Rarotonga, Cook Islands Travel Guide- Everything you need to know in 2022
Kia Orana 🙂 Dreaming of floating on the absolutely blue and clearest lagoon, relaxing on beaches with a coconut in hand? Rarotonga is the place to be! Rarotonga is one of the best islands to visit, especially for solo travelers. Experience the famous “Island time”, unwind and forget everything else in the world, any stresses, or worries!
“Good vibes happen on the tides”
Rarotonga has been on my travel list since pre-pandemic, it was supposed to be a graduation trip with my friends. But of course, the pandemic happened, and New Zealand shut down 🙁 So after three years of waiting, I finally went to Rarotonga!!
Rarotonga, Cook islands is one of the best tropical islands in the world to visit. It is not overly crowded by tourists, and definitely not polluted as well.
Without further ado, I’ll jump straight into the Rarotonga travel guide! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returnee, you would find this helpful!!
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Useful Tips about traveling to Rarotonga, Cook Islands
There are 15 islands scattered throughout the south pacific ocean that make up the Cook Islands. And Rarotonga is the beating heart of this amazing country, and also the most visited island out of the 15. This Rarotonga travel guide will help plan your dream trip 🙂
| Plugs: 230V supply voltage and 50Hz (in many hotels and hostels, they would have USB plugs) Same as New Zealand plugs. |
| Currency: Same as New Zealand dollars. With some unique coins and notes of their own. |
| Languages: Cook Island Maori, but most of them speak English as well! Learn to say Kia Orana (KEY-AH-O-RAAH-NAH), a greeting that everyone uses there. |
| Weather: Cook Island is a tropical island, which means you will get sunshine and warmth all year round! However, December- March is considered the warmer and wet seasons, as it rains often during those months, with higher humidity. The temperature range between the 20s occasionally falls a bit under. However, as I grew up in Asia, the humidity and heat in Cook Island are a piece of cake 🙂 |
| Rarotonga border entry: It is now open for all nationalities with proof of vaccinations. No pre-departure testing is required, and no quarantine. As you should know, traveling is not the same anymore compared to pre-pandemic time, so check here to get the most up-to-date border entry requirements. |
| Sim Card/WIFI: Vodafone is the only provider in Rarotonga. But don’t expect too much with the island internet. Also, most of the accommodation would either have Vodafone wifi hotspots, or their own resort wifi; which you would most likely need to purchase and it’s not very cheap! You can purchase Vodafone WIFI passes at the airports or their local shops. And they offer a special wifi pass deal on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday which only costs $15NZD for 20GB; which is a big steal! 🙂 |
| VISA: Everyone can stay up to 31 days without a visa, and NZ passport holders can stay up to 90 days! Check here for more information regarding passport validity, or any other visa options if you intend to stay longer! |
Tap water at your accommodation is usually alright to drink in Rarotonga, they usually will have a sign that says the water is filtered or not. If you’re not sure, always ask them! Bring your own water bottles, there are free water filling stations around the island (Spotted a few around the town of Avarua).
Cook Island locals are amazingly friendly, I heard a lot about their friendliness. But once I get here, I understand why everyone loves this place. Kia Orana is a greeting for them, it means “May you live long”. Everywhere you go you can hear people saying Kia Orana to you, so reply and blend in with the locals.
We were walking at night back to our accommodation, and this friendly Cook Islander stopped and asked where we were heading to and gave us a lift! We weren’t even hitchhiking; we were just walking casually. This really showed how friendly and caring they are!
Is there a best time to visit Rarotonga, Cook Island
You will love this tropical island regardless of the time of year. It’s got warm and tropical weather all year round. There are months that are dryer than the others, so if you have the flexibility to choose when you visit then choose the dryer months. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry too much about it!
Little rain, even a storm won’t stop your love for this amazing tropical island. I experienced some storms the first few days of my visit, and I still went out snorkeling and strolling around the beach. And I kid you not, the lagoon still looks blue and very clear after a storm, which really amazed me!
Warmer, wetter months: December to March is considered the wet season, as it rains more often than the other months. It is also the hottest month of the year as it can get quite humid from all the rainfalls. If you’re not comfortable with heat or humidity, try to avoid those months!
