Top Things to do in Rarotonga
Top Restaurants in Rarotonga
What to do and see in Rarotonga, Southern Cook Islands: The Best Tours
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. Private Custom Tour: Half-Day Rarotonga Island by Electric Tuk Tuk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Join this half-day tour for a fully customised experience that only a private tour can provide for you. Your experienced guide can help you craft a tour with lots of different options to cater to your own personal taste. This tour is all about discovery, culture, sightseeing, arts and crafts, and interaction with the local people. Our specially selected electric tour vehicles are great fun to ride in as well as being open to let you immerse yourself the magic of the ever changing landscape of Rarotonga. *This tour cannot be booked for cruise ship passengers.
Inclusions: Private tour, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Paul2966
We were on a ship and due to weather we could not get into port. Tik-e Tours refunsedto refund, even though the ship was unable to dock! BEWARE! I would def not use if on a cruise
2. 3-Hour Rarotonga Island Discovery Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Explore Rarotonga from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach as our experienced, local guide takes you on a fascinating 3 hour sightseeing tour. You will travel along the ancient Ara Metua or "Road of Toi" built in 1050 AD and visit ancient marae (ceremonial sites), inland villages and plantations and the beautiful Muri lagoon. This tour is a must do as soon as you arrive on the island, it is the perfect introduction to the islands' rich culture, legends and history.
Inclusions: Hotel drop-off, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks
Exclusions: no fold down seats
Reviewed By 835aimeet
This experience was awesome. We absolutely loved our hosts, they were super fun and offered us drinks a few times throughout the night. The pick up and drop off were easy and were right on time. We went to a really good range of bars and I feel like there would be something that everyone would enjoy. I would highly recommend Going Troppo and would go again if we return to Rarotonga. Going with a group of friends would be fun but it was also fun to socialise with new people.
3. Paddle Board Yoga in Muri Lagoon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy an amazing afternoon of yoga, paddle boarding, sun and pure bliss in Muri lagoon. No experience required, honestly! The floating yoga class is an hour and 30 minutes and includes a certified yoga teacher, paddle board lesson, stretches, photo booth session and refreshing drink. Treat yourself!
Inclusions: Professional guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Drinking Coconut
Exclusions: Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup
Reviewed By 608benv
Kitesurfing lessons were excellent! Ina my instructor was real chill and patient, great teaching methods and encouraging. All you have to do is absorb the info and give it a go! Would highly recommend!
4. Lagoon Explorer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
A fantastic combination of paddling and snorkelling within the lagoon around the beautiful tropical waters of our Marine Reserve. Your guide will share local knowledge about the islands, the best snorkelling techniques, and insider tips about safely interacting with the marine life. You can choose a stand-up paddle board (SUP), single kayak, or double kayak for your adventure. Upon returning from your exploration, a picnic style lunch awaits while you bask in the memory of a beautiful lagoon experience!
Inclusions: Professional local guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax), All equipment, Sandwich and a Beverage, Snacks
Exclusions: Any pickups and drop-offs
Reviewed By 608benv
Kitesurfing lessons were excellent! Ina my instructor was real chill and patient, great teaching methods and encouraging. All you have to do is absorb the info and give it a go! Would highly recommend!
5. TAI Lagoon Snorkel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Come and discover the giant clams, giant trevally and giant smiles on this family friendly marine adventure! We explore the waters of our lagoon covering safety, equipment use and swimming technique. Our Tai Sea Scooter Snorkel is perfect for beginner snorkelers and those who just want to be guided along to the best snorkeling spot.
Inclusions: Professional local guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax), All equipment
Exclusions: Any pickups and drop-offs
Reviewed By 608benv
Kitesurfing lessons were excellent! Ina my instructor was real chill and patient, great teaching methods and encouraging. All you have to do is absorb the info and give it a go! Would highly recommend!
