Rarotonga Hotels - Things to Do & Attractions

Things to Do in Rarotonga: Rarotonga Hotels travel guide on the best things to do in Rarotonga. Have a look below for more details on Rarotonga Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.

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Top things to do and Attractions in Rarotonga:

The central mountainous region is unpopulated and its highest parts consist of cloud forest, an ecological wonderland. This area begins at about 1300 feet (400m) and contains many species of plants unique to the Cook Islands. These include the ascarina (kaiatea ko’u), the glossy tongue fern and the Rarotongan freycinetia (kiekie), a plant similar to pandanus (ara).

Much valuable work has been done recently to conserve and protect native flora and fauna by the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Project. Funded by the Government and the South Pacific Regional Environment Program, its main aim is to educate people about the need for conservation. It is run by New Zealander Gerald McCormack and Swiss illustrator Judith Künzlé. They have published a comprehensive guide for hikers and eco-tourists: Rarotonga’s Mountain Tracks and Plants. For visitors wishing to explore the interior on foot there is a guided cross-island walk led by the inimitable Pa. For the less energetic there is a three-hour four-wheel drive safari which takes one through the mountains and into the rain forests. Aerial scenery can be enjoyed with a 20 minute scenic flight from the airport at a cost of NZ$55 (US$26).

Rarotonga Hotels - Spa and Massages - a way of life

One of the main attractions of Rarotonga is that it is a real place, not a manufactured destination point for tourists. Real people live there and wrestle with all the problems that tiny countries face trying to cope with the modern world of instant communications and jet travel.

It is an idyllic place for travellers seeking lost horizons and for those interested in the ways of Polynesia.

Don’t forget to try a massage at one of the find spas at one of the many resorts around the Cook Islands and Rarotonga – you’ll find some of the best Polynesian and world renowned masseurs in Rarotonga.

Land on Rarotonga, as on most islands in the Cooks group, belongs to individuals and families and can only be leased, not sold as freehold.

The downside to this is that when houses are not salable assets the result is often derelict homes deteriorating in the tropical climate, the rightful heirs unable to cash up, either lacking funds to rebuild or unwilling to leave the fleshpots of Auckland or Sydney.

Rarotonga’s endangered flycatcher bird, the kakerori, is also protected by the Takitumu Conservation Area project which provides guided tours into the southern mountains. The revenue from these trips contributes towards the cost of keeping down the rats which prey on the tiny bird’s eggs.

Restaurants & Dining Out in Rarotonga:

Rarotonga Hotels - Dining and Restaurant Options - Dine on the Beach!

In addition to its peacefulness, however, Rarotonga offers plenty of excitement for those seeking dancing, music and good companionship. Cabarets, discos and restaurants flourish except late on Saturday night when the Sabbath starts. In the daytime, the main township, Avarua, provides a selection of cafés and bars for those seeking a caffeine fix. The Blue Note, in the same building which once housed the notorious Banana Court bar, serves local coffee and dishes from its wide verandah and offers an uninterrupted view of the harbor.

Seafood is a staple of Polynesian cuisine and Rarotonga’s restaurants offer traditional as well as island-style dishes. A delicacy is grilled ‘mai-mai’, the dolphin fish, a speciality at Trader Jack’s in Avarua. Eating out is not cheap in Rarotonga, at least not by New Zealand standards. Much of the fare is fairly ordinary but gourmet dining can be found at the Flame Tree in Muri, the Portofino in Tupapa and the Tumunu in Arorangi. The hotels also offer extensive menus and usually a traditional island feast or ‘umu kai’ with accompanying dancing and drumming. The ‘umu kai’ is cooked in an earth oven by radiant heat from hot stones. There are lunch and café establishments in Avarua which also provide European and Polynesian meals.

Bars & Clubs and Dining/Restaurants in Rarotonga:

Rarotonga Hotels - Bars, Clubs and Nightlife

Rarotonga nightlife is perfect for those that like to relax and party in the evenings. It is one of the most popular of the Cook Islands, perhaps partly because it has an international airport. Unlike most other islands, there is a reef here that completely surrounds the island and forms a lagoon. The most populous area is by Muri, where the lagoon is suitable for swimming. As a result, tourism has increased in this spot.
Pubs

Friday night is the most popular for visiting the pubs, as they are open until 2 am. The pubs close immediately at midnight on Saturday to celebrate the Sabbath. One of your first stops on a Friday night should be Trader Jack’s Bar & Grill in Avarua. This is one of the most popular bars in the South Pacific, and is where many locals start their pub crawl after work.

