UK driver’s license, you can visit the police station at Avarua and purchase a Cook Islands’ driver’s license for a small fee, complete with laminate and a photo of yourself. The Cook Islands is one of the only countries in the world that encourages you to smile in your licence photo, so it’s nice to keep as a souvenir when you leave! There are no traffic lights on the island and only one pedestrian crosswalk with a few sidewalks, and the locals are never really in a hurry so be mindful to drive at a leisurely pace, watch for children and animals on the roadway and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. A safety helmet must be worn when riding a scooter or motorbike in Rarotonga, even if this law doesn’t apply on the other islands. There are plenty of places around the island to rent cars and scooters which in general is pretty inexpensive.

When to Visit?

It’s safe to say that Rarotonga manages to have comfortable weather all year.  However, there are cooler, warmer parts of the year and a wet season to consider when travelling to the island. June to August, as expected for the Southern hemisphere, are their cooler months and generally windy but still quite sunny during the day. Temperatures may drop below 20oC at night so it would be wise to pack clothes to keep you warm in the evening. November to March is considered ‘wet season’ and is generally hotter and humid combined with rainy periods and thunder storms. It’s a good idea to pack light clothing, but also something to keep you warm for those cooler, rainy and windy periods. September to October and March to May are generally warm with fewer chances of rain. Temperatures mostly range between 20-30oC. December and January generally see a large number of visitors to Rarotonga so it may be more expensive to travel during this period and availability on flights and in resorts are harder to lock in, so be sure to plan and book way ahead of time if this is when you’re wanting to visit.

Where To Stay?

Rarotonga has plenty of great options for accommodation from basic budget rooms to luxury villas and bungalows. If you don’t know where to start looking, you could always consider whether you want to stay on the ‘Sunrise’ or ‘Sunset’ side of the island. Sunrises are on the east side where Muri Lagoon is located.  It’s one of the island’s most beautiful spots and the beach and lagoon are a popular area for snorkelling and swimming. Muri Beach also has a lot of restaurants, cafes and activities within walking distance. The west side of the island experiences beautiful sunsets and is lined with one long stretch of sandy beach where plenty of small resorts and self-catering bungalows are located. Both sides of the island are beautiful and cater to any type of traveller, but at the end of the day – it’s whatever your preference is. For families looking for more information about where to stay, read out blog “Best Family Friendly Resorts in the Cook Islands”.

What To Do?

There are so many different activities available for visitors to do and experience on the island. Whether you’re an active traveller looking for adventure or a more relaxed traveller who wants to take in the destination at a leisurely pace, there’s something for everyone. Take a 4WD Safari and get off the beaten track to find amazing views and scenery around the island. Enjoy a cultural show and experience local music and colourful dance performers. Jump on a cruise in a glass-bottom boat and explore the island via its beautiful lagoon while lunching on local cuisines and viewing the ocean life. Go on a cycling tour or explore the island on foot through one of its hiking trails. Rarotonga is also a perfect place to snorkel, swim and just relax on one of its many beaches. Take in the sunrise or sunset at the end or start to your day, or explore the local markets and mingle with the locals. Just remember to pack appropriately for whatever activities interest you! If you want more information on things to do, click here!

Saving Money In Rarotonga

If you’re thinking about how to stretch your travel budget as far as you possibly can, there are a few tips on how to save your money while visiting Rarotonga.

• When choosing your accommodation, think about booking a place with self-catering room types that have cooking facilities. It’s always cheaper to cook than it is to dine out, no matter where you go!
• Even though car and scooter hire is inexpensive on the island, catching the bus is a cheap way to get around. It’s also the most efficient bus system in the South Pacific.
• A lot of restaurants and bars around the island will have dedicated hours where drinks and food will cost you less – yes, happy hour! Research where to go and when the best time is to eat out and grab a drink on a budget – some of the island’s accommodation brochures have a list of places with this information or you can always check in with the staff where you’re staying. Or, if in doubt, ask a local!
• The Muri Night Markets located in Ngatangiia have a lot of inexpensive dining options and are on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Enjoy some local cheap eats, great island vibes and some live entertainment too! Just keep in mind, it’s best to get there early to get the widest selection of food available and bring your New Zealand or Cook Islands currency as stalls only take cash.

If you’re planning Cook Islands Holidays and would like more information about any of the resorts, activities, transport or Cook Island Holiday Packages, please get in touch with our team of specialist travel consultants on 1800 800 722.