Things to do in Rarotonga

Activities, attractions and tours

A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.
A heart-shaped arrangement of coconuts on a sandy beach with a calm ocean and clear sky in the background.
A beach with a wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a palm tree, and two people in the water.
A close-up of a green plant with long, narrow leaves radiating from a central point.

Things to do

Snorkelling from the glass bottom boat

Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling

€58
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling
Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

€94
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure
Tourists having fun on the Cook Islands

Private Arts & Crafts Tour with Lunch

€148
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Arts & Crafts Tour with Lunch
Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga

Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga

€90
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga
Tpour bus in Cook Islands

Island Discovery Tour by Island Hopper Vacations

€52
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Island Discovery Tour by Island Hopper Vacations
Black Rock Beach

Rarotonga Orientation & Sightseeing Tour

€45
per adult
Rarotonga Orientation & Sightseeing Tour
Rarotonga Cruise Ship Special

Rarotonga Cruise Ship Special

€99
per adult
Rarotonga Cruise Ship Special
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Top places to visit

1. Muri Beach

On southeast Rarotonga, find some of the island’s best snorkeling at the idyllic Muri Beach. Lounge on powdery sand, explore exquisite marine life, discover Polynesian culture and heritage and see the sights of Rarotonga Island.
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A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.

2. Aroa Beach

Enjoy the freedom and serenity of the pristine Aroa Beach. Relax under swaying coconut trees, float on the currents, read a favorite book or swing in a hammock for hours. This tropical shoreline is a world-class scuba and snorkeling destination where multi-colored marine creatures provide mesmerizing underwater photo opportunities with every turn.
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A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and lush green vegetation.

3. Tikioki Marine Sanctuary

Find some of the most stunning sea life in the South Pacific at the Tikioki Marine Sanctuary. Scuba, snorkel or swim in transparent water to see numerous tropical fish species in Rarotonga's southern lagoon.
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A beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and a clear sky.

4. Cook Islands Library and Museum

Away from sunny shores and thick island vegetation is the peaceful refuge of the Cook Islands Library and Museum. Come here to learn about the fascinating past of this region of more than a dozen islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. Borrow books for your beach reading too.
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A display of traditional musical instruments, including a stringed instrument with a curved body and a percussion instrument with a cylindrical shape, both mounted on glass shelves in a museum.

5. Te Vara Nui Village

See a concentration of Maori cultural artifacts and performances at Te Vara Nui Village. The setting itself is alluring, with a lake, islands, volcanic rock gardens and small waterfalls.
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A sign for Te Vara-Nui Village with directions to the Cultural Village Centre, Over Water Island Show, and Weddings Venue.

6. Cook Island Christian Church

Rarotonga’s Cook Island Christian Church is not so much a tourist attraction as a well-used local amenity. That’s not to say that visitors aren’t welcome here. Quite the opposite, in fact. Join the hospitable congregation at a Sunday service and stick around for post-service refreshments and conversation with the local community.
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A stone building with arched windows, a white cross, and a graveyard with white headstones.

What to do in Rarotonga

Stay near popular Rarotonga attractions

A wooden pier extending into turquoise waters, supported by wooden pillars, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.

Muri Beach

9.2/10 (867 reviews)
Muri Beach enchants with its turquoise lagoon and four offshore islets visible from pristine white sands. Snorkel among vibrant coral gardens or kayak to tiny motus for an intimate tropical escape.
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Where to stay in Rarotonga

Find the best Rarotonga areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A sunset over a calm lake with palm trees and a distant shoreline.
Photo by Nico Cheutin
Open Photo by Nico Cheutin

Muri

While visiting Muri, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

A sign for Te Vara-Nui Village with directions to the Cultural Village Centre, Over Water Island Show, and Weddings Venue.

Takitumu District

While visiting Takitumu District, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Tikioki Beach.

A tropical beach with clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a wooden fence.
Photo by Zach Cain
Open Photo by Zach Cain

Arorangi

Arorangi is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

A tropical landscape with a paved path, palm trees, and dense green foliage.

Tapere of Titikaveka

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Muri Beach and Tikioki Beach while you're in town.

A harbor with boats, a dock, and a mountainous backdrop.

Avarua

Beaches, snorkelling and bars are just a few things travellers enjoy about Avarua. Check out Punanga Nui Market or Cook Islands Library and Museum while you're exploring the area.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rarotonga worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are many interesting things to do in Rarotonga. Be sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Rarotonga?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Muri Beach and Aroa Beach. Then, explore different parts of Rarotonga for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rarotonga?
The top tourist attraction in Rarotonga is Muri Beach, so make sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Rarotonga?
Three days in Rarotonga is enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests book for six days on average. Muri Beach, Aroa Beach and Black Rock are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Ngatangiia.
Is Rarotonga a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Rarotonga is a good place to see on foot. Wander between Aroa Beach and Cook Islands National Museum. Then take a stroll through Arorangi, located 5 kilometres from the centre, and Takitumu District, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Rarotonga with kids?
Planning what to do in Rarotonga with kids has never been easier. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Rarotonga for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Rarotonga for adults including Matutu Brewing Company and Koteka Winery.
Are there free things to do in Rarotonga?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Rarotonga is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without getting your cash out. Muri Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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