Things to do in Rarotonga Guaranteed to Keep Everyone Happy
Rarotonga in the Cook Islands has a lot to offer families searching for a beautiful south pacific destination minus the crowds. Check out these 10 awesome things to do in Rarotonga that are guaranteed to keep everyone happy!
Snorkel or Relax on The Beautiful Tropical Beaches
(Top pick for low-cost things to do in Rarotonga)
This is my top pick for things to do in Rarotonga when you’re on a budget!
You really can’t beat a relaxing holiday on a beautiful beach. Rarotonga’s lagoon is seriously stunning, and if you don’t have the time or funds to make it to the outer islands, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with a week on Rarotonga.
Our personal favourite is Aroa Beach. It’s away from the tourist hub and is the perfect blend of sandy areas for swimming and small patches of coral for teaching the kids to snorkel. Aroa Beach is also only 100 metres from The White House Villa, a great self-contained villa suitable for families in Rarotonga.
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Explore the Circle Island Road
There is only one main road and it circles the Island in 32km. You know what that means? It’s impossible to get lost! If you don’t hire a scooter or car, take either the clockwise or anti-clockwise bus. It’s easy peasy!
This was one of my favourite things to do in Rarotonga as you can stop whenever and wherever you want to swim, eat, relax and explore. No schedule = great times!
Drive a Buggy Through the Mud in Front of an Abandoned Resort
(Top Pick for fun things to do in Rarotonga)
Tear around the grounds of the abandoned Sheraton Hotel with Raro Buggy Tours. If you can’t stand the thought of being covered from head to toe in mud, this activity isn’t for you. Check out the web page of Raro buggy Tours here.
This is one of the most fun things to do in Rarotonga!
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Swim Under a Waterfall
Wigmore’s Waterfall is pretty awesome after some decent rain. Ask a local to show you how to climb up the slippery rocks and jump or slide in. Don’t forget the insect repellent!
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Eat Till You’re Stuffed at the Muri Night Market
Get in at 5pm as soon as it opens if you want the slow-cooked pork belly. At under $15 for a huge serving that includes roast vegetables, you can’t go wrong.
The Muri Night Market is an open-air market with the food stalls set around brightly coloured wooden tables and chairs. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Eating pork belly roasted to perfection was one of my favourite things to do in Rarotonga … I love a good slow-cooked roast!
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Explore the Inland Roads via an Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour
Take an island tour with Tike-E-Tours to get a feel for the place. Our guide was local, and therefore extremely knowledgeable about local customs and traditions. Although the kids weren’t very interested in listening to the guide, they were excited to go for a ride in the bright orange Tuk-Tuk.
This is a great activity to do before filling your week with all the things you can do in Rarotonga as it gives you a great overview of the beaches and interior.
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Go on the Cultural Village Tour with a Night Show and Buffet Dinner
The cultural village tour with night show and buffet dinner is thoroughly entertaining! You will learn about the culture and traditional ways before sitting down for a buffet of island and western food.
Enjoy the entertainment both during and after dinner by way of ukelele, drummers, and dancers. It finishes a couple of hours past bedtime for younger kids, but hey, you’re on holidays!
Play 18 Holes of Mini Golf at Coco Putt
Coco Putt is a mini-golf course that features a bar with Sky Sports and sometimes live entertainment. Grab one of the smaller putter sizes for the kids! I was surprised that even our two-year-old could manage this activity … even if it did take 14 goes and a little help from her foot to get in it the hole!
This was one of the kids favourite things to do in Rarotonga!
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Go on a Glass Bottom Lagoon Cruise in Rarotonga
(TOP PICK for things to do in Rarotonga)
Eat a barbecue lunch on a beautiful islet and listen to the crew play ukelele while you snorkel. If you book with Koka Lagoon Cruises, a portion of your ticket cost supports a marine conservation fund.
Highlights include snorkelling, and demonstrations on pareo (sarong) tying, coconut tree climbing, and coconut husking.
Check out the Punanga Nui Market on a Saturday Morning
Skip breakfast, grab a bite to eat at the markets, and plonk yourself on brightly coloured wooden table and chairs to listen to the live music. Stroll around the stalls when you’re finished eating for some awesome souvenirs to take home.
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Make Sure to Watch Our YouTube Clip on Things to do in Rarotonga
Looking for More Cook Islands Inspiration?
Check out our dedicated Cook Islands page for more inspiration and information on the Cook Islands. For other destinations both in Australia and abroad, head on back to the home page.
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Resources for Booking Your Cook Island Holiday
Flights
All international flights land in Rarotonga. Try searching on Trip.com for a great deal on flights to Rarotonga.
Internal flights around the Cook Islands need to be booked with Air Rarotonga. Mauke, Atiu and Aitutaki are less than one hour flight from Rarotonga.
Accommodation
The White House Villa is a great self-contained family-friendly apartment near Aroa Beach on Rarotonga.
