Rarotonga is a fantastic beach destination for visitors who want to relax by the calm shoreline. For those looking for more adventure, various activities are available, such as boat trips, hikes, beautiful viewpoints, snorkeling, kayaking, and cultural shows. These activities are popular in Rarotonga and cater to different interests. However, visitors are not obliged to participate in these activities if they prefer to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
I had the opportunity to explore Rarotonga in July 2024, and I’m excited to share my unbiased insights as a passionate traveler and blogger.
The Flight
We flew to Rarotonga with Air New Zealand from Christchurch, New Zealand.
The flight took 4 hours.
When traveling back, be mindful of the time zones as you might gain a day, but you could also lose a day. If you have reservations, make sure to book them for the day you are supposed to arrive.
Where to stay
When visiting an island, the location of your stay can significantly impact your vacation experience. It’s essential to choose the right spot based on your preferences. Instead of hastily booking the first special deal you come across, take the time to research and consider what you want from a tropical beach holiday.
Resort package deals may not always provide the best value and experience, so thorough research is key.
The Cook Islands offers several distinct areas, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It can be challenging to determine what to expect from each area.
We opted for a resort for our stay, not because we enjoy crowds, but because we’re uncertain about the ease of transportation in other parts of the island. Looking back, I would have preferred booking an Airbnb by the beach to avoid the crowds.
The resort had everything we needed, but the beach wasn’t great for activities other than snorkeling. So we took the bus and rented a car to explore the island as much as possible.
The Island
Rarotonga is an absolutely breathtaking island destination. While there are many beautiful beaches around the world, Rarotonga stands out as one of the best for me.
The island is encompassed by a 32 km road that offers stunning vistas of its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and charming villages. However, Rarotonga is not just about its beaches and resorts; it also boasts magnificent mountains with dense, verdant jungle interiors waiting to be explored.
Suppose you can find the willpower to drag yourself away from the beach. In that case, there are fantastic opportunities for adventure, such as hiking the Cross Island Track and visiting the Needle, which offers some of the most awe-inspiring views that Rarotonga has to offer.
The vibe of the Island
The island is beautiful, but what is the vibe like?
We visited in July, which had the best weather (July-August). The average temperature was 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees F), and the water temperature was around 22 degrees Celsius. It’s a busy season with many families, couples, and a few wedding parties.
For the best weather, July and August are ideal, so it makes sense that this is when the tourism season really heats up.
For cheaper rates and quieter beaches, consider visiting from December to March. The shoulder season is from April to May and September to October. Plan your visit between June and October if you want to see whales.
Locals say the temperature is hot from December to March, and it’s the wettest season – not a touristy time. But regardless of the season, the island offers a very laid-back, quiet atmosphere. The locals are friendly, and there is a complete absence of touts, beggars, or homeless people.
Beaches
Rarotonga offers a mix of great and average beaches, so it’s important to carefully consider your accommodation options to make the most of your stay.
Airlie Beach
Our resort was situated in Airlie Beach on the island’s west side.
It was peaceful, with beautiful sunsets, although the beach was average. The location was great for snorkeling.
Muri Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxed beach town experience, Muri Beach is the perfect place to stay.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafés to enjoy, and the area is always bustling with activity.
Aroa Beach
Aroa Beach is widely acclaimed for its pristine, unspoiled shoreline, soft white sands, and crystal-clear waters. It offers a serene and less commercialized atmosphere than the bustling Muri area.
The coastal stretch between Muri Beach and Aroa Beach is celebrated for boasting some of the most idyllic and picturesque beaches on the entire island, providing ample opportunities for relaxation, snorkeling, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
Titikaveka Beach
The beach is located to the south of the island. The beach is pristine, with opal blue waters every day. It is so unpopulated that you feel as if it’s your own private paradise.
While snorkeling is OK, it’s certainly good enough to venture out and see some amazing sea life, such as a turtle swimming around you and a moray eel, and even a gigantic leopard print moray eel wrapped around the base of a giant coral mound with its head poking out the top. It’s incredible to see.
Party Island Vibe?
This destination isn’t particularly known for its vibrant party scene. While most resorts have bars and other places to socialize over drinks, they tend to cater more towards an older crowd, featuring beach-shack bars and smaller establishments. This might not be the ideal place if you’re looking for lively nightlife. However, if you appreciate a more relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a few cocktails, you can still have a pleasant time at the resort or a nearby beachfront bar.
Stuff to do
Rarotonga is a stunning beach destination that caters to various preferences and interests. Whether seeking tranquil relaxation by the shore or an action-packed getaway, you’ll find numerous options to suit your needs.
You can enjoy diverse activities such as leisurely boat trips, invigorating hikes through the lush landscape, captivating snorkeling experiences in crystal-clear waters, engaging cultural shows, and exhilarating kayaking adventures.
It’s important to note that participation in these activities is entirely optional, allowing you the flexibility to customize your experience based on your specific desires and interests.
Loyal friends – the Dog
In Rarotonga, it’s common to see local dogs wandering freely. Chickens and roosters also roam around. Residents often let their dogs wander on their own, and you can usually find them playing on the beach or joining you on walks to the store.
I made many dog friends there; they’re very friendly and will stay with you if you pet them, but they’ll leave you alone if you’d prefer. They love the beach and enjoy water activities. If you’re lucky, one might happily join you for a swim.
Conclusion
Our time in Rarotonga was genuinely unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a warm welcome and genuine hospitality from the locals. We had the opportunity to meet wonderful people, including those who shared captivating stories about the island’s rich history.
Exploring the vibrant culture and traditions was truly enriching. The island’s cuisine was a delight for the senses. The weather was consistently perfect, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the stunning natural beauty, particularly the crystal-clear water.
The presence of friendly local dogs added a unique charm to our experience, and the warm hospitality of the community made our stay all the more special.
I know I’ll miss Rarotonga’s tranquil paradise and the unforgettable memories we made there.
