Despite their isolation in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are an ideal destination for an exceptional vacation. From Avarua, the capital, there are numerous excursions to the lagoon, the mountains and the local population. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Rarotonga, on your own or with a friend.
1. Muri Lagoon Excursion
The adventure begins where the lagoon stretches for several hundred meters. Located to the east of Rarotonga, Muri Lagoon is a natural wonder of indescribable beauty. White sandy beaches face the emerald waters. Several motus emerge from the lagoon. These densely vegetated islets add a delicate touch of green to this heavenly setting, creating a veritable explosion of color. The Muri lagoon is not only the place for romance, but also the perfect spot for water sports such as canoeing and stand-up paddling.
A boat trip offers a different way of exploring the lagoon. In contact with local professionals, you’ll discover the best snorkeling spots for observing aquatic activity. During the expedition, you’ll enjoy a lively and musical atmosphere, for a wonderful insight into island life. The best address for an unforgettable adventure is Koka Lagoon Cruises, which offers half-day trips with picnics on motu Koromiri. Quite simply, the first and best activity you can do on Rarotonga.
2. Snorkeling at Aroa Beach
Head southwest to Aroa Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rarotonga and one of the best spots for snorkeling. Opposite you, the immense marine reserve offers shelter to all aquatic species. Tropical fish and stingrays frolic in the partially preserved coral gardens.
With the help of your snorkeling equipment, you can observe the lagoon’s aquatic life in complete safety. But you can also enjoy the spectacle at the surface. A kayak trip will be an unforgettable memory when the sky lights up at sunset! For advice and equipment, contact Adventure Cook Islands, located just off the beach. You’ll be greeted with a smile and the best advice. When the exploration is over, you can enjoy a fruit cocktail against the changing colors of the sky. Not to be missed!
3. Cross-Country Hiking
Departing from Avarua, set off to conquer Mount Te Rua Manga in the heart of the rainforest. You’ll cross Rarotonga on steep mountain trails, which are certainly demanding and require good physical condition. But how rewarding it is to reach the top of the island and admire the immense expanse of the lagoon and the Pacific Ocean! The panoramic view is fantastic, and the finale at the Papua waterfall rounds off the best hike you can do in Rarotonga.
For a safe approach, we recommend the mountain guides of Maunga Tours. In their company, you’ll explore the Maori culture of the Cook Islands and discover unusual passages in contact with a flourishing natural environment. And last but not least, the team will pick you up at your hotel and return you there after the hike. Half a day’s adventure in comfort and convenience.
4. An Express Day on Aitutaki
Enhance your romantic stay on Rarotonga with a day trip to Aitutaki atoll! This crazy excursion is made possible by Air Rarotonga and its famous Aitutaki Day Tour. Early in the morning, a shuttle picks you up at your accommodation before taking you to the airport. After a short 45-minute flight, you arrive in paradise: enchanting landscapes, fine sandbanks and one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world!
Let yourself be carried away for six hours on this all-inclusive cruise to the most beautiful motus. The program includes a lagoon cruise, snorkeling, wonderful beaches and a Polynesian meal to welcome you. The highlight will undoubtedly be the discovery of the motu One Foot Island. At the end of the day, you’ll be flown back to Rarotonga and dropped off at home. A wonderful day out, albeit a little rushed, for around USD 380 per person.
5. Explore Maori Culture
Cook Islands Maori is one of the two official languages on Rarotonga, but it’s the one most people speak on a daily basis. This ancestral language carries with it a long history where tradition often meets myth. So it’s essential to hear it, to listen to it, to get a better feel for Polynesian identity and cultural heritage. Maori songs magnify the language of the ancients. The big hotels in Rarotonga regularly organize shows where song meets dance.
Although these themed evenings are tourist attractions, some of them shine for their quality and range. A visit to the Te Vara Nui Village in Muri will convince you of this: a deliciously exotic atmosphere in a beautiful setting, followed by an evening buffet dinner and show. It would be a shame to miss out in the name of sacrosanct authenticity. Maori culture is adapting and opening up to as many people as possible. And that’s just as well! What’s more, the evening show can be preceded by a visit to the small adjacent Te Ara museum, which evokes the Maori history of the Cook Islands in a very convincing way.
