50 Best Things to Do in Rarotonga: Lagoons, Island Nights and Mountain Walks
Rarotonga is small enough to drive around in under an hour, yet it packs in more than most islands twice its size. There are lagoons full of turtles and tropical fish, a jagged volcanic interior you can walk across, island nights with drums and fire dancers, and markets where lunch comes in a coconut. Here are 50 of the best things to do, from the classics to the quieter corners most visitors miss.
Rarotonga at a glance
Where: the largest of the 15 Cook Islands, about 4 hours' flight from Auckland.
Size: 32 km around. The coast road (Ara Tapu) circles the island, with the older inland back road (Ara Metua) running alongside.
Getting around: the island bus runs clockwise and anticlockwise around the coast road, or hire a car or scooter.
Best for: snorkelling, lagoon cruises, island nights, short mountain walks and slowing right down.
Good to know: days and times for tours and island nights change with the seasons, so check with the operator or your accommodation before you go.
In the lagoon and out on the ocean
1. Snorkel the Aroa Marine Reserve
On the south-west coast, the Aroa Marine Reserve (Rarotonga's ra'ui, or protected area) has calm, clear water and plenty of fish, from parrotfish to butterflyfish. Wade straight in from the beach. It is one of the easiest places on the island to see what lives in the lagoon.
2. Snorkel Tikioki, the Fruits of Rarotonga
On the south-east side, Tikioki is the island's best-known snorkel spot, with coral, giant clams and big schools of colourful fish. It is also where many of the Muri lagoon cruises stop to snorkel. Go at high tide for the easiest swimming.
3. Paddle Muri Lagoon
Muri's shallow turquoise lagoon is made for kayaks and paddleboards. Paddle out to the four small motu (islets) just inside the reef. Most beachfront accommodation lends gear, and hire stands line Muri Beach.
4. Take a glass-bottom boat with Captain Tama's
Captain Tama's has been running its Muri Lagoon cruise since 1992. Expect a glass-bottom boat, snorkelling in the marine reserve with tropical fish and giant clams, and lunch and entertainment on Motu Koromiri. It is cheerful, a bit silly and very popular.
5. Cruise the lagoon with Koka Lagoon Cruises
Koka's half-day cruise leaves Muri Beach in the morning (most days except Saturday), stops to snorkel at Tikioki and finishes with a barbecue lunch on Motu Koromiri. Hotel transfers are included.
6. Swim with turtles
Cook Islands Turtle Tours (run by Snorkel Cook Islands) takes small groups out from Avaavaroa Passage in Takitumu on guided beach-entry snorkels. You have a good chance of swimming with green turtles, plus rays and coral gardens. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
7. Ride a sea scooter with Ariki Adventures
If you are not a confident swimmer, the Turtle Sea Scooter Safari lets an underwater scooter do the work. The guide leads you to the turtles and a snorkel spot, and wetsuits and gear are provided. It is one of the island's top-rated tours, so book ahead.
8. Learn to dive with Dive Rarotonga
Dive Rarotonga is a PADI 5-star instructor centre offering everything from a first try-dive to instructor courses, with guided boat dives seven days a week for certified divers.
9. Dive or freedive with Adventure Cook Islands
Adventure Cook Islands runs small-group scuba trips, refresher dives and courses, plus freediving and snorkelling trips to the outer reef for non-divers.
10. Try kitesurfing with KiteSUP
Based on Muri Beach, KiteSUP is Rarotonga's kitesurfing and paddleboard school. The lagoon's steady trade winds and shallow water make it a good place for a first lesson.
11. Paddle by firelight
KiteSUP's evening fire-on-water paddle tours glide across Muri Lagoon at dusk and finish with a fire show. It is one of the most memorable ways to end a day on the island.
12. Go whale watching (July to October)
From July to October, humpback whales pass close to Rarotonga's reef on their migration. Rongohiva Watersports runs whale-watching trips by speedboat during the season, usually with a snorkel stop too.
13. Head out game fishing
Game Fishing Rarotonga runs charters for marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi. The deep water starts minutes from the reef, so you are fishing almost as soon as you leave the harbour.
14. Charter with Wahoo Fishing Charters
Wahoo Fishing Charters offers deep-sea fishing, snorkel trips and party cruises for beginners and experienced anglers. Most charters leave from Avatiu Harbour in Avarua.
15. Fish with Akura Fishing Charters
A family-run operation with more than 20 years on the water, Akura offers big game fishing, bottom fishing and blue-water spearfishing, with tag-and-release on request.
