Rarotonga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Surrounded by clear blue water, the capital of the Cook Islands has spectacular beaches, incredible wildlife and scenery, and a laid-back island lifestyle. 

Rarotonga, locally known as “Raro”, is the most populated of the Cook Islands. It's also home to the islands’ capital, Avarua. This South Pacific paradise has a lively festival scene as well as bushwalking opportunities, beaches lined with palm trees and warm, clear waters for snorkelling and swimming.

The island is fairly small, with a circumference of only 32 kilometres (20 miles). Tropical fish and coral abound in the warm, shallow waters of the lagoon that surrounds Rarotonga. The calm water at Muri Beach, in particular, provides perfect conditions for first-time snorkellers.

The island owes its existence to the collapse of a rocky volcano, which left a round island with jagged peaks and concealed water features. Take in the geological marvel of Rarotonga at Wigmore’s Waterfall, a destination teeming with local fauna, or see some of the island’s unique plant life at the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens. Many natural attractions can be accessed on foot or with a bicycle.

Visit the Punanga Nui markets on Saturday mornings in Avarua village. Sample the region’s cuisine or shop for flowers, souvenirs and fresh vegetables.

The safest way to get around Rarotonga is the island’s bus service, which travels both clockwise and anti-clockwise around the island. Each round trip takes about 50 minutes, and drivers will pick up and drop off on demand. More adventurous travellers may choose to drive their own vehicle, but the island has no traffic lights at all, and the roads are regularly blocked by coconuts, chickens and other unexpected obstacles.

Most visitors to the Cook Islands arrive at the Rarotonga International Airport. Flying between the islands is also recommended, since boats travel only occasionally between the islands and there is generally no scheduled ferry service.

English is an official language in the Cook Islands, which was once a British protectorate before control was passed to New Zealand. The islands today are self-governing, in free association with New Zealand. Many locals also speak Cook Islands Māori, which is 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(245 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
Titikaveka featuring tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

4.5/5(40 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(114 area reviews)

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 NZ$338 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$338
19 July - 20 July
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! (1,007 reviews)
"It was a very nice hotel. On the beach. Very relaxing. Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 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
The price is NZ$360 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$360
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (442 reviews)
"Beautiful place great stay. Loved it"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is NZ$246 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$246
9 July - 10 July
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! (1,002 reviews)
"We like that it was adults only. Great location and the staff were very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Club Raro Resort – 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.
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 WiFi, 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, WiFi (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 WiFi, 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

Activities

Reviews of Rarotonga

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
334
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
127
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Overall a pleasant trip-holiday, Will return when virus has gone !!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it in Rarotonga, our favourite Pacific holiday destination. Laid back, easy to get around and great restaurants and bars.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Raro is a beautiful island to visit and the other times I have been there I have loved it. I would never go back to the Rarotongan Resort

5/5 - Excellent

S

Rarotonga is absolutely beautiful and a great place to seriously relax. Would definately recommend to everyone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

SweetAs car hire are recommended for a fair price and vehicle. Love Trader Jacks & Wilson's Bar

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Prices the same as NZ, so not cheap but so easy not having to worry about changing currency.

Cities near Rarotonga