Things to do in Rarotonga

Activities, attractions and tours

Muri Beach showing tropical scenes
Rarotonga showing a beach
Muri Beach featuring general coastal views and tropical scenes
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Rarotonga which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sunset
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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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Muri Beach showing tropical scenes

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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Aro\'a Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as an individual male

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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Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a sandy beach

4. 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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Te Vara Nui Village showing a small town or village and a pond

5. 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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Rarotonga which includes interior views

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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Rarotonga featuring a cemetery

What to do in Rarotonga

Popular places to visit

Muri Beach showing tropical scenes

Muri Beach

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Stretch out comfortably on the bone-white beach while watching the sunrise over Rarotonga’s popular lagoon.

Muri Beach
Aro\'a Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as an individual male

Aroa Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

Leave the bustle of the modern world behind and lounge on stretches of powdery white sand with the transparent Pacific Ocean at your fingertips.

Aroa Beach
Muri Lagoon

Muri Lagoon

5/5(5 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Muri Lagoon during your travels in Rarotonga. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Muri Lagoon
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Tikioki Marine Sanctuary

4/5(1 review)

Swim with multi-colored fish or spend hours on a stretch of powdery white beach at one of Rarotonga's best coastal spots. Dive around nearby shipwrecks.

Tikioki Marine Sanctuary
Te Vara Nui Village as well as a large group of people

Te Vara Nui Village

Join an interactive experience to appreciate the authentic educational and entertaining story of Cook Islands’ culture.

Te Vara Nui Village
Rarotonga which includes interior views

Cook Islands Library and Museum

5/5(1 review)

Through art and literature, learn about the history and traditions of the Cook Islands in a library and museum run by friendly local residents.

Cook Islands Library and Museum
Rarotonga featuring a cemetery

Cook Island Christian Church

Attend a service and chat with locals in this small and charming whitewashed church, which dates back to the mid 19th century.

Cook Island Christian Church
Rarotonga which includes markets

Punanga Nui Market

4/5(1 review)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Punanga Nui Market during your stay in Rarotonga. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or seek out the snorkelling spots.

Punanga Nui Market
Beachcomber Pearl Market featuring shopping

Beachcomber Pearl Market

4/5(1 review)

Find Polynesian arts and crafts, lustrous black pearls and some of the best coffee on the island in this historic building.

Beachcomber Pearl Market

Areas of Rarotonga

Muri Beach featuring general coastal views

Muri

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

Muri
Arorangi which includes kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

As the sun sets, relax on Rarotonga’s coast next to the clear waters of an azure lagoon. Enjoy exploring the wonders of the Cook Islands.

Arorangi
Titikaveka showing tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

5/5(4 area reviews)

Swim, scuba or snorkel in some of the most pristine waters in the world. Relax in a beach bungalow and awake to views of the blue-green lagoon.

Tapere of Titikaveka
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
Rarotonga showing a pond and a waterfall

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Arai-Te-Tonga.

Takuvaine Tapere
Avarua showing a bay or harbour and mountains

Avarua

4/5(1 area review)

Base yourself in the center of the Cook Islands, explore thousands of years of Polynesian culture, see coral reefs and trek through rainforest.

Avarua

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.