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

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
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
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
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
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 Arai-Te-Tonga.

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 Punanga Nui Market 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 ฿4,398 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
฿4,398
฿5,058 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Great service"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
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! (472 reviews)
"Family friendly. Amazing lagoon filled with so much sea life. Staff were absolutely phenomenal. Rooms are a little outdated and small, but we were only in them to sleep."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only

Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach & Marine Reserve, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (436 reviews)
"Incredibly friendly staff. Excellent location with the beach/ reef right there. Great food/ cocktails."

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only
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! (66 reviews)
"The unit was very clean, the bed was very comfortable and the staff looked after us very well indeed."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 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! (96 reviews)
"Sane, Joe and the team at Kia Orana Villas were amazing. Would definitely stay there again on my next trip to Raro! We are missing Raro and hope to be back soon. Meitaki ma'ata!"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Aroa Beach and Highland Paradise ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (210 reviews)
"It was a great choice for us. The property is lovely, and the location is quiet and accessible. It felt calm just to walk into the place and local food and walks were a great feature. Would stay again if we return"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Magic Reef Bungalows
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

Things to do

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