Discover

Incredible Experiences in Rarotonga

From the mountains to the reef, there is no shortage of incredible experiences in Rarotonga! Here are some of our personal favourite local recommendations, in no particular order. 

Tours and Activities

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Lagoon Cruises

Take a ride in a glass bottomed boat, snorkel in the marine reserve with tropical fish and giant clams, visit Motu Koromiri in Muri Lagoon and enjoy lunch, a show and great music with the fantastic crews! 

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Snorkel with Turtles and Eagle Rays

A sustainable and eco-friendly ocean adventure, operating in a mindful and ethical capacity towards our marine life. Go Locals prioritises water safety and their guides are fully experienced and qualified in giving our guests a safe and unforgettable experience.

  • A person with blonde hair stands in a green, mountainous landscape holding a leafy plant against a prominent rock spire.

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Guided Cross Island Hike

Fully guided 3 to 4 hour tour with local guides, up and over the stunning mountains! Hike from the north to the south while you learn about the flora and fauna of our beautiful island and see incredible 360 views of Rarotonga! Finishing at Wigmore’s waterfall for a well deserved dip.

  • Performers in traditional Polynesian dance attire with grass skirts and headdresses dance on stage with musicians nearby.

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Highland Paradise

In “Drums Of Our Forefathers,” you are guided through Rarotonga’s history through storytelling, dancing, drumming and incredible local food. This is the most authentic cultural attraction around and has won many awards for it’s rich presentation of local culture.

  • A group of people standing on a dock holding large, freshly caught mahi-mahi fish under a clear blue sky.

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Akura Fishing Charters

When only the best will do! Reel in some dinner with the experienced fishermen at Akura. Akura is dedicated to providing our guests with an awesome experience fishing in the waters off Rarotonga.

  • A large, rectangular sign for the Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, featuring an image of a traditional hut.

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Pununga’Nui Market

Saturday Mornings are for the Market!! Featuring local food, crafts, clothing, souvenirs and more, this is the place to be on Saturday morning. Laid back vendors with Kia Orana spirit will chat with you about their wares, and make sure you check out the stage area for local performances as well.

  • People standing on a rocky beach holding various marine life in their hands, looking toward the camera.

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Ariimoana Eco Adventures

Eco friendly tours in Vaimaanga on the south side of Rarotonga. Join Kura and Jacopo for a tour through their home turf with either the Mountain or Reef Explorer tours. Learn about the beautiful flora and fauna of our island home as well as some local history.

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Rarotonga Golf Club

Have a round of golf in paradise and then check out the clubhouse for some casual food and drink. 

  • A person wearing sunglasses and a cap driving a mud-splattered off-road buggy on a dirt trail.

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Raro Buggy Tours

Hold on, you’re in for a wild ride with Raro Buggy Tours!! Best after a few days of rain for maximum mud flinging fun, Raro Buggy Tours takes you on a tour into the heart of Rarotonga for thrills and incredible views! 

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Rarotonga Pub Crawl Party Bus

Ride in style in the open air tiki bus as you check out all the hottest clubs on the island and meet some new friends along the way. The safest way to pub crawl in Raro! 

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Raro Safari Tour

A celebration of the history and legacy of Rarotonga while experiencing the stunning natural beauty of the island’s interior mountains. 

  • An aerial view of a tropical coral atoll surrounded by vibrant turquoise lagoons and deep blue ocean waters.

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Aitutaki Day Tour

If Island-Hopping is your thing, take a day trip to the stunning island of Aitutaki with Air Rarotonga. Transfers, flights, land and vaka cruise of the award winning lagoon is all included in this incredible day out. 

  • Two people mountain biking along a dirt path through a lush, green tropical forest.

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Ride Rarotonga

Rent a bike or an ebike and “Go for a lap!” Rarotonga is only 32km around, making for a great day of adventure where you can hop on and off at your own pace. 

  • A wooden gazebo with a thatched roof sits in a lush garden, framed by pink ginger flowers and vibrant green foliage.

