Top Things to do in Rarotonga
Top Restaurants in Rarotonga
What to do and see in Rarotonga, Southern Cook Islands: The Best Things to do
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. 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!
2. 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
3. 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;-))
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Koteka Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By 714miriamh
Easy to find, just follow the directions on the road for the vanilla. Roll up to his house, knock on door and he will come out and take you into his outdoor room where all the vanilla and vodka making is. Make sure your up for a cpl shots lol as this dude will give you taste tester of all his vodka and chocolates nom nom. Awesome dude, vodka, chocolate and dont forget the vanilla beans. Also dont forget to donate to the local team he fundraisers for. Take cash!
7. Black Rock Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Black Rock beach is historically and culturally important to the people of Rarotonga. Facing north-west, and receiving all day sun, the lagoon area is a popular aqua-playground. The prominent black rocks serve as diving platforms into the rock pools below. Black Rock is also the home of Rarotonga's only golf course, as well as the tennis centre and beach volleyball courts.
Reviewed By Herbies1 - New Plymouth, New Zealand
Great place for swimming, snorkeling or taking a walk. Its an easy stroll along the beach from The Edgewater or even further. There is a car park at the top which after a few visits wondered why there were always cars parked there - now we know. Its also a great place to watch the planes come in as well.
8. Aroa Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By tauranga123
Aroa marine reserve is the best snorkeling I have done. Our 8 year old son loved it also with fish a couple of metres of shore. Types of fish seen included butterfly fish, angelfish, giant tevelly, Sargent Majors as well as a morey eel. Snorkeling is great for young kids at low tide as water is shallow almost to outer reef, thoroughly recommend.
9. Tikioki Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By davidbM4235IC - Lancaster, United States
The best beaches on Rarotonga are on the South side of the island, and some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world. Tikioki Beach is quieter during the week and has really great snorkeling. I love the sand and turquoise water.
10. Te Ara- Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
We are a cultural business incubator and market in the Cook Islands and to bring together the community. Te Ara features a fantastic visual display about the story of the Cook Islands from pre-colonial times, independence in 1965, through to the present day. It also houses a quality gift shop and cafe selling only locally produced crafts and food
Reviewed By grantt880 - Wellington, New Zealand
the best soy latte and ginger crunch on the island, friendly and amazing customer service. worth the drive from Avarua
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