6. Scuba Diving
There’s no in-between when it comes to diving in Rarotonga! On the one hand, the quiet spots on the north coast near Avarua offer a relaxing experience ideal for the young and less experienced. There are many gently sloping wrecks, some intentionally sunk to invigorate coral life. On the other hand, the east and south coasts are more challenging due to strong currents and ocean passes. These dives are best reserved for more experienced divers.
To accompany you, rely on the professionalism and open-mindedness of Adventure Cook Islands dive center. Your dive instructors will lead you to encounter a fascinating fauna where green turtles and schools of reef fish mingle. You’ll also discover impressive reliefs with caves and canyons and, of course, vertiginous drop-offs. And for beginners, there’s nothing better to do in Rarotonga than pass your diving certificate!
7. Visit a Local Market in Avarua or Muri
Get a taste of the islands by visiting one of Rarotonga’s two most popular markets. Don’t expect to find an antique or a rare pearl, as the experience is above all a social one: a bite to eat in good company and to the sound of a few musical notes. In short, it’s all about atmosphere! However, you’ll be able to find fresh produce and even a few unpretentious souvenirs to bring back from your stay in the Cook Islands.
Two addresses and two different experiences. In Avarua, the Punanga Nui market attracts strollers of all ages on Saturday mornings. To take in the special atmosphere, it’s best to get there early, from 8:00 am onwards. A few purchases and delicacies will brighten up your observation of the surrounding hubbub. In Muri, a night market welcomes boaters to share a drink or cocktail and sample island delicacies on the food trucks. Certainly more subdued, this market is a very pleasant place to end a busy day.
8. Visit Black Rock Beach
Probably the best place to watch the sunset in Rarotonga. A perfect spot to face the blazing sky, sitting on the black basalt rocks. During the day, it’s a great place to swim, and the shallow water makes it perfect for families. Little frequented by tourists, the beach is a marvel of intimacy, but not only!
The legends surrounding Black Rock come to life when the sun sinks into the ocean. It was from these rocks that the souls of the departed took flight and began their journey to the afterlife. This spiritual touch offers serenity and allows you to feel the mana of Rarotonga. You’ll be paying homage to the oral traditions of the Cook Islands, which form the bedrock of the local cultural heritage.
9. Meet the Humpback Whales
During the austral winter, humpback whales leave Antarctica for the warmer waters of Polynesia. This long annual migration takes them as far as the Marquesas Islands. Along the way, these mammals also experience their mating season and calving season. You can meet them in the Cook Islands between July and October on a boat trip. They can also be seen from land, especially on the west coast from Rarotonga to Black Rock Beach, where the lagoon is not so wide.
The best chance of encountering them is on the high seas. Meet up at Avatiu harbor in Avarua to take part in the excursions organized by Raro Reef Sub. You’ll set off on a semi-submersible boat, offering incredible views of the depths and marine life. Please accept that the tour is conducted with total respect for the animals and their environment. The boat will keep its distance, and swimming alongside the whales is out of the question. Finally, you’ll have to accept the luck factor. But if you’re lucky, the encounter promises to be magical and unforgettable.
10. A Polynesian Massage
To conclude this list of things to do in Rarotonga, it’s worth remembering that the plane journey was long. No doubt you’ll suffer from jet lag, and perhaps you won’t even be able to forget everyday worries fast enough to make the most of your stay in the Cook Islands. Put all the chances on your side: it’s time to think about your physical and mental well-being.
A Polynesian massage will rebalance your body’s energies, relieve tension and prevent muscular pain. The result is a surprising sense of letting go, leaving you feeling relaxed and free of negative vibes. Hotels in Rarotonga generally offer spa facilities for you to visit. We recommend the Kia Orana Spa for personalized sessions, alone or as a couple.
Explore What You Can Do in Rarotonga!
Now all you have to do is pack your bags and head for the South Pacific paradise. Find out not only how to get to the Cook Islands, but also the best time to visit Rarotonga. You can also make your stay part of a wider Polynesia trip. Why not combine it with a visit to New Zealand or French Polynesia? Don’t hesitate to contact us for further information on these dream destinations.
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