What to pack for Rarotonga- Ultimate packing list 2022

Rarotonga, Cook Islands is an island paradise, with warm and comfortable weather all year round. And because of this, you don’t need a big suitcase to fit everything as most of the clothes you bring would be summer clothes, which are light and easy to compress. Check out here for space-saving travel hacks!

I have difficulty choosing what to bring most of the time, so I tend to overpack sometimes. But with extensive travel experience, I’ve gotten better haha! But I still understand the pain of packing, so I decided to come up with this packing list for Rarotonga. To help you easily decide what to pack for Rarotonga, and what is absolutely unnecessary 🙂

You can easily find everything off Amazon, and they offer reasonable prices! And don’t worry if you live in NZ, they are now offering free delivery to New Zealand on some items!

This Rarotonga packing list is suitable for anyone staying for a week- 10 days, which is the average time travelers usually spend on this lovely island 🙂

What to pack for Rarotonga- Clothing and shoes

Clothing list for Rarotonga packing list

It’s always quite hard deciding what clothes to pack, and what pair of shoes would match, especially for the ladies out there. So this is the part where I and I believe many others as well, OVERPACK! This is the most important part when you’re deciding what to pack for Rarotonga 🙂

Rarotonga is a really laid-back, relaxing island. There’s absolutely no need for fancy cocktail dresses, heels, a proper suit, etc.. So don’t waste your suitcase space on anything like that! Bring some activewear if you plan on doing The Needle Hike in Rarotonga. Depending on the things to do in Rarotonga, the things you pack will vary!

Light-colored shirts are usually better as it absorbs less heat (and it’s a more island feeling than dark clothing), white is the best as it can keep the body cool; whereas black clothing usually absorbs more heat. It’s just a small tip if you don’t do well with heat, otherwise, it is not a big deal!

Clothing for ladies

  • 4-6 shirts (tank tops, crop tops or T-shirts)– With fabric that is comfortable and airy, light colors are recommended
  • 1-2 dresses (comfortable dresses, NOT fancy dresses)– Flowery kind is perfect as it’s very island theme, and would look cute in pictures 🙂
  • 2-3 shorts/skirts (Any shorts would do really, for skirts recommend not to bring the denim kind)
  • One hiking shorts or pants (If you plan to do any hike in Rarotonga)
  • One light jacket (it does get a bit chilly at night, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for that)
  • Pajamas
  • Underwear (can pack a few pairs, and just hand wash them. Otherwise bring enough pairs for the whole duration )

Shoes for ladies

  • One pair of hiking shoes (if you plan to do hikes in Rarotonga)
  • Sandals/Jandals/ Flip flops– One pair will do and preferably the one that you can comfortably walk in.
  • Wedges (Optional)– For those who can’t give up on some height for shoes (like me hehe). Flat wedges would be the best
  • Socks– 1-3 pairs should be enough

Clothing for gentlemen

  • 5 shirts (T-shirts, tank tops)– Can bring less if you plan to wash some
  • 3 shorts– Can always wear one short for 2 or 3 days. As you’d probably spend more time in the water than on land
  • Hiking pants/ shorts– If you plan on hiking to The Needle
  • One light jacket
  • One collar shirt (Optional)– If you’re going out at night for some special occasion. However, there’s no dress code whatsoever.
  • Underwear– Same with ladies, can always easily wash by hand so no need to bring too much.

Shoes for gentlemen

  • One pair of hiking shoes/sturdy walking shoes– If planning to do hikes
  • Sandals/Jandals/Flip flops– One pair would be sufficient, preferably easy-to-walk-in ones.
  • Socks– a few pairs would be enough, as you’d spend more time in sandals than in shoes.

What to pack for Rarotonga- Beach related

Snorkeling gear for Rarotonga packing list

It is without saying that you’d spend a good amount of time at the beach, in the lagoon, and exploring the marine life of Rarotonga. So deciding what to pack for Rarotonga to visit beaches is essential!

Make sure you’ve packed sufficiently, they do sell a lot of island/beach-related things. But it is not very cheap, so if you want to save money, this packing list for Rarotonga will help you do that!

