Things to see and do in Rarotonga, Rarotonga highlights, Rarotonga activities and attractions, and points of interest in Rarotonga.
* Hire a Scooter & Explore
The scooter is the most popular mode of transport on Rarotonga and the perfect way to explore on ‘island time’. Just follow the coastal road (32km) which circles the island, or head inland to the Ara Metua coral road to see some of the island’s lush plantations. You can hire cars, bikes, buggies and 4WD vehicles at reasonable rates as well.
*Enjoy the Watersports at Muri Beach
One of Rarotonga’s loveliest beaches, Muri Beach is great for swimming, sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. A turquoise lagoon and tiny offshore islands add to its scenic appeal. The Aquasportz Centre next to the sailing club offers snorkelling and kayaking rentals for visitors. There are silicon masks, snorkels, fins and reef shoes, or hire a kayak and explore the tiny islets scattered around the lagoon. You can also learn how to windsurf at the Kiwisi Windsurfing School.
* Go Diving
There are guided dives for all levels, from wrecks to passages, drop off's and, night dives, plus introductory lagoon and boat dives. Local operators include The Dive Centre, located on the stunning marine reserve of Aroa Beach, Dive Rarotonga and Pacific Divers.
* Take a Guided Walk through Takitumu Conservation Area
A guided tour through lush tropical forest allows you to see one of the world's rarest birds, the endangered Rarotonga Flycatcher (kakerori). To book, contact Takitumu Conservation Area.
* Go Hiking
Local guides will take you on Rarotonga’s cross-island trek, or enjoy a nature walk and learn about the local medicine plants and native flora and fauna.
* Explore on a 4WD Safari
Tangaroa 4x4 Adventures take you along Rarotonga’s Ara Metua Road to see ancient maraes and historic sites, plus you’ll get to prepare an umu (underground earth oven) for a traditional feast which cooks as you tour.
* Enjoy a Jungle Quad Adventure
Drive you own 4WD buggy with Coconut Tours. You follow the guide in your own 'Bug Rider', visiting Rarotonga’s waterfall, plantations and maraes, finishing off with a refreshing swim up the valley.
* Take a Day Trip to Aituaki
Day trips to idyllic Aitutaki Island depart daily except Sunday, leaving 8am and returning 5.30pm. Aitutaki’s stunning lagoon is famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The all-day trip includes hotel transfers and airfares, a tour and a lagoon cruise with a delicious barbecue lunch. You can book with Air Rarotonga.
* Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall
Rarotonga’s only public waterfall has a large pool, ideal for a cooling swimming on a hot day.
* Go Horseriding
Aroa Horseriding, in Arorangi, offer treks through Rarotonga's lush plantations to Wigmore’s Waterfall, then back along the beautiful beaches.
* Enjoy the Shops and Cafes in Avarua
Overlooking a beautiful harbour, Avarua is the commercial centre of Rarotonga and the capital of the Cook Islands. The town has great shopping and dining and a full range of visitor services.
* Attend an Island Night
A great way to experience the vibrant local culture is to attend one of the Cooks’ famous Island Nights. Every major hotel puts on an Island Night at least once a week, with traditional song and dance, and an island-style feast known as an umukai.
* Hire a Scooter & Explore
The scooter is the most popular mode of transport on Rarotonga and the perfect way to explore on ‘island time’. Just follow the coastal road (32km) which circles the island, or head inland to the Ara Metua coral road to see some of the island’s lush plantations. You can hire cars, bikes, buggies and 4WD vehicles at reasonable rates as well.
*Enjoy the Watersports at Muri Beach
One of Rarotonga’s loveliest beaches, Muri Beach is great for swimming, sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. A turquoise lagoon and tiny offshore islands add to its scenic appeal. The Aquasportz Centre next to the sailing club offers snorkelling and kayaking rentals for visitors. There are silicon masks, snorkels, fins and reef shoes, or hire a kayak and explore the tiny islets scattered around the lagoon. You can also learn how to windsurf at the Kiwisi Windsurfing School.
* Go Diving
There are guided dives for all levels, from wrecks to passages, drop off's and, night dives, plus introductory lagoon and boat dives. Local operators include The Dive Centre, located on the stunning marine reserve of Aroa Beach, Dive Rarotonga and Pacific Divers.
* Take a Guided Walk through Takitumu Conservation Area
A guided tour through lush tropical forest allows you to see one of the world's rarest birds, the endangered Rarotonga Flycatcher (kakerori). To book, contact Takitumu Conservation Area.
* Go Hiking
Local guides will take you on Rarotonga’s cross-island trek, or enjoy a nature walk and learn about the local medicine plants and native flora and fauna.
* Explore on a 4WD Safari
Tangaroa 4x4 Adventures take you along Rarotonga’s Ara Metua Road to see ancient maraes and historic sites, plus you’ll get to prepare an umu (underground earth oven) for a traditional feast which cooks as you tour.
* Enjoy a Jungle Quad Adventure
Drive you own 4WD buggy with Coconut Tours. You follow the guide in your own 'Bug Rider', visiting Rarotonga’s waterfall, plantations and maraes, finishing off with a refreshing swim up the valley.
* Take a Day Trip to Aituaki
Day trips to idyllic Aitutaki Island depart daily except Sunday, leaving 8am and returning 5.30pm. Aitutaki’s stunning lagoon is famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The all-day trip includes hotel transfers and airfares, a tour and a lagoon cruise with a delicious barbecue lunch. You can book with Air Rarotonga.
* Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall
Rarotonga’s only public waterfall has a large pool, ideal for a cooling swimming on a hot day.
* Go Horseriding
Aroa Horseriding, in Arorangi, offer treks through Rarotonga's lush plantations to Wigmore’s Waterfall, then back along the beautiful beaches.
* Enjoy the Shops and Cafes in Avarua
Overlooking a beautiful harbour, Avarua is the commercial centre of Rarotonga and the capital of the Cook Islands. The town has great shopping and dining and a full range of visitor services.
* Attend an Island Night
A great way to experience the vibrant local culture is to attend one of the Cooks’ famous Island Nights. Every major hotel puts on an Island Night at least once a week, with traditional song and dance, and an island-style feast known as an umukai.