Rarotonga — Local services in Avarua

This review is for casual holidayers.

Rarotonga is an amazing paradise. Rich culture, kind people, incredible food, easily accessible, stunning views, and several activities for people of all ages, and groups of all sizes.

Cultural: historical sites scattered across the island cultural performances at various places, including The Islander, and Te Vara Nui Village Te Ara museum the Cook Island people are a kind people

Food several dining locations including fixed establishments and markets. Main markets are the Punanga Nui markets on the North side of the island, and the Muri night markets on the South side. Check times and days as these may vary. large variety of food, with some vegetarian and vegan options. fish is freshly caught and prepared (and tastes that way too!) groceries are scattered around the island, but typical items may be significantly more expensive. We recommend taking cereal, and UHT milk, and dry energy food (eg muesli bars) from NZ

Access the whole island is highly accessible most stores and businesses are closed on Sundays. Most are closed after midday on Saturday. there are two bus routes: clockwise and anticlockwise. The bus schedules are online, and may vary. You can flag down a bus from anywhere on the main road. A concession of 10 fares was $30 at the time of this review. We do not know single or return fare prices. The concession pass allowed a complete rotation trip. you can catch the bus right outside the international terminal (50 m) by walking to the main road and flagging down the bus. At the time of this review, the clockwise bus arrived at about 10 minutes before the hour for a departure from Cooks Corner (town) on the hour there are several car and scooter rental places near the air port do your research beforehand as there are some outlets that will charge significantly more than others taxis can be quite expensive as well you can also hire comfort, mountain, and eBikes - we strongly recommend Raro Bikes which is in walking distance from the airport. They had high quality gear, you can book online, or walk in. The service was fantastic, and there’s a nice little cafe out the front while you wait for your bike to be fitted with baskets etc.

Experiences There is so much to do. In summary: snorkelling and other water activities, hiking, eating, cultural experiences, markets, and shopping. We recommend a 4-7 day stay for casual holidayers. If you intend to travel to the outer islands, then a longer stay could be useful. You can also experience more such as fishing charters, Tama’s Tours, kayaking etc.

Important notes: bring sun block and insect repellant check the Cook Island website to understand pre-travel rules, this is highly important as you can incur huge fees or simply be denied access to the flight if you get this wrong Cook Islands uses NZD, bring cash as Eftpos transactions may incur fees dress for humid heat - a thin rain jacket is useful for the downpour days, but otherwise light clothing is sufficient. There were no religious or cultural restrictions with attire type bring your own snorkel and sea shoes for maximum comfort and accessible to any beach Muri beach, and Fruits of Rarotonga are must do’s. Purchase a vodafone SIM card or wifi pass. Roaming Connectivity...

Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, is a paradise tucked away in the heart of the South Pacific. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, it's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

The island's stunning landscape offers a myriad of activities, from hiking through the rugged interior to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. One of the must-do experiences is the Cross Island Trek, a challenging yet rewarding journey that takes you through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the island.

For those seeking relaxation, Rarotonga boasts an array of luxury resorts and boutique accommodations, where you can unwind in style and indulge in the local cuisine. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh seafood and tropical fruits at the island's many restaurants and food markets.

The warmth and hospitality of the Cook Islands' people add to the charm of Rarotonga. Locals are always eager to share their culture and traditions, whether through dance performances, handicraft demonstrations, or simply a friendly chat.

While Rarotonga is undoubtedly a paradise, it's not without its challenges. Like many small islands, it faces environmental threats such as climate change and over-tourism, which can impact its delicate ecosystem. However, efforts are underway to preserve the island's natural beauty and ensure its sustainability for future generations to enjoy.

In conclusion, Rarotonga is a slice of paradise that offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. With its stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and rich culture, it's no wonder why it's often referred to as the jewel of the...

Beautiful Island. We arrived 29.12.2017 and left 9.1.2018. Recommend hiring a car. This is the wet season but only rained for us a couple of days for us. Otherwise weather was amazing. If you are wanting to bus around, get a time table and a concession ticket, 10 trips for $20 or a family concession Ticket. Muri Markets are great. Big burgers across the road are worth it and at a reasonable price. Happy Hour at the Hula Bar is half price on drinks. Try the local fruits they are so delicious. But you will miss them when you return home. Last to see New Years out. They had 2 places to see the fireworks. The one we went to was worth it. Bluesky offer a Holiday Sim for $49 which is worth it. 3GB. Office located at Airport. Filtered water spots can be found throughout the Island. Don't drink the tap water. Pack in your suitcase your favourite snacks as these can be costly. Oh and don't forget to pack the insect repellent. I was not so lucky. They loved me. Locals have a fruit called Noni which you can slice and rub on your skin and this acts as a repellent it was better then the brought stuff. Does smell though but worth the protection. Saturday Market in town is great. Heaps of activities to do. Don't forget the sun tan lotion. Snorkelling was great. Saw different variety of fishes. Oh and don't ride the scooter without a licence you could get caught. Don't park your car under a coconut tree. ...