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Maire Nui Gardens

Take a walk through stunning tropical gardens, featuring many local and exotic plants and flowers. 

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Aumata Mini Golf

Located just a few minutes south of The Cooks Oasis is some great mini golf and casual food for the whole family.

  • A person in a yellow sleeve and black glove holds a marlin by the mouth alongside a boat in the open ocean.

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Reelaxing Fishing Charters

Join Corey and the boys for a day out on the crystal blue waters of the Pacific ocean and catch dinner for your family! Big Game Fishing is their specialty and a day on the water with them is always time well spent. 

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Aroa Marine Reserve 

Welcome to one of the best snorkel spots in Rarotonga! Dive in and see the incredible marine life we are famous for, only a 10 minute drive south of The Cooks Oasis.

RESTAURANTS

  • A sign for the Kirau Hut Restaurant stands in front of a red building surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

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Kikau Hut

Located just around the corner on the main drive, family-friendly and delicious Kikau Hut is a must – visit at least once during your stay. A fusion of European and Pacific flavours, great desserts and drinks.

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Tamarind House and Ukelele Bar

A Raro institution, the iconic Tamarind House and the new Ukelele Bar offer upscale service and food in a beautiful heritage colonial house. Pacific Cuisine, steak, seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. 

  • A restaurant terrace overlooking a blue ocean with an infinity pool under a thatched roof at sunset.

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OTB (On The Beach)

Upscale beachfront dining from chef Philip Nordt at On The Beach. Check out the daily 3-course specials for $69 pp. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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Shipwreck Hut

Casual and informal with your toes in the sand, great food and jam jar cocktails, live music and a friendly vibe. Great views for sunset. 

  • People relax at picnic tables with blue umbrellas on a sandy beach next to the ocean.

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Vaiana’s Bistro and Bar

A casual beach bar where the kids can play on the playground and in the calm lagoon waters while you sip cocktails and listen to local music and dj’s. Relaxed local fare, friendly staff and nice cocktails

  • A pan-seared white fish fillet topped with fresh cilantro, served over a bed of sautéed vegetables with a balsamic drizzle.

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Nautilus

Overlooking the resort’s infinity pool, white sand beaches and sapphire lagoon, Nautilus is award winning dining. Polynesian European Fusion food with emphasis on local ingredients and produce. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

  • Aerial view of Trader Jack's restaurant on a coastal pier surrounded by blue ocean water and tropical vegetation.

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Trader Jacks

A local institution for more than 30 years and located in the main town of Avarua, Trader Jacks is ocean view dining with a great menu of local favourites, wood fired pizzas, fancy cocktails, live music and friendly staff and service.

  • A cook in a red patterned shirt and bandana stirs food in a frying pan at a food stall.

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Ray’s Hut

Friendly local chef, Ray, is cooking up top notch fish curry, catch of the day, delicious pasta and seafood meals. Located oceanside at the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club, a popular hangout with live music and great drinks. 

  • A beachfront restaurant patio with wooden tables and chairs set on sand, overlooking a bright blue ocean under palm trees.

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Vaima

Great for special occasions, Vaima features seafood and fish, lamb, even a beef wellington with rukau! Beachfront dining on the south side of Rarotonga. 

  • A two-story wooden building on a white sand beach with a thatched-roof tiki hut and turquoise chairs under palm trees.

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Waterline

Ocean view dining just a little bit south of The Cooks Oasis with wonderful cocktails, friendly staff, and live music. Sometimes open for lunch as well. 

  • Three hotel staff in matching floral shirts stand behind a buffet table with stainless steel serving dishes outdoors.

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Anchorage

Located just next door at Sunset Resort, Anchorage Restaurant has daily specials like BBQ Buffet and Sunday Roast Buffet. Open for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, the friendly staff always make your visit memorable. 

*New businesses and experiences are always popping up in Rarotonga. If you discover something you think should be on our list, please let us know. We try to experience everything before we recommend it to you, if we make a recommendation that you are not happy with, tell us so we can help improve future guests’ experiences.*