  • Swimwear/ board shorts– bring more than one, like me, I spend 9 out of 10 days in the water. So you don’t need to worry about your swimwear not drying 🙂
  • Beach towels (Optional)– Most accommodations would have free beach towels for use, and they’re very clean. But check with them first, so you can decide.
  • Beach bag (Optional)– Any bag would work really, waterproof is best even if not it’s fine as well. So you can easily put everything you need to bring to the beach in there.
  • Waterproof Phone pouch– This is so important!! Always test them with toilet paper in it, you don’t want to bring a faulty one underwater! Buy ones with a string, so you can safely bring them down to snorkeling without worrying it’ll slip out of your hand. Buy your Waterproof phone pouch here 🙂
  • Snorkeling gear (Optional)– We brought our own as we know we’d be snorkeling A LOT, which we did. But if you want to save some luggage space, most of the places in Rarotonga have snorkel gear for hire. This is where I bought my snorkeling gears!
  • GoPro, Underwater Camera (Optional)– Highly recommend bringing something so you can capture the magical moment underwater. GoPro is the most common for non-professionals (like me), easy to grip, waterproof, and easy to navigate
  • Beach cover-ups (Optional)– This would come in handy if you just come out of the lagoon, and just want to throw something on to cover your swimwear. Or you can buy sarong (like I did) at the Punanga Nui Market.
  • Sunglasses

I bought lots of my beach related things from Amazon, as I find them to be the most varied and at a very reasonable price! Back then, I had to pay a not-so-cheap delivery fee, but now they have some items that are free delivery to New Zealand.

What to pack for Rarotonga- Personal Toiletries 

You can buy everything mentioned below in Rarotonga, but it won’t be cheap. And you’ll have to spend time trying to find a shop that sells it. So to save time and money, it’s always worth putting it on your Rarotonga packing list.

  • Sunscreen (Ocean-friendly)– Pack some sunscreen that is ocean-friendly to protect yourself and the beautiful underwater marine life. The last thing you’d want to happen is to get too sunburnt and can’t go down the water anymore.
  • Insect Repellent (Tropical)– This is so important! As dengue is still a big thing in Rarotonga. Protect yourself against the bugs, especially if you plan on doing The Needle hike. The bugs in there are ruthless!!
  • Aloe Vera– Sunburn is a common thing when you visit a tropical island, for me, I’m too lazy and forgetful to apply sunscreen every few hours; so mild sunburn is usual for me. Aloe Vera really eases the pain and helps cool down the skin.
  • Shampoo/ conditioner– This is SO important, not all accommodations provide them. And even if they do, the effect is never the same. Especially for those with long hair that tangles easily (Sea water will make it worse).
  • Soap/ Shower gel– Most places will have at least a bar of soap, but bring your own if you have more sensitive skin.
  • Dental Kit– It’s always good to pack your own dental kit, not everywhere provides this.
  • Sanitizer– A small bottle that you can carry around would be ideal. Many restaurants/shops in Rarotonga have them as well if you forget
  • Makeup– I wouldn’t recommend bringing too much though, as it’s humid and hot on the island, and you get in the water often. So not much point wasting your precious makeup!
  • First Aid Kit

What to pack for Rarotonga- Travel documents

Travel document for Rarotonga

Travelling has changed since the pandemic started, there are more things to prepare and to watch out for. At the moment Cook Islands no longer require vaccination or isolation for travelers, but things can change very quickly so check out the updated Cook Islands travel requirement here. Also, check out your home country’s, or any transfer destination travel advice, make sure you are prepared to avoid any disappointment.

You don’t need any visa if you only intend to stay in the Cook Islands for less than 31 days, or 90 days for NZ passport holders. Check here for more details! Make a bucket list of what to pack for Rarotonga for this section, those are the things you MUST bring. 

  • Passports– Need to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay. Or 7 days for NZ/Aus passport holders
  • Proof of ticket back to your port of origin– Can be printed or on a phone (There’s no internet at the airport so remember to download in advance )
  • Proof of accommodation while in Cook Islands– Printed or on phone (There’s no internet at the airport so remember to download in advance )

I’ve never been asked for proof of accommodation or tickets, but it is a requirement so prepare it in case they ask!

