Rarotonga is like a big, beautiful resort! It’s the main island of the 15 islands of the Cook Islands, where you’ll find the international airport.
This island is the lively heart of the Cooks and has so much to offer – from attractions and delicious eateries to cozy accommodations and fun activities.
Despite being the main hub, Rarotonga has kept its pristine charm with no fast food joints like McDonald’s and no buildings taller than a coconut tree.
It’s simply paradise!
Where to stay on Rarotonga.
For your first time on the island, we decided to stay at Edgewater Resort.
It’s a large resort near the airport on the island’s west side. Our stay was nice, and the staff was very friendly. But there are many places to stay in Rarotonga. If I had to pick a hotel today, I’d choose one on the island’s east side, with amazing beaches and more water activities.
Please take note of the following information: A variety of accommodations are available to suit different preferences, including hotels, resorts, Airbnbs, and individual rooms.
How do you get around in the Cook Islands?
The island has one main road that encircles the entire island, spanning a distance of 32 km (20 miles). Therefore, there are only two possible directions: right or left.
Despite this oversimplified explanation, it is worth noting that no matter which way you choose, you’ll still get to your destination without needing a GPS.
Public Transports- Bus
You can quickly get around Rarotonga using public transportation. Two buses circle the island: Clockwise and Anticlockwise. The buses will stop anywhere along the main road. You need to smile and wave to catch a ride.
There’s an app called TransportMe that you can download on your phone to help you locate the Bus in real time, making it easier.
The bus service in Rarotonga operates at varying hours. Generally, buses run from early morning to late evening. The Clockwise bus operates from 7 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday. The Anticlockwise bus operates from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturdays.
Rentals
If you are from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, or the EU, you can use your driver’s license to drive cars in the Cook Islands. You don’t need to get a Cook Islands license. However, if you want to hire a scooter without a full motorcycle license, you will need to get a visitor’s motorcycle license. More information is in the Scooter Rental Rarotonga “Important – Please Read” section on Adventure Cooks Islands scooter hire.
Speed limit
When driving outside built-up areas, please keep your speed below 50 kph. Inside towns and villages, the speed limit is 40 kph. When near schools during school time, please drive at a maximum speed of 20 kph. In Muri and Avarua, the speed limit is 30 kph.
Taxi
The island has many available taxis, but they do not cruise around looking for customers. Instead, you need to call them for a ride. The one-way fare ranges from NZ$10 to NZ$20, depending on the distance.
I suggest using AJ Taxis, reachable at 52 800, or Yellow Cab Taxi Ltd at 78903. You can also contact the Cook Islands Taxi Association (CITA) via email at CITA.taxis@gmail.com to make bookings and 1AAA TAXI, phone: 28862.
What to do on Rarotonga.
Rarotonga is a paradise for travelers seeking an array of activities. You can embark on tranquil lagoon cruises, engage in thrilling fishing and diving excursions, explore the island’s lush terrain with guided mountain hikes, take part in immersive storytelling cycling tours, or opt for more adventurous experiences such as buggies, quad bikes, or 4WD trips inland.
The island’s diverse natural landscape offers something for everyone, enabling you to create a tailored itinerary based on your preferred pace. With numerous activities available, we made the most of our time by participating in as many as possible.
Snorkeling
When snorkeling, use coral-safe sunscreen to protect the coral. You should also wear aqua shoes in the lagoon to avoid coral cuts and infections. The hotel may have aqua shoes available for you to use. Some beaches have many corals, so it’s important to take precautions.
Markets
Punanga Nui market –
The Punanga Nui Market in the main town of Avarua gives you a fantastic experience of the local culture. They offer an opportunity to witness the Te Korero Maori Cultural Dance Group perform.
You can grab some delicious and fresh local foods and unique souvenirs from the Cook Islands.
The market is worth visiting, especially on Saturdays before noon. Some stalls are open during the week, but Saturdays are the best.
Muri Night Market
The night markets at Muri Beach are an absolute gem, brimming with delicious food that will tantalize your taste buds.
It’s the perfect spot for tourists and locals to mingle and enjoy a wonderful evening.
Don’t forget to check in with the friendly locals to find out the nights when the markets are open!
Hiking “The Needle”
Exploring the Te Rua Manga (The Needle) hills can be a challenging but rewarding experience for hikers. The trail is 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long, and it’s an out-and-back route that takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Make sure to wear some comfy, sturdy walking shoes for the varied terrain, and don’t forget to bring water. Also, be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing insect repellent and covering up.
Those little bugs can be pretty aggressive, so it’s best to hike during the daytime and avoid waiting until nighttime.
Swimming with Turtles
Rarotonga is home to two types of sea turtles – the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle.
Some places offer tours for swimming with turtles. It’s an amazing experience, and Rarotonga provides some of the best opportunities to interact with these gentle creatures.
We had the pleasure of swimming in the beautiful underwater world of Avaavaroa Passage (south of the island). On the beach, about six wild turtles are thriving in the protected environment. We had an absolute blast!
Eating out in Rarotonga.
You’ll find food options to suit every budget at the resort. The meals are similar to those at New Zealand restaurants and come in a unique setting. However, don’t limit yourself to eating at the resort – there are many great dining options on the Island. Make a dinner reservation, as the best restaurants get fully booked.
We had a great time trying food from around the Island, supporting the local economy, and expanding our waistlines a bit in the process! Just make sure to check if your chosen restaurant is open when you want to go.
I recommend Charlie’s Caffe, which only serves lunch south of Muri Beach. Trader Jack has delicious seafood and is perched on the waterfront in Avarua. Tamarind House offers tasty food and a beautiful view of the ocean. We were even able to see a couple of whales.
Plenty of fantastic coffee options are available for coffee lovers, along with some delicious breakfast choices. I recommend “The Caffe.” It has an excellent menu with tasty and healthy food and smoothies.
Wi-FI and Phone
Phone and texting: Please make sure to check if your phone plan covers the Cook Islands before your trip. Otherwise, it could be expensive. Alternatively, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger to make free calls.
Wi-Fi: When it comes to Wi-Fi, it can be pricey, slow, and unreliable. Check with your accommodation about Wi-Fi availability. For NZ$45, we could purchase it for the whole week, but not all accommodations do. Wi-Fi is limited on the Island, but you can buy and top up from stores. Look for the red and white Vodafone sign. There are Wi-Fi hotspots, but coverage is limited to specific zones. Vodafone is the most popular provider.
For more information, visit the official tourism website: www.cookislands.travel.