Our Week in Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Kerry Purnell
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A Dreamy Stopover
On our way to Tahiti, we spent one incredibly relaxing week in Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands — and it turned out to be the perfect stopover.
We didn’t plan much for this leg of our trip, and honestly, that was part of the charm. Most days were spent snorkelling straight off the beach, floating in turquoise lagoons, and soaking up the sunshine with a good dose of doing absolutely nothing. It was exactly what we needed between flights and adventures.
What We Did (and Didn’t Do)
We had grand plans to tackle the famous Cross Island Track, which climbs to The Needle (Te Rua Manga) for sweeping views across Rarotonga. But once we saw that inviting lagoon… all motivation vanished. 😅
Instead, we made it to Wigmore’s Waterfall (at the end of the hike) We just drove there easily in our hire car. Perfect for cooling off after a lazy day of nothing!
Rarotongaa is small and wonderfully easy to explore — just 32 km around — so hiring a car made getting around simple. There’s also a bus that loops the island in both directions, plus scooters and bikes for those who prefer a slower pace.
Where we stayed: Airbnb & Resort stays
We began our week in Muri, staying a few nights in a beautiful Airbnb surrounded by beautiful gardens and greenery. Muri, like the whole of Rarotonga is super chill, relaxing beach with the sounds of drums in the air.
On Saturday, we wandered through the Punanga Nui Markets in Avarua, highly recommend a visit to the Saturday market. And get ther early. It’s a lively, colourful scene filled with the scent of fresh coconuts, sizzling island food, and the rhythm of local music. There’s traditional drumming, dancing, and even fire twirling — such a fun way to experience Cook Islands culture. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up an ‘ei katu’, the beautiful flower headband you’ll see many locals wearing.
We spent our days snorkelling in Muri Lagoon, exploring waterfalls, and wandering up the short trail behind the hospital for peaceful views over the island. We also visited Black Rock Beach, where the water is so turquoise and the snorkeling is great.
For the final four nights, we treated ourselves to the heavenly Rarotonga Resort — and it was incredible. Each morning began with a buffet breakfast overlooking the ocean, followed by long, lazy days of reading on the beach, kayaking, and paddleboarding across the calm lagoon. Afternoons melted into golden sunsets and snorkelling with turtles right off the shore.
Free paddleboards and kayaks tempted us into the water, while the resort’s happy hour, friendly staff, and daily activities made every day feel special. From basket-weaving to sarong tye- dying, coconut-opening demos to kids movie nights, we all enjoyed every minute of our stay. And it had by far the BEST SNORKELING!!!
Useful Info
Getting there: Direct flights to Rarotonga from Auckland, Sydney, Tahiti, and Hawaii (with Brisbane flights coming soon).
Getting around: Hire a car, scooter, or bike — the island is small & easy to explore.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Tipping isn’t expected, but always appreciated for great service.
BYO snorkel sets if you have them
Water: Drink bottled or filtered water.
Climate: Warm year-round — May–Oct is drier, Nov–Apr warmer and more humid.
Good to know: There is no poisonous insects or animals on the whole island
24-hour medical and dental services available.
Why We Loved It
Between its lagoon-fringed beaches, volcanic green peaks, and friendly island vibe, Rarotonga is the perfect place to reset. Even though we didn’t do much, we left completely recharged — proof that sometimes the best adventures are the slow, simple ones.
If you’re planning a trip to Tahiti, adding a Cook Islands stopover is a great way to break up the journey (and your budget!).
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