Beaches
16. Muri Beach
Rarotonga's most famous beach has white sand, a shallow lagoon and the four motu just offshore. It is the island's busiest area, with cafés, the night market and most of the water sports.
17. Titikaveka Beach
On the south coast, Titikaveka is quieter than Muri, with clear water, shady palms and some of the island's best snorkelling just off the sand.
18. Aroa Beach
On the west coast at Arorangi, Aroa Beach is wide and calm, with golden sand and the marine reserve right in front. It has some natural shade but few facilities, so bring what you need.
19. Black Rock at sunset
At Nikao on the north-west coast, Black Rock is a dark volcanic outcrop rising from the lagoon. It is a lovely, uncrowded swimming spot and one of the best places on the island to watch the sun go down.
20. Nikao Beach
Near the airport on the north-west side, Nikao's shallow lagoon is popular with local families. From July to October, keep an eye beyond the reef for whales.
Culture and island nights
21. Te Ara Museum of Cultural Enterprise
In Muri, Te Ara tells the story of the Cook Islands' culture, environment and enterprise, past and present. Allow an hour, and browse the shop for local crafts.
22. Cook Islands Library and Museum
In Avarua, this small museum holds artefacts, photographs and records going back to the earliest days of the islands. It is run with a lot of community care. Open weekday mornings.
23. Avarua historical walking tour
This gentle 1.5-hour guided walk through Avarua covers Polynesian settlement, the missionaries and the island's colonial years, and finishes with fresh fruit and juice.
24. Sunday service at the Cook Islands Christian Church
Visitors are welcome at Sunday morning services, where the unaccompanied singing is extraordinary. Dress modestly (shoulders covered, a hat for women is customary), sit where you are shown, and stay for morning tea if invited.
25. Te Vara Nui island night
Te Vara Nui's island night in Muri is one of the island's biggest shows, staged over water with drums, dancing and fire, and a buffet dinner. Shows run on set nights each week, so book ahead.
26. Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
High above Arorangi on an ancient village site, Highland Paradise runs sunset cultural nights with a warrior welcome, a visit to the marae, an umu (earth oven) feast and a performance telling the story of the land.
27. Akirata Dance Troupe at The Islander Hotel
The Akirata Dance Troupe performs at The Islander Hotel, opposite the airport in Nikao, usually on Tuesday evenings. Expect powerful drumming, singing and fire dancing.
28. Island night at Crown Beach Resort
Crown Beach's Thursday island night features the Akirata troupe and dinner at Oceans Restaurant. The resort is adults-only, but the show is open to everyone.
29. Island night at The Edgewater
The Edgewater's island nights (usually Tuesday and Saturday) pair a traditional buffet, with dishes like rukau (taro leaves in coconut cream) and ika mata (raw fish in lime and coconut), with a dance show.
30. The Umu Experience
On the north coast, the Umu Experience is a hands-on evening where you see a traditional umu prepared and opened, then share the feast. It runs on Monday and Wednesday evenings and bookings are essential.
31. Tumutoa Tours
Tumutoa Tours runs village-based experiences on the west of the island, including an umu feast with string band and fire show, and a discovery walk through the village. It is relaxed, personal and very local.
Markets and food
32. Punanga Nui Market
Saturday morning in Avarua means Punanga Nui Market (roughly 7am to noon). Go early for fresh fruit, island donuts, coffee, ika mata, crafts and pareu, with live music and dancing.
33. Muri Night Market
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 5pm, Muri Night Market gathers food stalls selling barbecue, seafood, curries, noodles and fresh coconuts. Bring cash and eat at the shared tables.
34. Drink a fresh coconut
Roadside stalls and markets all over the island sell chilled drinking coconuts. Ask them to crack it open afterwards so you can eat the soft flesh.
35. Maire Nui Gardens
In Titikaveka, Maire Nui is a seven-acre tropical garden with lily ponds and mountain views, and a café on site. Check opening hours before you go.
Walks, waterfalls and the interior
36. Walk the Cross Island Track to Te Rua Manga
The island's classic walk climbs through rainforest to the base of Te Rua Manga (The Needle), a 413-metre volcanic spire, then drops down to Wigmore's Waterfall. Allow about 3.5 hours one way, start from the north, and only go after a few dry days, as the track gets slippery. Guided walks are available.
37. Arore Mountain Adventures
Arore is a guided walk on private land behind Muri, with ropes and steps on the steep parts and wide views over the lagoon and motu. Sunrise walks are also available. It is guided only, so book ahead.
38. Raemaru Mountain Trek
Run by Adventure Cook Islands, this 3 to 4 hour trek climbs about 350 metres to the flat-topped summit of Raemaru, with stories of the Puaikura people along the way. Bookings need a minimum of two people.
