Rarotonga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
Muri Beach showing general coastal views

Muri

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

Muri
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
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
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 Cook Islands Library and Museum or Cook Island Christian Church 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 ₹12,675 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹12,675
₹14,886 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Edgewater is suoer child friendly and thw staff go the extra mile to make kids feel welcome at the resort. Kids menu is welcoming for kids and they throughly enjoyed their options."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 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 ₹11,640 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹11,640
₹13,386 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Only there one night and weather was miserable. Did Karaoke and was great fun."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Islander Hotel

The Islander Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga
The price is ₹12,781 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹12,781
₹14,698 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (465 reviews)
"Great for a stop over right across from the airport"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

The Islander Hotel
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Quiet location.
"Good managing from the staff. The property is well mantained."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows

Muri Lagoon View Bungalows

3.5 out of 5
Aroko Drive, Hillside, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, Wi-Fi (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
"Nice clean villa, had everything you needed."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

4 out of 5
Avarua, PO Box 790 , Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"Large well appointed bungalows with pools and fabulous ocean views."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
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

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