Warm and more sunshine: April to November is said to be the best month to visit Rarotonga, Cook Island as it is warm with lots of sunshine. 🙂 It is also the peak month for tourists, as it is wintertime in both NZ and Aus, so more people travel to Rarotonga to avoid the cold!
Don’t be discouraged if the day starts with rain or storm, it usually doesn’t keep up and clears up by afternoon/evening. And you will get wet in the lagoon anyway, so I’m sure you wouldn’t mind getting wet in the rain as well haha!
How to get around- Rarotonga Travel guide
It is a small island, and the road circling the whole island is only 32 km long. It takes only around 30 minutes to drive around the whole island non-stop! Very easy to get around, and it literally only took me a few hours to figure out the whole island. (And I’m usually very bad at directions, geography, etc… lol)
Driving a car in Rarotonga
An international full licence is required to rent a car, it needs to be in English, or has an English translation. When I went, there was a minimum of 3-day rent for cars. And some companies don’t rent to drivers under 21.
It is the most hassle-free way to travel around the island, but also the most pricey way. The highest speed limit around the island is 50, there’s no need to rush cuz you’re on Island time 🙂 Same as New Zealand, Rarotonga is one of the countries that drive on the left side of the road!
There are quite a few rental car companies around the Island, pre-book before your visit. If you wait until you arrive, chances are you will be disappointed as no car would be available; especially during the peak months.
I hoped to rent a convertible, as I have always wanted to drive a convertible with the breeze and sun on an island haha. But sadly it was fully booked, so if you have the same dream as me, book as early as possible 🙂
Island car rental is where I rented, they have three offices around Rarotonga. And offer a free pick-up and drop-off service.
Rent a scooter in Rarotonga
Unless you have a motorbike class license overseas. You would need to take a theory and practical test to get a visitor license to legally ride a scooter in Raro. Helmets are mandatory for visitors!
Riding a scooter is probably the best way to get around the island, cost, and convenience-wise. Easy to find parking and cheap daily rates! And it’s also very safe, as the speed limit is 50 max 🙂
Bus in Rarotonga
Two buses circle the island, Clockwise and Anticlockwise buses. Fares are reasonably priced.
Taking the bus in Rarotonga is fairly easy, at first it would be a bit confusing as to which bus to take (Clockwise or Anticlockwise). But after a day or two, you should figure everything out! The best part is that even though there are actual bus stops around the island, you can easily wave down the bus anywhere on the road and they will stop for you.
Here you can find the timetable for the bus in Rarotonga, or download the “TransportMe” app on your phone for live tracking of the buses 🙂
Walking in Raratonga
Rarotonga is really suitable for walking, the whole island is mostly flat. And cars drive at a max of 50, so it is reasonably safe to walk on the main road! I did a lot of walking around on the island, you’d be accompanied by dogs, and chickens most of the time haha 🙂
Flights from Rarotonga
If you are planning to visit other islands, flights are your only option. The fares are not cheap, sometimes it’s even more expensive than flying from other countries to Rarotonga. Lol. But it is highly recommended for you to at least visit another island. The trip to the island of Aitutaki is worth every penny 🙂
Air Rarotonga is the domestic airline for Cook Island, and it’s the only airline that flies between islands 🙂 View from the Rarotonga-Aitutaki flight is out of the world!
Hitchhike in Rarotonga
I didn’t do this while in Rarotonga, as I didn’t see the need to. But my partner and I got offered a ride back to our Airbnb while walking on the road at night. A local mom with her kids stopped the car and asked if we needed a ride.
If you can get a ride without standing on the road and hitchhike, I assume when you do hitchhike it would not be too hard as well?
Where to stay– Rarotonga Travel guide
The island itself isn’t big, so wherever you stay you would be able to get around quite easily and fast. But choosing the right side of the island to stay, it makes your life even easier 🙂
The popular types of accommodation in Rarotonga are resorts, villas, or Airbnbs. There are backpackers as well, but not as popular of a choice I think!
