What to do in Rarotonga

Activities, attractions and tours

A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.
A heart-shaped arrangement of coconuts on a sandy beach with a calm ocean and clear sky in the background.
A beach with a wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a palm tree, and two people in the water.
A close-up of a green plant with long, narrow leaves radiating from a central point.

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$47, 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 28 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.

Activities

The secret waterfall

'Explore' Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim

NZ$150
per adult
'Explore' Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim
Tpour bus in Cook Islands

Island Discovery Tour by Island Hopper Vacations

NZ$105
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Island Discovery Tour by Island Hopper Vacations
At Black Rock / Tuoro.

'Discover' Rarotonga Cycling Tour with Lunch

NZ$124
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
'Discover' Rarotonga Cycling Tour with Lunch
Turtle tour Rarotonga

Private Turtle and Ray Tour Rarotonga

NZ$290
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Turtle and Ray Tour Rarotonga
Plantation with cassava in the foreground.

Market, Farm, Fork! A taste of Rarotonga: from farm to fork.

NZ$109
per adult
Market, Farm, Fork! A taste of Rarotonga: from farm to fork.
Tourists having fun on the Cook Islands

Private Arts & Crafts Tour with Lunch

NZ$296
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Arts & Crafts Tour with Lunch
Shared Shuttle Transportation

Shared Shuttle: Rarotonga Hotels

NZ$46
per adult
Shared Shuttle: Rarotonga Hotels
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Top places to visit

1. Muri Beach

On southeast Rarotonga, find some of the island’s best snorkeling at the idyllic Muri Beach. Lounge on powdery sand, explore exquisite marine life, discover Polynesian culture and heritage and see the sights of Rarotonga Island.
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A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.

2. Aroa Beach

Enjoy the freedom and serenity of the pristine Aroa Beach. Relax under swaying coconut trees, float on the currents, read a favorite book or swing in a hammock for hours. This tropical shoreline is a world-class scuba and snorkeling destination where multi-colored marine creatures provide mesmerizing underwater photo opportunities with every turn.
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A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and lush green vegetation.

3. Tikioki Marine Sanctuary

Find some of the most stunning sea life in the South Pacific at the Tikioki Marine Sanctuary. Scuba, snorkel or swim in transparent water to see numerous tropical fish species in Rarotonga's southern lagoon.
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A beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and a clear sky.

4. Te Vara Nui Village

See a concentration of Maori cultural artifacts and performances at Te Vara Nui Village. The setting itself is alluring, with a lake, islands, volcanic rock gardens and small waterfalls.
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A traditional thatched-roof hut surrounded by lush greenery.

5. Cook Islands Library and Museum

Away from sunny shores and thick island vegetation is the peaceful refuge of the Cook Islands Library and Museum. Come here to learn about the fascinating past of this region of more than a dozen islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. Borrow books for your beach reading too.
Learn more
A wooden boat with a pointed bow and a flat stern, featuring a central mast and two side oars.

6. Cook Island Christian Church

Rarotonga’s Cook Island Christian Church is not so much a tourist attraction as a well-used local amenity. That’s not to say that visitors aren’t welcome here. Quite the opposite, in fact. Join the hospitable congregation at a Sunday service and stick around for post-service refreshments and conversation with the local community.
Learn more
A stone building with arched windows, a white cross, and a graveyard with white headstones.

Recommended things to do in Rarotonga

Number of things to do
28
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Shared Shuttle: Rarotonga Hotels: NZ$47
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rarotonga

Stay near popular Rarotonga attractions

A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.

Muri Beach

9.2/10 (867 reviews)
Muri Beach enchants with its turquoise lagoon and four offshore islets visible from pristine white sands. Snorkel among vibrant coral gardens or kayak to tiny motus for an intimate tropical escape.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Rarotonga

Find the best Rarotonga areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rarotonga
Learn more about Rarotonga
A beach with clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a sandy shore.
Photo by Project Forever
Open Photo by Project Forever

Takitumu District

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

A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.

Muri

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

A tropical beach with clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a wooden fence.
Photo by Zach Cain
Open Photo by Zach Cain

Arorangi

Arorangi is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

A harbor with boats, a dock, and a mountainous backdrop.

Avarua

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.

A tropical landscape with a paved path, palm trees, and dense green foliage.

Tapere of Titikaveka

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Muri Beach and Tikioki Beach while you're in town.

 

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

A tropical garden with palm trees, a thatched-roof structure, and a view of the ocean.

Ngatangiia

A beach house with a thatched roof, a porch, and a pool.

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.

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