Rarotonga is the capital of the Cook Islands.
Some visitors tend to think that Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are two different places or countries, or that Rarotonga and Tonga are the same place. This is incorrect! Rarotonga is the island capital of the Cook Islands group, which comprises 15 islands in total.
Rarotonga is the Heart of the South Pacific.
This is true as geographically, its just west of Tahiti and because it is still very much a paradise with people and culture that will embrace you with open arms!
Your vacation starts as soon as you land at Rarotonga International Airport. |
Everything is only minutes away- your hotel, restaurants, beaches…not a two-hour bus, boat or plane ride! Rarotonga is only a 3.5 hour flight from Auckland.
Rarotonga is like one big resort, just waiting for you to explore.
Being 32km in circumference it only takes about 1 hour to go right around. You can do as much or as little as you please. Your'e not 'resort-bound' so there's no feelings of being trapped and you have the freedom to hire a motor vehicle, catch the island bus or take in some activities. Why not tempt your taste buds at one of restaurants on offer? Meet the locals or do some exploring on your own! Rarotonga’s geographic make-up is mainly volcanic so inland there are high mountains clothed in lush rainforest, perfect for a cross-island walk, trekking or a 4x4 mountain safari tour. In contrast, the white sand beaches along the fringes of the island are spectacular and beyond the reef is the deep ocean, perfect for diving or game-fishing.
We live to eat, not eat to live!
A popular saying amongst the locals which you will come to appreciate as there are over 50 restaurants & cafes scattered all over Rarotonga alone. A must on your things to do is to experience an Island night feast & cultural show which is offered at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga on Monday and Friday nights. The fare on offer is a tantalising mixture of local meats, seafood & vegetables followed by fantastic entertainment. Traditional island songs and dance, pulsating drums, swaying hips and colourful costumes are all part of the dazzling array that is Cook Islands culture. The night is wrapped up with a Ura Piani (invitation dance) where visitors are then given the chance to have a go and shake those hips. Definitely an evening not to be missed!
Saturday is market day
The local Punanga Nui marketplace comes alive every Saturday from 6am-midday. The markets are located in Avarua township and comprise of individual huts that are open Mon-Sat 8am-4pm. On Saturdays however vendor numbers triple and if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home or some local food to try, then this is the place for you! Local handicrafts, pareus (sarongs), t-shirts, island CD music, ukeleles, tivaivai (local quilts) local produce, carvings and the most romantic souvenir of them all, the Cook Islands Black Pearl are all available for purchase.