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
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
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
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
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
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
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is ฿6,180 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿6,180
฿7,107 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Food was good Felt hurried with meals ie. plates removed before we had finished eating Not good when you are on holiday! Rooms clean and well serviced Friendly, helpful staff"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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 ฿4,388 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
฿4,388
฿5,046 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at club Raro. Excellent staff and hospitality. Food was good but I ate out most of the time due to activities. Excellent communication. Thank you team at club Raro."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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
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! (456 reviews)
"Most staff were friendly and courteous. With others it was obvious that they may have been bored or tired. The “flooding” of our room on the last night was very difficult"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Very spacious and well appointed villa with master bedroom upstairs and the other two at ground level. Appreciated the complimentary shuttle to and from sister property Pacific Hotel Resort that we used in some capacity every day. Lovely staff at both locations, too numerous to mention."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"Beautiful property surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Large spacious villas with everything we needed, the most comfortable resort/motel bed I have ever slept in, super quiet away from the hustle & bustle of the busy main areas, but close enough to the main township of Avarua, within easy walking ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Tropical Sands

Tropical Sands

3 out of 5
Muri Village (4 minutes away), Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (115 reviews)
"Rudy and Kanoe were lovely hosts and have a beautiful property"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Tropical Sands
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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