Rarotonga with Kids
Updated: Aug 22
Some places are made for adventure. Others are made for slowing down. Rarotonga gave us both — crystal-clear lagoons, swimming with turtles at sunset, lazy afternoons drifting between the beach and the waterfalls. On our way to Tahiti, this tiny Cook Islands paradise became the reset we didn’t realise we needed.
A Dreamy Stopover
On our way to Tahiti, we spent one wonderfully slow and relaxing week in Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands — and it ended up being one of our favourite family stopovers ever!
With turquoise lagoons, incredible snorkelling straight off the beach, swaying palms, and a laid-back island vibe, Rarotonga with kids was easier, calmer, and more beautiful than we ever expected.
We didn’t fill our days with tours or activities. Instead, we spent our time floating in crystal-clear water, spotting turtles, exploring waterfalls, and simply slowing down together as a family.
Exploring Rarotonga
Rarotonga is small and wonderfully easy to explore, with a coastal road looping around the entire 32-kilometre island.
We hired a car, which gave us the freedom to stop wherever we liked. There’s also a public bus travelling around the island in both directions, along with scooters and bicycles for those who prefer a slower pace.
Best Things to Do in Rarotonga
Rarotonga may be small, but there’s plenty to do — from hiking through its lush mountainous interior to snorkelling in turquoise lagoons and cooling off beneath waterfalls.
We kept our days fairly relaxed, but these were some of our favourite things to do in Rarotonga.
1. Hike the Cross Island Track
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. 😅
The full hike is challenging and can become muddy and slippery, so many visitors choose to complete it with a local guide.
2. Swim at Wigmore’s Waterfall
Instead of hiking the entire Cross Island Track, we took the much easier option and drove to Wigmore’s Waterfall, located near the southern end of the trail.
It’s easily accessible by hire car and is a lovely place to cool off after exploring the island — or, in our case, after another wonderfully lazy day of doing absolutely nothing!
3. Snorkel at Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Beach was another beautiful place to stop for a swim and snorkel. The water was an incredible shade of turquoise, with volcanic rocks framing the beach and plenty to see beneath the surface.
It’s also a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
4. Explore Muri Lagoon
Muri Lagoon is one of the most popular places to visit in Rarotonga, particularly for families.
Its calm, shallow water is perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also join a lagoon cruise or paddle out towards the small offshore islands.
5. Snorkel at Aroa Beach
Aroa Beach was our favourite beach in Rarotonga and one of the best places we found for snorkelling.
The protected lagoon was filled with colourful tropical fish, and we regularly spotted turtles swimming through the water in the late afternoon and around sunset.
We stayed directly on Aroa Beach at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, which meant we could walk out of our room and be snorkelling within minutes.
6. Visit Punanga Nui Market
If you’re in Rarotonga on a Saturday, don’t miss Punanga Nui Market in Avarua.
Arrive early to experience the market at its liveliest. You’ll find fresh coconuts, local food, handmade souvenirs, traditional drumming, dancing & fire-twirling.
It’s also the perfect place to buy an ‘ei katu’ — one of the beautiful flower crowns worn throughout the Cook Islands.
7. Walk to the Hospital Lookout
For an easy walk with beautiful views, follow the short trail behind Rarotonga Hospital.
It’s far less demanding than the Cross Island Track but still rewards you with peaceful views across the coastline and surrounding mountains.
8. Take a Lagoon Cruise
A lagoon cruise is another fun way to experience Rarotonga’s clear water and marine life.
Most tours include snorkelling, entertainment and a barbecue lunch on one of the small motu in the lagoon, making them an easy family day out.
Where We Stayed in Rarotonga
We split our week between a peaceful Airbnb in Muri and a few nights at a beachfront resort, giving us the chance to experience two different parts of the island.
Staying in Muri
We began our trip in Muri, staying in a beautiful Airbnb surrounded by tropical gardens and greenery.
Like much of Rarotonga, Muri has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Days revolve around the lagoon and beach, while the distant sound of island drums drifts through the air.
Our Stay at Rarotonga Resort
For our final four nights, we treated ourselves to a stay at the heavenly Rarotonga Resort — and it was incredible.
Each morning began with a buffet breakfast overlooking the ocean, with colourful tropical fish swimming in the clear water below. Afterwards, our days were spent reading on the beach, kayaking and paddleboarding across the calm lagoon.
The complimentary paddleboards and kayaks tempted us into the water every day, while the friendly staff, happy hour and daily activities made the stay feel even more special.
There was always something happening, from basket weaving and sarong tie-dyeing to coconut-opening demonstrations and movie nights for the kids.
But the best part was the snorkelling.
The reef directly in front of the resort was incredible, with colourful fish and some of the best snorkelling we experienced in Rarotonga. Late afternoon and sunset were especially magical, when turtles would often swim through the lagoon right outside our room.
Useful Information for Visiting Rarotonga
Getting there: You can find direct flights to Rarotonga from cities including Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Tahiti and Honolulu, although some routes may be seasonal.
Getting around: Hire a car, scooter or bicycle, or use the public bus that loops around the island in both directions. It takes approximately 30–45 minutes to drive around the entire island.
Currency: The local currency is the New Zealand dollar. Tipping isn’t expected, although it’s always appreciated for excellent service.
Power outlets: Rarotonga uses Type I plugs and sockets, the same as Australia and New Zealand.
Snorkelling equipment: Bring your own snorkel sets if you have them.
Drinking water: Stick to bottled or properly filtered water during your stay.
Climate: Rarotonga is warm throughout the year. May to October is generally drier, while November to April is warmer, wetter and more humid.
Medical care: Despite its remote location and small size, Rarotonga has medical and dental services available.
Wildlife: Rarotonga has no snakes or large dangerous land animals, making it an easy destination for outdoor family adventures.
FAQ: Rarotonga with Kids
Is Rarotonga good for families?
Yes — Rarotonga is incredibly family-friendly, with calm lagoons, easy beaches, relaxed resorts, and plenty of outdoor activities. Its small size also makes travelling around the island with children very manageable.
How many days do you need in Rarotonga?
Its a very small island and you can drive around the whole coast road in 40 minutes, so 3-4 days is good. We found one week in Rarotonga was the perfect amount of time to relax and explore the island at a slow pace.
What is the best area to stay in Rarotonga?
At The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium it was our favourite beach and the best snorkelling.
Is Rarotonga Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely.
With its crystal-clear lagoons, volcanic green peaks, easy snorkelling and warm island culture, Rarotonga quickly became one of our favourite family destinations in the South Pacific.
It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down — to spend long afternoons in the water, watch the sunset with sandy feet and settle into the gentle rhythm of island life.
If you’re travelling to Tahiti or looking for an easy tropical holiday from Australia or New Zealand, Rarotonga is a beautiful destination to add to your family travel plans.
More South Pacific Travel Guides
✈️ The Cheapest Way to Get to Tahiti From Australia — Discover how we used Rarotonga as a tropical stopover on our journey to French Polynesia.
🌴 Bora Bora on a Budget — Experience Bora Bora’s famous lagoon, beaches and mountain scenery without staying in an expensive overwater bungalow.
🐋 Swimming With Humpback Whales in Moorea — Read about one of our most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the open Pacific Ocean.
🦈 Swimming With Sharks and Stingrays in Moorea — Find out what it’s really like to swim alongside reef sharks and stingrays in Moorea’s turquoise lagoon.
🏝️ Which South Pacific Island Should You Visit? — Compare the Cook Islands with Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and French Polynesia to find the right island for your trip.
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