What to pack for Rarotonga- Tech, Miscellaneous

  • Power banks– You’d probably spend most of your day out exploring the island, snapping pictures for memory. So the power bank will come in handy when you need to charge your phone!
  • International Travel Adapters–  For the ones coming from New Zealand or Australia, you don’t need to worry about this. Those who don’t have the “Type I” plug, will need an adapter. Buying an international adaptor is the best, as you can use it in other countries as well! 
  • Camera– phone cameras, GoPro, Instant cameras, etc.. anything that you can use to capture that moment with.
  • Cash– Keep some with you, Cook Islands uses NZD. Many stores/ markets only accept cash. But if you do run out, there are some ATMs around the island for withdrawals. 
  • International driver’s license/ driver’s license if in English– If you’re planning to rent a car, don’t forget to bring this with you.

What NOT to pack for Rarotonga

There are certain things that are just not worth the luggage space, especially if you fly with Jetstar they are known to be very strict on the luggage weight. So save those unnecessary things at home to avoid paying overweight luggage fees.

When you’re considering what to pack for Rarotonga, this list will save you lots of time 🙂

  • Fancy dresses/ clothing– Unless you’re in Rarotonga to attend a wedding, celebrate special occasions, etc… There’s really no need to pack your fancy clothes as it’s very casual and chill on the island, even if you go bar crawling you won’t need to wear anything fancy.
  • High heels– Many restaurants/ bars have beach dining areas, which will be a hassle walking with heels on the sand. If you must wear something for your height (like me), bring wedges.
  • Expensive jewelry– It’s a paradise island where you’ll spend most of your time in or near the water, so keep them safe at home. Unless of course if you’re planning to propose (It is a romantic place to pop the question). Then bring the ring!
  • Bulky clothing– The perk of traveling to a tropical island is all the clothes you bring are light and easy to pack. You won’t need any heavy long pants, long shirts or jackets, as it is hot and humid there. If you must, bring a very light long shirt and jacket for the night.
  • Too many electronic devices– Enjoy Rarotonga and everything it has to offer, take this chance to disconnect from your internet world, and focus on yourself. The wifi in Rarotonga is not very good and isn’t cheap anyway, so keep them at home 🙂 Unless you need to work of course!

Ultimate Rarotonga Packing List

Clothing/ shoes for ladies:

  • 4-6 shirts (tank tops, crop tops, or T-shirts)
  • 1-2 dresses (comfortable dresses, NOT fancy dresses)
  • 2-3 shorts/skirts
  • One hiking shorts or pants (If you plan to do any hike in Rarotonga)
  • One light jacket 
  • Pajamas
  • Underwear (can pack a few pairs, and just hand wash them. Otherwise bring enough pairs for the whole duration )
  • One pair of hiking shoes (if you plan to do hikes in Rarotonga)
  • Sandals/Jandals/ Flip flops
  • Wedges (Optional)- For those who can’t give up on some height for shoes (like me hehe). Flat wedges would be the best.
  • Socks- 1-3 pairs should be enough

Clothing/ shoes for gentlemen:

  • 5 shirts (T-shirts, tank tops)
  • 3 shorts- Can always wear one short for 2 or 3 days.
  • Hiking pants/ shorts- If you plan on hiking to The Needle
  • One light jacket
  • One collar shirt (Optional)- If you’re going out at night for some special occasion. 
  • Underwear- Same with ladies, can always easily wash by hand so no need to bring too much.
  • One pair of hiking shoes/sturdy walking shoes- If planning to do hikes
  • 1-2 Sandals/Jandals/Flip flops
  • Socks

Beach Day

  • 1-2 Swimwear/ board shorts
  • Beach towels (Optional)
  • Beach bag (Optional)
  • Waterproof Phone pouch
  • Snorkeling gear (Optional)
  • GoPro, Underwater Camera (Optional)
  • Beach cover-ups (Optional)
  • Sunglasses

Toiletries 

  • Sunscreen (Ocean-friendly)
  • Insect Repellent (Tropical)
  • Aloe Vera
  • Shampoo/ conditioner
  • Soap/ Shower gel
  • Dental Kit
  • Sanitizer
  • Makeup
  • First Aid Kit

Travel Document

  • Passports- Need to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay. Or 7 days for NZ/Aus passport holders
  • Proof of ticket back to your port of origin
  • Proof of accommodation while in the Cook Islands

Tech, Miscellaneous

  • Power banks
  • International Travel Adapters
  • Camera
  • Cash
  • International driver’s license/ driver’s license if in English

What NOT to pack

  • Fancy dresses/ clothing
  • High heels
  • Expensive jeweler
  • Bulky clothing
  • Too many electronic devices