The Whatever! Bar is a great place to enjoy a beer outside with a view of the ocean. You can then move onto Stair Case Restaurant & Bar, as there is a restaurant on the second floor and the bar plays rock and roll music after 10 pm. Once a week, The Whatever! Bar hosts an island night show. The Banana court is the place to be on a Wednesday night, when you can have a drink, dance, and see some fighting. Right down the street is Hideaway Bar, which is more popular among mature drinkers.
Island Night

You should never miss Island Night, with the dancing, drums and music it has to offer. Native islanders have dancing in their blood, and any time there is a drum beat, they can dance. The costumes here are also something to behold, as they are made from natural materials and leaves. Dance Week is held in April, and has some of the best Island Nights and shows. Another good time to see a dance show is the National Self Governing Commemoration, which has dance shows specifically designed to entertain tourists.
Avarua

Avarua is your best place to find a wide variety of restaurants and clubs. You can find restaurants that offer local cuisine as well as those that have different types of international cuisine. Some popular choices include Japanese, Indian, Chinese, and Italian. Most of the restaurants are quite small, so reservations are a good idea.

Clubs tend to be open until midnight on the weekdays, but on Friday they are open until 2 am. Many hotels operate club tours, and this is a favorite way to meet some of the locals and sample the energy and color of the nightlife. The music is a great blend that incorporates Polynesian music.

Situated in the Cook Islands on the Pacific, Rarotonga features a variety of bars and cafes for the hungry traveler. Prices and opening hours vary, but you’re sure to find something to your liking. Many of these places also feature entertainment in the form of dancers, late night performances or local and international bands. World 66 recommends the following dives:

Whatever! Bar

The awesome name itself is worth paying a visit to this hippy, often jam-packed BBQ dive. At Whatever! you can get freshly grilled chicken, moist fish and juicy steaks, all cooked on an outside gas grill. At the end of the night your wallet will still feel heavy, as prices range from $5 USD for a burger to $15 USD for a full course menu. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine, beer or a fruit drink from the bar. Most people enjoy coming there to see the sunset and get away from the crowds on the main drag. Friday and Saturday nights are often packed, so the best time to dine here with family is on the weeknights. Whatever! is open Monday, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to midnight and Fridays from noon till 2am. Credit cards accepted.

Sails Restaurant

Rarotonga Hotels - Restaurant & Dining Options

Sails is located at Muri Beach and features a tasty appetizer menu and full menu that changes daily. You can always get fries, waffles, burgers, eggs, salads and wraps for just $2 to $10. The dinner menu offers a variety of hummus dishes, salads, fish and meats. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the website has received many positive testimonies. Dress is casual, and Sails is open daily from 10am till late. Credit cards accepted.

Edgewater Resort Cafe

Edgewater makes a mean omelet and strong coffee, a meal you’ll definitely want to try if you’re here for breakfast. The diner’s theme night sets Edgewater apart from neighboring cafes – no matter when you come to dine, you’re in for a surprise. Your servers will dress up and delight you all night long. At Edgewater you can order seafood, steak, BBQ chicken and chargrill vegetables. Tuesday and Saturday nights you can catch a local dance and partake in a buffet style feast. Open daily till late. Credit cards accepted.

Cook Islands Game Fishing Club

The locals favor Game Fishing Club for their happy hour and weekend drinks. You can sit on the patio in the back of the club and enjoy the beach views. The best part about this café is the library full of paperback books for your reading pleasure. You can come here alone and enjoy your brew while reading the latest Robin Cook novel. The bar food is quite tasty too, featuring the usual fare of fish, chips and burgers. Closed on Sundays.

Festivals in Rarotonga and Events:

Rarotonga Hotels - Festivals

Rarotonga festivals are full of life and culture from the people on the Cook Islands. Visiting the islands during the time of a festival is sure to have you experiencing fun and excitement. Learning about this exuberant culture in Rarotonga leaves visitors enthralled with the local customs and festival offerings.

Penrhyn Gospel Day

Penrhyn Gospel Day occurs in July and possibly October annually and celebrates the arrival of Christianity to the islands. The people march throughout the city in their colorful dresses and other traditional garb. The whole area is full of singing gospels songs both in English and the traditional language. There are many shows that display several stories in the Bible and many people dress in their favorite costume. Enjoy the food and dancing that is offered during this time.

Cultural & Island Dance Festival Week The cultural festival week in February features many quilt competitions, crafts and art displays. During April, there are many dances and competitions in which the Dancer of the Year is selected. Top men and women dancers are entertaining to watch during the performances. This is a great time to see the island’s culture shown throughout the dances as participants vie for the top spot.

Song Quest

In July, many performers enter to become a star in Rarotonga while competing in the song quest. The competition is held over many weeks. The last 2 weeks of the finale feature talent froml across the Rarotonga area as they hope for their chance to become a star.

Constitution Celebration

August brings in the Maire Maeva Nui, which is a 10-day festival celebrating the Declaration of Independence that occurred in 1965. This time offers many sport activities, musical performances, dancing, and cultural as well as historical displays. Rarotonga considers this festival to be the biggest one throughout the whole year.

Tiare Festival Week

In November, the floral festival week features many float parades with flowers adorning the floats. The Miss Tiare pageant and Mama Muumuu pageant also take place during this time. There are many floral arrangement and floral display competitions. The local businesses in Rarotonga also display flower arrangements and decorations around their offices and locations.

