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The South Pacific
Destination Guides:
Exclusive Resorts:
Cook Islands: Exploring Rarotonga
The capital of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga, is the most-visited island of the fifteen, and rightfully so. It’s also the most developed, providing a plethora of activities for those who wish for more than just sunning and swimming while on holiday.
The main airport, Rarotonga International, is the only one in the Cook Islands that is large enough to accommodate international flights, so everyone lands here before they journey to other islands in search of culture or adventure.
The island is small enough that it’s easy to get around on foot along the main road, if you prefer. However, you can rent a car, hop a bus, hail a cab, or take your bike (though bikes should stick to the flat coastal road and avoid the mountainous interior).
What to See
Avarua
The major tourist area on Rarotonga is the town of Avarua. This small, charming harbor village boasts dining and shopping opportunities as well as cultural and historical attractions.
A good first stop in the village is the Cook Islands Library and Museum. This small museum provides visitors with a look at the history of these South Pacific islands through a number of artifacts and traditional handicrafts, including the island’s first printing press, a traditional canoe, and fine examples of rito, delicately-woven white straw hats that Cook Islands women wear to church on Sunday.
Another excellent first choice is the somewhat larger National Museum and National Library, part of the Sir Geoffrey Henry National Cultural Center. Here you’ll see contemporary crafts and replicas of ancient ones.
You may also want to explore the Cook Islands Christian Church, erected in 1855 and site of the burial ground of Sir Albert Henry, former prime minister of the islands. Nearby, you can admire Taputapuatea Marae, the lovingly-restored former palace of Queen Makea. (You must have permission to enter the grounds.)
If you enjoy rugby (Cook Islanders are crazy about the sport!), you can take in a game at the Tupapa Sports Ground.
Just a short jaunt outside the town, you’ll encounter Avatiu and its wonderful outdoor market. This is a great place to shop for tropical clothing, local handicrafts, and souvenirs for the family.
The Coast
Visitors heading west on the coastal road out of Avarua will be making their way towards the town of Arorangi and a number of beach resorts – small and large. Arorangi is home to what’s often considered the best attraction in the country – The Cook Islands Cultural Village. If you can schedule a visit here within the first few days of your trip, you’ll certainly walk away with a better understanding of the unique culture of the islands, making the remainder of your trip even more enjoyable. Guests are treated to a tour of the village as well as lunch, music, and dancing. The Cultural Village also sponsors “around the island” trips, worth well the investment.
On the South Coast, you’ll want to make a stop at the village of Titikaveka, with its beautiful hand-cut coral Christian Church. The lagoon here is often touted as the best snorkeling location on the island.
Keep going east, back towards where you started, and you can visit the island’s most acclaimed stretch of sand, Muri Beach. The crystal lagoon here is the most popular location on the island for watersports, including canoeing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. A number of resorts, suitable for various budgets, are situated near breathtaking Muri Beach and lagoon.