Top Things to do in Rarotonga
Top Restaurants in Rarotonga
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Rarotonga, Southern Cook Islands
Sipping coconut milk while bargaining for handmade jewelry and swaying your hips to live music—just another Saturday morning in Rarotonga. After a few hours of checking out the wharf-side Punanga Nui Market, hit the beaches of this reef-protected volcanic island. There are plenty of picturesque lagoons that allow peaceful swimming or snorkeling, and moonlit strolls along the East Side sands are pure magic. Raro Safari Tours are a popular way to explore the island’s vivid rainforest.
Restaurants in Rarotonga
1. Cook Islands Cultural Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Visitors to this historic village can participate in a variety of activities from coconut husking to fishing in order to experience the lifestyles of the Maori people.
Reviewed By RitaReview1 - Sydney, Australia
A beautiful island and only five hours from Sydney. Staying in a beautiful house on the beach With my partner. The locals a lovely and it has a very peaceful easy vibe. Very casual place, no need to dress up. Variety food is not so big. I loved it here
2. Cook Island Christian Church (CICC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Sunday services are filled with hymns sung in the Maori language at this island church which dates back to 1853. The local graveyard is noted for some famous inhabitants including American author Robert Dean Frisbie.
Reviewed By 670kates - Byron Bay, Australia
What a wonderful experience to sit among a congregation of warm loving people sharing their faith with everyone so joyously. Very proud of their identity and faith, the service is presented in the local language with occasional references to the many visitors. Church is not a tourist attraction as far as I am concerned and all should be respectful of this tradition. Make sure you donate to the collection generously.
3. St Joseph's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By richardf600 - Louisville, United States
We arrived on the island on a Sunday but, unfortunately too late to attend the service. This is a beautiful island church with wood carvings and beautiful statues. There is easy access and a short walk from the cruise ship tender dock.
4. Titikaveka CICC Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By stevewU6311ZB - Edmonton, Canada
We visited 3 churches while on Raro, and not only the churches but every day happenings involved prayers around the island, very refreshing to hear and watch. On our visit to Titikaveka CICC we were inspired by the singing, if you closed your eyes you would think that a choir of angels were singing. Their hospitality after the service was welcome and appreciated.
5. Ngatangiia Cook Islands Christian Church
6. Arai-Te-Tonga
7. Matavera CICC Church
8. Taputapuatea
9. Wreck of the Matai
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
The SS Matai, owned by the Union Steam Ship Co., was carrying a load of Model T cars when it was wrecked on Dec. 24, 1916. This area is now a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving.
Reviewed By WellyChicky - Wellington, New Zealand
Good snorkel spot. If you plan on going on the reefsub or rongohiva speedboat, don't bother making a special trip as these both give you opportunities to snorkel around the wreck. At low tide you can swim/walk out to it, it's quite a big wreck and one of the best snorkel spots on the island
10. Hospital Hill Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By michaelcG7107DA
We walked up along the roads 30-40 minutes in the shade of the coconut trees from the dock and were passed by only one vehicle. The view is great. Back in town we bought a smoothie and in our change was a Cook Island $2 coin. Even if you don't buy anything, ask someone to swap NZ$2 of your money for their $2 coin. You will be amazed and have a talking point for life. Or, of course, spoiler alert, Google it.
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