5 Best Bike Trails in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

1. Matavera – The Great Road of Toi, Rarotonga

Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
Average time: 25-35 mins (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Ikurangi Eco Retreat, Tropical Sands, Polynesian Rentals at Muri Beach (do route in reverse), Muri Beachcomber (do route in reverse) and Ride Rarotonga (delivery). See Cycle the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Starting from either the Club Raro Resort or even from Avarua should you not mind adding an extra 2 km (1.2 mi) onto the journey, this Matavera backroads trip is an interesting ride through the plantations and historical sites of the original road of Rarotonga, “The Great Road of Toi”, also known as “Ara Metua“.

Highlights on the journey include the Arai-Te-Tonga marae, Pokata Paepae marae and the remains of Pa’s Palace – as outlined in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Rarotonga. As you reach Ngatangiia, ride back up north just for 100 m (110 yards) to find the vaka migration site at Avana Point.

Finally, you’ll reach Muri where you’ll be able to relax at Tiare’s Cafe, Mai’i Cafe or one of the resort restaurants – learn more in the 10 Best Cafes on Rarotonga.

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2. Arorangi Back Roads, Rarotonga

Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi)
Average time: 20-30 mins (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Ride Rarotonga, Polynesian Rentals at the Edgewater Resort & Spa, Polynesian Rentals at Aroa Beach (do route in reverse), Tik-e Tours, Adventure Cook Islands (do route in reverse), MOTU Beachfront Art Villas and Magic Reef Bungalows. See Cycle the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Another part of the Ara Matua old coral road that’s fantastic to explore by bike is in Arorangi. Start your journey at Black Rock (or a little further north or south, depending on who you hire bikes from), which is a decent snorkelling site and a cultural place of significance.

Then head inland and south to ride past various tropical plantations, scenic roads of coconut palms and even stop by the Raemaru Track to get wonderful vistas if you have the energy (3 hours return) – see the 10 Best Walks in Rarotonga. Along this road are the occasional pop-up workshops and art galleries where you can call in to see local crafts; Ani’s Art Gallery is recommended and well-signposted.

At the southern end of Arorangi is the marine reserve and popular swimming spot of Aroa Beach with a dining option at The Rarotongan.

Those with much more energy might like to make the 6 km (3.7 mi) return trip (uphill) to Wigmore’s Waterfall for a refreshing dip then enjoy the downhill ride back!

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3. Te Koutu Point, Aitutaki

Distance: 13.5 km (8.4 mi)
Average time: 40 mins to 1 hour (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Rino’s Rentals. See Cycle the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Explore the quaint villages and the lesser-visited dirt road at the southern end of Aitutaki. Starting from Rino’s Rentals, cycle south through Arutanga, stopping by its café/takeaways or convenience stores to stock up on snacks for the ride. Admire the oldest church in the Cook Islands, CICC Arutanga, then continue south along the quaint coastal road through the village of Nikaupara.

After Nikaupara, follow the dirt road south through the coastal forest where you’ll see an abundance of crabs scuttling about, as well as traditional fishing huts. You’ll venture past Te Koutu Point at the southern tip of the island, then come across the historical site of the original village of Tautu with an interpretation panel to learn more – see the 10 Best Historical Sites on Aitutaki.

We recommend stopping by the picturesque Tautu Wharf before heading inland to the Avatea Cafe (see the 10 Best Cafes & Takeaways on Aitutaki) for lunch.

Come back onto the coastal road and head north through Vaipae, looking out for its “Hollywood” sign, then continue north until you reach the sign pointing inland for the Piraki Lookout. It’s a 500 m (500 yards) slog uphill, but the views are worth it. Return downhill and toward the west coast, where you’ll come out on the main road of the west coast, where you can return south to Rino’s Rentals.

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4. Atiu West Coast

Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)
Average time: 45 mins to 1 hour 10 mins (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Atiu Villas. See Cycle the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Starting from Atiu Villas, head north to the central villages of Atiu on a steady uphill incline. Stop by Super Brown to pick up supplies for a picnic, see the picturesque churches and then visit Atiu Island Coffee if you have a coffee tour booked – it’s one of the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Atiu!

Head back into Teenui village, then take the western road to the Taunganui Harbour for a swim. You’re on the coast road now, so head south and enjoy discovering all of the nooks and crannies along this road, from the Captain Cook landing spot at Oravaru to the gorgeous Taungaroro Beach.

You have lush coastal forest to enjoy on this side of the island, as well as a stellar viewpoint from Te Tau. Stop by Matai Beach before making the final slog uphill for about 1.6 km (1 mi) back to Atiu Villas.

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5. Mauke West Coast

Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)
Average time: 45 mins to 1 hour 10 mins (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Ri’s Retreat

Starting from Ri’s Retreat by the airstrip, head east, then inland toward the central villages of Ngatiarua. Ask locals to point you in the direction of the trail to Vai Tango for a refreshing dip in the cave pool.

Continue south to the Divided Church, then south through lush forest providing welcome shade. At the end of the road is Tukume Beach – one of the 5 Best Beaches on Mauke and the wreck site of the Te Kou Maru.

Take the coastal road north, stopping by many stunning little coves along the way. A highlight is Kopupooki Beach with its cave pool (Stomach Rock) accessible at low tide. Keep heading north and you’ll pass through the charming village of Kimiangatau on your way back to the airstrip and Ri’s Retreat.

© Google Maps