6. Rarotonga International Arrivals Seat in Coach Transfer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Arrive in Rarotonga to the warm welcome of Raro Tours. You will receive a fresh flower ei (garland) and a chilled bottle of water on arrival, followed by a comfortable ride to your accommodation in one of our air conditioned buses. Transfers are available to all major accommodations on Rarotonga and children welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Inclusions: One-way shared transfer, Bottle of water, Fresh flower Ei garland
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By 835aimeet
This experience was awesome. We absolutely loved our hosts, they were super fun and offered us drinks a few times throughout the night. The pick up and drop off were easy and were right on time. We went to a really good range of bars and I feel like there would be something that everyone would enjoy. I would highly recommend Going Troppo and would go again if we return to Rarotonga. Going with a group of friends would be fun but it was also fun to socialise with new people.
7. Night Paddle Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Experience being on a stand up paddle board (SUP) or Kayak and gliding through the warm lagoons of Rarotonga at night with neon lights lighting the way. Our educational and fun Night Paddles provide adventure options for the whole family to enjoy a super fun activity together. Its a serene calming experience, over 80% of our paddlers have never paddled before. We also allow young children to sit on their parents boards as we cruise the lagoon looking back on a majestic night lit Rarotonga. The tour last approximately 90 minutes but allow 2 hours.
Inclusions: Equipment (Standup Paddleboard or Kayak & Paddle/s), Professional guides
Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By 141anneket
Kitesurf lessons! When you are up for it, go learn kitesurfing with Ariki. Very good lessons. Starting with theory and how a kite works and how to set up. Roll it in and take it to the beach and do it again! You’ll learn directly by yourself with the instructor next to, fly the kite. It is amazing. They really explain it good and take the time you’ll need. Next to that they have amazing good coffee and food in the flying turtle cafe!
8. Cook Islands Turtle Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Cook Islands ultimate intimate 5star turtle tour. With elite tour guides and worldclass professional underwater photos with internationally respected photographers to go home. If conditions permit you will also get an opportunity to see eagle rays. The ultimate wildlife experience of a lifetime. Explore the hidden underwater gems of the Cook Islands with the locals. Small exclusive groups. Guides certified lifeguards + specialist guards with APNEA and PADI certifications. This is the tour for those wanting WORLDCLASS Photos and small personaiized service.
Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Photography
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Tovio-Cook
An amazing experience, a must-do when in Rarotonga. Charlotte, Tuhe and Peter were nothing short of amazing! My 7-year-old had her own lifeguard (Peter), he was fantastic! Charlotte captured beautiful images of my family, Highly recommend!
9. Turtle and Ray Snorkel Tour (Worldclass photography included)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Explore the hidden gems of Rarotonga, Cook Islands on the ultimate snorkel tour which guarantees WORLDCLASS PHOTOS. Tour includes swimming not only with turtles but seeing eagle rays*. Photography by pro water photographer @charlottepiho (has over 200,000 followers on instagram) . Charlotte is an ambassador for Canon Australia and Aquatech. You will be given photos from your amazing experience in high res to go home with. Staff all top athletes with lifeguard certifications. This is the tour for those wanting a personalised intimate 5star experience with amazing photos. *You're are guaranteed to see turtles but if conditions are not safe we can't guarantee swimming with Eagle rays. We do our best though to take you swimming with the rays if safety permits.
Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Evange99
Beautiful thing to do! Took the whole family and was such a buzz , felt safe with little ones and also exciting for the big ones ! Meitaki ranuinui
10. Private Lagoon Snorkeling Tour (includes worldclass photos)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Rarotonga is one of the most pristine dive destinations in the world - with spectacular coral formations, hundreds of species of fish, turtles, eagle rays and even visiting whales. The shallow lagoon is renowned as an excellent place to snorkel among its abundant, colorful fish and other marine wildlife. Whatever your snorkeling experience, this service makes it accessible and worry-free. Come enjoy a fun-filled family adventure and experience all the underwater beauty of Rarotonga.
Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Evange99
Beautiful thing to do! Took the whole family and was such a buzz , felt safe with little ones and also exciting for the big ones ! Meitaki ranuinui
