What to do in Rarotonga

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Rarotonga

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Rarotonga, Cook Islands while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Rarotonga attractions from NZ$40, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Rarotonga tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 23 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Rarotonga. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Rarotonga

Tours & day trips

See all 15 activities
Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkelling

Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkelling

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$115 per adult
Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including SnorkellingOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 4 activities
An Eagle Ray and Turtle Tour-Small Groups & Photography Included

An Eagle Ray and Turtle Tour-Small Groups & Photography Included

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$231 per adult
An Eagle Ray and Turtle Tour-Small Groups & Photography IncludedOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
'Explore' Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim

'Explore' Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$139 per adult
'Explore' Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and SwimOpens in new tab

What to do in Rarotonga

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rarotonga

Muri Beach featuring tropical scenes

Muri Beach

Stretch out comfortably on the bone-white beach while watching the sunrise over Rarotonga’s popular lagoon.

Muri Beach
Aro\'a Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a couple

Aroa Beach

Leave the bustle of the modern world behind and lounge on stretches of powdery white sand with the transparent Pacific Ocean at your fingertips.

Aroa Beach
Muri Lagoon

Muri Lagoon

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Muri Lagoon during your travels in Rarotonga. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Muri Lagoon
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Tikioki Marine Sanctuary

Swim with multi-colored fish or spend hours on a stretch of powdery white beach at one of Rarotonga's best coastal spots. Dive around nearby shipwrecks.

Tikioki Marine Sanctuary
Te Vara Nui Village as well as a large group of people

Te Vara Nui Village

Join an interactive experience to appreciate the authentic educational and entertaining story of Cook Islands’ culture.

Te Vara Nui Village
Rarotonga showing interior views

Cook Islands Library and Museum

Through art and literature, learn about the history and traditions of the Cook Islands in a library and museum run by friendly local residents.

Cook Islands Library and Museum
Rarotonga which includes a cemetery

Cook Island Christian Church

Attend a service and chat with locals in this small and charming whitewashed church, which dates back to the mid 19th century.

Cook Island Christian Church
Beachcomber Pearl Market featuring shopping

Beachcomber Pearl Market

Find Polynesian arts and crafts, lustrous black pearls and some of the best coffee on the island in this historic building.

Beachcomber Pearl Market
Rarotonga which includes markets

Punanga Nui Market

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Punanga Nui Market during your stay in Rarotonga. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or seek out the snorkelling spots.

Punanga Nui Market

Explore areas of Rarotonga

Arorangi featuring kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

4.5/5(245 area reviews)

As the sun sets, relax on Rarotonga’s coast next to the clear waters of an azure lagoon. Enjoy exploring the wonders of the Cook Islands.

Arorangi
Muri Beach which includes 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 which includes tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Swim, scuba or snorkel in some of the most pristine waters in the world. Relax in a beach bungalow and awake to views of the blue-green lagoon.

Tapere of Titikaveka
Rarotonga showing a pond and a cascade

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 which includes mountains and a bay or harbour

Avarua

4/5(114 area reviews)

Base yourself in the center of the Cook Islands, explore thousands of years of Polynesian culture, see coral reefs and trek through rainforest.

Avarua

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rarotonga

Ngatangiia

Ngatangiia

Photo by April F.

Inave Tapere

Frequently asked questions

Is Rarotonga worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are many interesting things to do in Rarotonga. Be sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Rarotonga?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Muri Beach and Aroa Beach. Then, explore different parts of Rarotonga for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rarotonga?
The top tourist attraction in Rarotonga is Muri Beach, so make sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Rarotonga?
Three days in Rarotonga is enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests book for six days on average. Muri Beach, Aroa Beach and Black Rock are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Ngatangiia.
Is Rarotonga a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Rarotonga is a good place to see on foot. Wander between Aroa Beach and Cook Islands National Museum. Then take a stroll through Arorangi, located 5 kilometres from the centre, and Takitumu District, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Rarotonga with kids?
Planning what to do in Rarotonga with kids has never been easier. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Rarotonga for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Rarotonga for adults including Matutu Brewing Company and Koteka Winery.
Are there free things to do in Rarotonga?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Rarotonga is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without getting your cash out. Muri Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.