New Year’s Eve

On December 31, the New Year’s Eve celebration commences with many forms of entertainment. Dancing is among the special offerings for tourists to enjoy. Good food and fun also await visitors to Rarotonga festivals during the year.

Shopping in Rarotonga:

Also not to be missed is the market on the waterfront at the western end of Avarua. This is open every day except Sunday. But on Saturday morning it hums since everyone on the island seems to be there. Stalls sell food, drinks and crafts and there is often a competition for local singers to show off their talents. If the fishing has been good the catch is displayed for sale at the market on the same day it was caught for prices ranging between NZ$15 (US$7.50) to NZ$25 (US$12.50). Usually fresh tuna hangs tail first accompanied by the occasional four-foot wahoo. Visitors who can cook for themselves can get a real bargain if they like fresh tuna steaks. These are delicious dry-fried in a non-stick frypan with just a drop of oil.

Beaches and Snorkeling in Rarotonga:

Small and almost perfectly circular, the island of Rarotonga, part of the Cook Islands, is a unique place for a beach getaway. On every side of the island, except for the northernmost area, Rarotonga is surrounded by coral reefs. This makes its beaches distinctive; the big waves and rough waters crash on and around the reef area, preventing them from coming closer to the shoreline. This leaves the water closest to the coasts very calm and clear with almost no waves, like a lagoon. Obviously, these lagoons are horrible for surfing, so if you’re looking for a beach getaway with great surfing, this isn’t the place for you. The perfect activities for these lagoons are snorkeling, swimming, wading and sunbathing. In the north, the reefs are present basically right along the shoreline, making the water extremely rough and impossible to do any water activities in. The beaches of tiny Rarotonga are free to the public.

Snorkeling Beaches

The best beaches for snorkeling are those in the southeast and the extreme south of the island. These areas combine coral towers with sandy areas, making it very easy to see the colorful fish darting in and out among the coral. In some parts, the coast can be quite rocky, making swimming and wading difficult, but the rocks can fill with water during high tide, making some interesting tide pools to explore. The southern side of the island also has more wind, so it can get a little chilly from June to August.

Most agree that the best snorkeling spot is right in front of the Fruits of Rarotonga smoothie stand. Along the rest of the western coast, there is good snorkeling as well, because the area is protected from fishermen and sheltered from the wind.

Swimming Beaches

By far, the best place to swim, play in the water, or just enjoy the scenery is Northeastern Rarotonga. There lies the famous Muri Lagoon, with its tranquil, warm, perfectly clear waters. The lagoon features a very shallow saltwater marsh with little islets that you can wade out to and explore. Snorkeling is very bad there, as the bottom is sandy with no coral and few fish, but the beauty of the place more than makes up for that. Be careful not to wade out too far, meaning too close to where the lagoon connects with the sea, because the current is very strong and dangerous there.

Day Trips from Rarotonga:

Rarotonga Hotels - Day trips from Rarotonga

Day trips from Rarotonga are going to be either a bit more expensive or a bit longer than your typical excursion, being as the Cook Islands are far enough apart to warrant planes or long boat trips. Still, if you have the time it’s definitely worth the extra effort to get out to the other islands for a day or even a few days.

Aitutaki

Air Rarotonga offers regular flights from Rarotonga, but one of their best deals is their day tour to Aitutaki. You will be picked up from your hotel on Rarotonga to catch the 8 a.m. flight to Aitutaki, where you will enjoy an hour tour around the island to explore and pick up souvenirs. From there you’ll board a boat for a cruise out to Aitutaki Lagoon for snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Your snorkel gear and towels will be provided. A barbecue lunch will be cooked for you right on the boat, and then you’ll head back in to fly back to Rarotonga, arriving at 5:30 p.m. and catching the transfer back to your hotel. The total price for this tour is NZD430, all inclusive. If you’d rather plan the day yourself, you can catch one of the frequent planes to Aitutaki and return at your leisure. There is a ferry between the two islands, but it travels only occasionally and takes nearly an entire day to get one way.

Manuae

Uninhabited Manuae is best known for its fishing, diving and other water recreations. It’s important to note that the sands around the lagoon shift frequently, so it may be best to avoid if you’re uncertain in the water. You can travel to Manuae aboard the Bounty Bay research vessel. The crew are all conservationists who are happy to take people out on eco-friendly tours. Trips are usually about USD250 per day, including all equipment for things like diving and camping. If you have a large group, you can charter the entire boat for USD1900 per day. There are also one to three week long trips that include multiple islands and adventures for between USD1000 and USD4000.

Atiu

Flights go from both Rarotonga and Aitutaki regularly (excluding Sundays) and take about 45 minutes from Rarotonga. On Atiu you can sample the famous local coffee and pineapples or go out bird watching to catch a glimpse of the vibrantly colored Rimatara Lorikeet (Kura, in the local dialect). Atiu also has plenty of caves for exploring, and you can’t leave without picking up one of the Tivaivai, beautiful blankets made with the traditional quilting and embroidery techniques. Flights are about NZD170 round trip.

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