West side of Rarotonga
This is where you can get the best sunset on the island. There are quite a few resorts along this side of the island, and a famous viewpoint “Black Rock” is here as well. I personally didn’t stay at this part of the island, but I went to the resort, and restaurants to see the amazing sunset 🙂
It is a popular resort for families and couples! Close to the town center, also close to one of the best places for snorkeling Aroa Marine Reserve. And the famous Black Rock is only a 20 minutes walk from this resort!
Their outdoor restaurant honestly has the best sunset view, make sure to pay a visit here even if you’re not staying here 🙂
An adults-only resort, so perfect if you’re looking for tranquility and some downtime away from big groups of families! They have a good rating, especially amongst couples 🙂
There are also quite a few Airbnbs, villas, etc. along this side of the island!
Near Aroa Beach on Rarotonga
I really recommend spending some nights here on the island, especially if you love snorkeling. It is my favorite place for snorkeling on this island!
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
The famous choice for families, and people looking for convenience. Access directly to the best snorkeling spot! The rooms are quite dated according to some travelers that I met on the trip, but the location is unbeatable 🙂
Activities for guests, kids club, and watersport hire like kayak, Stand Up paddle boards (SUP), snorkeling gear, etc.
Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach
Sister property of The Rarotongan. It is an Adult-only resort, I stayed here for three nights. Mainly for the location, the room I stay in can use a bit of refurbishment,, the view was amazing though as it is beachfront, and the location!
You can use all the facilities The Rarotongan has, and it also has its own swim-up bar, restaurant, and a little semi-private beach.
I LOVE this place! My favorite accommodation that I stayed in out of all three during my trip! Their rating also reflects how good this place is 🙂 I stayed three nights here, the room, the owners, everything was just so good!
A plate of fruits on the table when you arrive, simple breakfast in the fridge for you. The owner, Nev, let us check in super early, the check-in and check-out process was so simple and smooth. They have DVDs, snorkeling gear, and board games for your use.
The location is not as convenient as the beachside resorts, it takes around a 10-minute walk. And the internet is a bit tricky to connect to, but it shouldn’t be a worry as you’re on an island just enjoy and connect with the place! The price is very friendly and reasonable compared to resorts 🙂
Near Muri Beach on Rarotonga
This is the beach where many water activities and tours are based. The famous “glass-bottom lagoon tours” and Night paddle boarding both take off from this beach. You can easily rent kayaks, Stand Up paddle boards (SUPs), and snorkeling gear at Captain Tama on Muri Beach. There are also many resorts, Airbnb, etc… Some must-eat places in Rarotonga are here as well 🙂
This is an apartment-style accommodation, you get your own little kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. There is a shared pool, BBQ area, and free laundry facilities.
It’s a bit of a walk from the main road and the beach takes around 15 minutes to walk. Making it very quiet at night, the only noise is the chickens in the morning haha. (They’re usually everywhere, so no avoiding this really)
It is Right on the beach, with the pool facing the beach as well. The rooms are quite spacious and modern designed. It is quite luxury-styled accommodation, so it is very pricey 🙁
If you have the budget, stay here for a few nights. If not, don’t worry just eat at the restaurant like me haha, the only thing I can afford at this hotel. The dishes come out very fast, and at reasonable prices with big portions!
Booking.comTry to book as early as possible, a lot of accommodations sold out quite early. Especially during the peak seasons in April- November! Stay in different areas, and try out different places. So you’ll know where to book the next time you visit, cause you will definitely want to come back here the second time!
What to eat- Rarotonga Travel Guide
We went for 10 days, and I didn’t really buy groceries and cook much during this period. I brought some instant noodles, and snacks from New Zealand; and that’s all the cooking I’ve done haha.
There are many places to eat that are affordable, and the portion is big so you can always take-away for a second meal! Restaurants, markets, night markets, food trucks, etc. They really have a variety of options for a small island.
Read more: Where to eat on Rarotonga, Cook Islands
If you would like to buy some groceries and cook for yourself, CITC in Avarua will be the best place to do the shopping, otherwise, the local shops can be a bit pricey, and not have much variety!
