Top Things to do in Rarotonga
Top Restaurants in Rarotonga
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. Koka Lagoon Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,528 reviews
Don’t miss a fantastic day out with Koka Lagoon Cruises. Our multi-talented crew will ensure an experience you wont forget, with snorkelling amongst the lagoon life, or viewing through glass bottom boat; non-stop entertainment with ukulele playing, pareu tying demos, weaving (score yourself a pair of kikau sun-glasses!)delicious fish bbq feast, amazing coconut tree climbing demo, coconut husking and all its uses. Informative, educational and most of all fun for all ages. Book now.
2. Ariki Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
ARIKI ADVENTURES offers you a range of fun activities including Lagoon, Ocean and Turtle Sea Scooter Safaris, Snorkel Tours and our world famous Night Paddle SUP & Kayak Tours. All Ariki Bungalows guests receive a 10% Discount on all Ariki Adventures. We also offer tour combinations to suit your adventurous spirit
3. KiteSup Cook Islands Water Sports Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 188 reviews
We are your family away from home! Come explore and experience some of Rarotonga's unique water activities with us. Kitesurfing, paddle boarding, sea scooter snorkeling, night paddle tours, paddle board yoga and more. We'd love to have you join us for an adventure!
4. Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 329 reviews
Storytellers are the tour leaders and guides taking you on an unforgettable bike riding experience in Rarotonga. The Storytellers experience offers a variety of tours to suit most levels of riding fitness and experience. We are the only Cook Islands eco tour on mountain bikes. We also give 10% of our profits back to the community for development projects.
5. Snorkel Cook Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Join us for a unique experience to explore Rarotonga’s most abundant and exciting snorkelling spots! From swimming with turtles, exploring a shipwreck, to a leisurely snorkel through the oldest marine reserve - We provide a host of tours suitable for intrepid explorers of all abilities, guaranteeing you the adventure of a lifetime! Ideal for couples, multi-generational families, and individuals. Our exclusive tours are shared only with a small group. Premium snorkelling gear and reef-friendly sunscreen are provided, just bring your togs and towel. We capture underwater photos while you have an unforgettable experience, they’re complimentary for you to take home and share. Our eco-friendly tours have an emphasis on not only the safety of the environment, but the safety and duty of care for our guests. We provide an authentic snorkelling experience hosted by genuine local watermen with international lifeguarding experience, who know the reef environment and how to read ocean conditions.
6. Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
This tall, rocky pinnacle can be spotted from several locations on the island and is a favorite challenge for those who enjoy a good climb.
Reviewed By Bree1991 - Newcastle, Australia
We trekked from the Pāpua waterfall up to the needle and back. Quite a challenging but beautiful walk. Extremely slippery in some sections and I did slip over a couple of times going down hill. Stunning stream trickling for most of the walk. Give yourself plenty of time and take lots of water. Barry the rooster greeted us up the top! Nice swim in the waterfall at the end of the walk. Definitely don’t do as I did and wear and white singlet. It soon turns muddy and brown!
7. Muri Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
One of the island's most beautiful locations, this lagoon and beach is a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Reviewed By Kinkoona - Sydney, Australia
One of the many excellent aquatic locations on the island - but a “must do”. Lagoon itself is excellent as a beach and swim spot - it also has access to hiring things such as paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling gear. Koka and Captain Tama day trips also leave from here and there is a few spots on the beach to get a drink/food. It is also a close walk to main road of Muri for supplies or food. No sunset at end of day but the views are excellent
8. Punanga Nui
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Saturday is the best time to visit this outdoor market where you can purchase fruits, vegetables, bedding and clothing.
Reviewed By 341neilm - New Zealand, null
Keep in mind this market happens TWICE a week. Saturday morning is much bigger, has all kinds of food and cultural performances. Thursday night is much smaller, but great food to tie you over till Saturday. Support local produce, donate to SPCA (the have an op shop there) and participate in local show which gives away a free tour (you will need to demonstrate your dancing abilities;-))
9. Maire Nui Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Located on the south coast of the island, these gardens contain many local plants and flowers that are not only beautiful but have medicinal uses.
Reviewed By iang428 - Queenstown, New Zealand
A $5 donation gives access to beautiful gardens, a superb cafe, and beauty and peace that is without peer on Rarotonga. The staff, especially the owner, are very inviting and pleased to discuss the history of the gardens, the plants, and the future. Watch your plate or else the quick roosters and hens will dash in for a bite.
10. Raro Mountain Safari Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
These guided, four-wheel island tours transport visitors to many scenic locations including Te Rua Manga and Wigmore's Waterfall.
Reviewed By TristarNZ - Matamata, New Zealand
This tour is laid back and casual mirroring the Islanders lifestyle but the commentary provided during the trip gives one a great insight into the local history and culture of the area. Travelling the back roads you get to see and learn about the real Rarotonga and our guide responded to all our queries along the way...there sense of fun and humour is quite infectious. Finished off with a great barbecue and the guides singing to us. A great experience.