39. Wigmore's Waterfall
Rarotonga's best-known waterfall, on the south side of the island, is an easy stop with a swimming hole at its base. It flows best after a few days of rain. A small entry fee applies.
40. Takitumu Conservation Area
Guided walks with local conservationist Ian Karika take you into protected forest that is home to the kakerori, the rare Rarotonga flycatcher. Tours usually run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Tours and adventures
41. Cycle with Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours
Storytellers' guided bike and walking tours follow the quiet inland back road, with stories about plants, food and island life along the way. Rides suit most fitness levels.
42. Lap the island by electric tuk-tuk
Tik-e Tours runs electric tuk-tuk trips, from a quick lap of the island to a longer circle-island tour with local guides and plenty of stops.
43. Get muddy with Raro Buggy Tours
Drive your own buggy along back roads and muddy tracks into the interior. Tours leave from Wigmore's Superstore several times a day, Monday to Saturday. Bring a licence, sunscreen and clothes you don't mind ruining.
44. Ride with Raro Quad Tours
Guided quad bike tours head into the valleys and forest on easy automatic bikes. Tours run Monday to Saturday and take about 2 to 2.5 hours.
45. Explore the interior with Raro Safari Tours
Raro Safari Tours takes you by 4x4 into the island's valleys for views of Te Rua Manga and the waterfall, with refreshments and stories along the way. Tours run on weekdays with pick-ups.
46. Play laser or archery tag with Kuki Tag
A good rainy-day or family option, Kuki Tag Adventures offers laser tag, gel blaster and archery tag games, Monday to Saturday.
47. Ride the island bus
The circle-island bus is the cheapest tour on Rarotonga. Ride it all the way around in under an hour (clockwise or anticlockwise) and hop off wherever the beach looks good.
48. A night out in Avarua
For a big night, Rehab Nightclub in Avarua is the island's main club, and the Rehab party bus does a lap of the bars on selected nights before ending there.
Beyond Rarotonga
49. Take a day trip to Aitutaki
Aitutaki's lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the Pacific. The full-day tour flies you from Rarotonga in the morning and includes a vaka (canoe) lagoon cruise, snorkelling, a barbecue lunch and a stop at One Foot Island. It is pricey but unforgettable. Compare Aitutaki day tours on GetYourGuide.
50. Fly fish for bonefish on Aitutaki
If you stay on Aitutaki, its shallow flats are known for bonefish and giant trevally. Local guides such as Aitutaki Blue Lagoon Flyfish take anglers out, so check availability before you travel.
Where to stay and tours
Browse places to stay in Rarotonga and Aitutaki on Booking.com. Muri suits families and water sports, Arorangi and the west coast are quieter with the best sunsets, and Avarua is handy for the markets and nightlife.
Compare Rarotonga tours and activities on GetYourGuide.
This post includes affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Bits Travel may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plan your trip
When to go: May to October is drier and less humid, and July to October is whale season. November to April is hotter and wetter, and cyclones are possible from December to March.
How long: five to seven days lets you do the island at a relaxed pace, with a day or two on Aitutaki.
Getting around: the island bus is easy and cheap. To ride a scooter you need a motorcycle licence from home or a local licence from the police station in Avarua, and helmets are compulsory. Check the current rules before you arrive.
Respect the ra'ui: marine reserves are protected, so don't take shells, coral or fish, and never stand on coral.
Sundays: much of the island closes on Sunday, so plan a beach day.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Rarotonga?
May to October is the drier, less humid season and the best time for walking and snorkelling, with whales passing from July to October. November to April is hotter and wetter, with cyclones possible from December to March.
How many days do you need in Rarotonga?
Five to seven days lets you see the island at a relaxed pace, with time for a lagoon cruise, an island night, a mountain walk and a day trip to Aitutaki.
Where is the best snorkelling in Rarotonga?
Tikioki (Fruits of Rarotonga) on the south-east coast and the Aroa Marine Reserve on the south-west coast are the best spots, both with easy entry from the beach. Titikaveka and Muri Lagoon are also good.
Can you walk across Rarotonga?
Yes. The Cross Island Track climbs past Te Rua Manga (The Needle) and comes down at Wigmore's Waterfall, taking about 3.5 hours one way. It is steep and slippery after rain, so go after a few dry days or with a guide.
Is a day trip to Aitutaki worth it?
Yes, if your budget allows. The full-day tour includes return flights from Rarotonga, a lagoon cruise, snorkelling, lunch and a stop at One Foot Island, and the lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the Pacific.