Must try food in Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Island Fries: I really love starchy food, so this is perfect for me. They have taro, tapioca roots, and kumara fries. So forget about your regular fries, and upgrade to island fries!
Coconut (Nui): Fresh coconut drink, coconut cream. They are famous for this.
Star Fruit: A fruit that looks like a star, hence the name. You won’t find this often in NZ, or Australia. You’d have to try this, usually, they would be on the complimentary fruit platter where you stay if they provide a fruit platter!
Poke: Banana or pumpkin poke are traditional Cook Islands staple food. Mixed with milk, arrowroots, and coconut cream.
Papaya (Pawpaw): Pawpaw salad is a must-try, also an unavoidable food on Rarotonga, every tour that I’ve been on had pawpaw salad!
Umu: Also known as “Hangi” in New Zealand. The traditional style of cooking in the Cook Islands, make sure to book an Island night tour to experience this 🙂
Ika Mata: Raw tuna mixed with vegetables, and coconut cream. It is a unique dish that you must give it a try at least once!
There are so many more unique, different types of food to try. Ask a local, and ask your accommodation providers for suggestions. I believe food is a big part of a country’s culture, so definitely try out as many different things as possible 🙂
Things to do– Rarotonga Travel guide
Snorkeling in Rarotonga
This is definitely one of the top things to do in Rarotonga and the one thing I did almost every day when I was there. Cheapest, easiest with lots of fun! I’m not a strong swimmer, but I still managed to explore the beauty of this amazing lagoon!
No need to swim far at all to see amazing underwater creatures, and you can easily rent snorkel gear near the best spots for snorkeling on Rarotonga!
Island Night in Rarotonga
A night filled with cultural knowledge, fun and food. Start with learning some knowledge about Cook Islands history, to eating an umu buffet while enjoying some performance!
Getting some sun on the beach
Enjoy the island time, lie on the beach with a book, or cocktail in hand. Soak in the sun, and lagoon breeze, and just simply relax!
There’s no need to rush or have a plan. What other times in life can you completely relax and not think about anything?
Get to know some locals
I believe the best way to know the country, and its culture is by talking to the locals. Getting to know a bit of how they live, what they do.
Join the progressive dinner tour if you’re too shy to just randomly talk to the locals. This tour will take you into 3 different local houses for some dinner, and a chance to learn about the local way of life!
Drive/Stroll around Rarotonga purposeless
Spend a day just driving or walking around the island without a real destination. It’s a small island, and it takes around 30-40 minutes to drive non-stop.
Take your time driving, and enjoy the scenic route 🙂
Read More: 15 Best things to do in Rarotonga in 2022
Hiking
Yes, there are some hiking trails on Rarotonga, Cook Islands if you want to get away from the water for a few hours. With the most famous one is “Te Rua Manga”, also known as The Needle Hike.
This is a cross-island track, which will take you a good few hours to complete. Good hiking shoes are needed to do this hike 🙂
Final Tips of Rarotonga Travel guide
Rarotonga, Cook Islands has always been a popular tourist destination for Kiwis and Aussies, and now that the border has opened back up again. Everyone is rushing their way to this little paradise! So plan ahead, book the tours you want to join ahead of time, and the restaurants you want to dine in.
If you’re staying for a few weeks, it’s fine to wait till you get there and decide what to do. But if you’re only there for a week or so, you might not get the chance to experience everything if you don’t book ahead! But you can always come back for the second, third or more times, I know I’ll definitely be back here 🙂
Also, NEVER walk, park, sleep, or do anything under a coconut tree, getting hit by a coconut is no joke, you can be seriously injured or lose your life.
Rarotonga locals are all very energetic and full of life, the famous Island time makes them sound lazy. But you can see they are trying their best to provide for their families and live their life to the fullest. I think this is one of the reasons I fell in love with this place only after a few days here!
Mei Taki is thank you in Cook Island Maori, say that to the stores, restaurants, or bars. Just blend in and enjoy the island time
Hope this Rarotonga Travel guide is helpful for you, and let me know below the comment what you think!!
Read More: Ultimate packing list for Rarotonga
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