Map of Rarotonga, Cook Islands

🏝️ What to do in Rarotonga 🌺

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Rarotonga with a range of exciting activities. From exploring pristine beaches to embracing the local Polynesian way of life, this paradise offers something for everyone.

• Best Budget Activity in Rarotonga:

  Cross-Island Trek: Hike through lush forest trails, crossing streams and reaching spectacular viewpoints without breaking the bank.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Rarotonga:

  Lagoon Snorkeling Tour: Dive into crystal-clear waters to discover colorful marine life and coral reefs on a guided snorkeling adventure.

• Best Luxury Activity in Rarotonga:

  Private Sunset Cruise: Sail into the sunset on a luxurious yacht, enjoying champagne and gourmet canapés as you witness the breathtaking colors of the sky.

🍽️ Where to eat in Rarotonga 🌺

Indulge in the vibrant culinary scene of Rarotonga, where fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Polynesian flavors reign supreme. Must-try dishes include ika mata (marinated raw fish) and poke (coconut cream-based dish).

• Best Budget Restaurant in Rarotonga:

  Mama's Cafe•$:

  Cuisine specialty: Local dishes and snacks

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Rarotonga:

  Tamarind House•$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Fusion cuisine with Pacific influences

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Rarotonga:

  The Mooring Fish Cafe•$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Seafood fine dining experience

• Best Budget Bar in Rarotonga:

  Shipwreck Hut•$:

  Tropical cocktails

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Rarotonga:

  Trader Jacks•$$:

  Craft beers and live music

• Best Luxury Bar in Rarotonga:

  Tamarind House Cocktail Lounge•$$$:

  Signature cocktails with a view

🗿 What to see in Rarotonga 🏖️

Rarotonga boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders that are a delight to explore. From ancient marae sites to stunning natural landscapes, these must-visit landmarks will captivate every traveler.

• Wigmore's Waterfall

  Discover this picturesque waterfall hidden in the lush tropical jungle, perfect for a refreshing dip in its cool waters.

• Te Rua Manga (The Needl

  Hike to the summit of this iconic rock formation for sweeping panoramic views of the island and the sparkling ocean beyond.

• Cook Islands Cultural Village

  Immerse yourself in the vibrant Polynesian culture at this cultural village, where you can experience traditional dance, music, and crafts.

• Arai-Te-Tonga Marae

  Step back in time at this ancient Polynesian marae site, a sacred place where rituals and ceremonies were once performed.

• Muri Beach

  Relax on the white sandy shores of Muri Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Rarotonga 🌴

Rarotonga offers a unique shopping experience with a blend of local crafts, souvenirs, and boutique items. Dive into the island's vibrant marketplaces and shops to find treasures to bring back home.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Rarotonga:

  Punanga Nui Market: Explore this bustling market to find handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and fresh produce at affordable prices, perfect for souvenir shopping.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Rarotonga:

  Beachcomber Pearl Market: Discover beautiful pearls and jewelry pieces at this boutique market, known for its high-quality items at reasonable prices.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Rarotonga:

  Bergman & Sons: Indulge in luxury shopping at this upscale store offering exquisite jewelry, watches, and designer goods for those seeking exclusive items.

🚍 Getting Around Rarotonga

• Public Transport

  In Rarotonga, the primary mode of public transportation is the local bus service operated by the Cook Islands Bus Passenger Transport. The bus system is reliable, affordable, and covers most areas of the island. Buses run in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions around the island, with regular schedules starting from early morning until evening. The fare for a single journey is around NZD $5, and exact change is required when boarding the bus.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  - Rarotonga International Airport: Located in Avarua, the main entry point to the Cook Islands where travelers can find taxi services and bus stops just outside the airport. - Avarua Bus Terminal: Situated in the town center, this terminal is a hub for bus routes connecting different parts of Rarotonga.

• 🚗 Rental Services

  - Avis Rental: A well-known car rental service providing a range of vehicles starting from NZD $40 per day. - Island Bike Rentals: Explore Rarotonga on two wheels with affordable bike rentals starting from NZD $10 per day. - Island Car & Bike Hire: Offers a variety of options for car and scooter rentals, with prices varying based on the vehicle type.