Rarotonga is the largest of the 15 Cook Islands — the Big City, if you will. While most people spend just a few days in Raro and fly up to idyllic Aitutaki, those flights are crazy expensive (about $300-500 return). Fortunately, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Rarotonga if you only have the time and/or budget for one island. With the help of some locals and other travellers I met on my trip, I’ve created a Cook Islands map on Google. It has all the best activities, accommodations, and places to eat in Rarotonga to help you plan the perfect trip!
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Rarotonga, Cook Islands map: top activities
Here are more details about the must-do activities on the island. But there are tons more on my Rarotonga, Cook Islands map! Note all prices are in NZD, the local currency.
Swim with turtles
Swimming with turtles was an amazing experience and the #1 must-do activity in Rarotonga. There are tons of different tour operators all within the $70-150 price range.
The $70-90 ones are usually cheaper because you’re going with a larger group. So a little more touristy, a little more crowded. But the absolute lowest price if you’re on a tight budget.
Go Local Cook Islands is at the high end of $150, but includes a “local coconut show,” snacks, and drinks.
I was overwhelmed with the choices but went with AquaOz Turtle Man for $120, at the recommendation of my accom host. I was the only one on the tour and he got a ton of amazing photos and videos. No frills, no snacks, but who needs that? I’m here for the turtles.
Hot tip: If you find him at one of the markets and book right then and there, it’ll be discounted to $100.
Swim with turtles... via scooter
You can also see turtles with underwater “scooters” if you’re not a super strong swimmer or just want to try something new. This will drive the price of the experience up to nearly $200, but it’s certainly unique! Check out Moana Sea Scooters.
Te Ara Museum
Alright, so this won’t be the most mind-blowing museum you’ve ever been to. But it’s a great way to learn about the Cook Islands’ interesting history, which is why it’s still considered a must-do. You have to learn about the places you visit!
It makes for a great rainy day activity and only takes about an hour to explore. Tack on some time before or after to have a drink and a snack in the cafe as well.
Hike to the Needle (Te Rua Maunga)
The Needle is a top choice if you’re into hiking! It’s just an hour up to the Needle, then you have the option to head back down the way you came or continue another 2ish hours to complete the thru-hike (which I recommend if the weather allows). It was a bit muddy when I went and I slipped and fell probably 10 times. But still had a great time!
The hike itself is not challenging, but the last little stretch to get you right up on the rock requires a bit of scrambling with the help of chains and ropes. You don’t have to do this part, but if you safely can, you should.
Browse the Punanga Nui Market
@tomihuespe captured this rainbow when we were at the market
Saturday is the day to visit — that’s when the Punanga Nui Market will be in full swing. This is where you’ll want to find great keepsakes and gifts to bring home, try some local food, and catch one of the free performances.
Hot tip: If you’re an adventurous eater, look for a stall or ask around to find maroro — flying fish. (There’s a good stall at the southernmost end of the market with a big sign that’s hard to miss.) You have to eat it for breakfast because they catch it at night and serve it fresh every morning.
For more casual food, hit the Muri Night Market Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday — Sunday is the best day with more stuff.
Where to stay in Rarotonga: Cook Islands map
I couldn’t find a good answer about which area to stay in when I was looking up accommodation for my trip. But the answer is Muri or Avarua. Aorangi is also nice.
The island is home to everything from small family-owned guest houses to lavish resorts. I stayed at three different accommodations in Rarotonga: Muri Retreat (self-service apartment), Rarotonga Backpackers (budget hostel), and Ikurangi (eco retreat).
10/10. Absolute dream. The apartment has everything from unlimited Wi-Fi and a Smart TV to a full kitchen and a comfy bed with a sea view. There’s a pool and laundry on-site, everything was new and pristine, and it was a 10-minute walk to Muri Beach. Chef’s kiss, no notes. $190 per night if you book with them directly.
8/10. I stayed in a $120 beach hut and it was definitely basic but it had everything I needed. Was the fridge on a noticeable slant? Absolutely. Did the tea kettle make kind of a weird burning smell every time I used it? You betcha. But the beach was 30 seconds from my door.
They also have dorms for around $40/night, and studio units that sleep up to 4 people for $175-250. It wasn’t as walkable to things as I was sort of imagining, but you’ve got a cafe, a couple cheap restaurants, and a beach bar all within 500 metres.
Ikurangi Eco Retreat (Matavera) — I don't recommend this one
5/10. It has glowing reviews, but it’s tired and wildly overpriced at $300+ per night. That said, the fresh-fruit breakfast delivered every morning was a highlight.
Other Rarotonga accommodation on my Cook Islands map
Resorts
“Resort” is in the title of a huge range of accommodations.
Budget
The most affordable option is definitely a dorm at Rarotonga Backpackers for around $35-40 per night. Other budget accom is considered affordable if it’s under $200.
Stay connected in Rarotonga
I got a Vodafone eSIM before I touched down and tried to activate it with the one free hour of Wi-Fi you get at the airport. I thought I’d changed all the settings but unfortunately I’d missed something, and I had to go to the Vodafone store to get it sorted out. It only took them a second. If you follow instructions better than me, you should be able to access data as soon as you land.
Read more: Are eSIMs Good for Short Trips?
Download the TransportMe app if you plan to take the local bus.
TransportMe shows you where the buses are in real time, which is incredibly helpful. The buses are pretty consistent every hour, but I spent a lot of time standing on the side of the road waiting before I got this app lol. There’s only one main road around the whole island and one bus going in either direction. They come around every hour. You’ll navigate by choosing the clockwise or anti-clockwise bus — couldn’t be easier!
This is what it looks like in the app. I found this really reliable.