10 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga

Last Updated: 10 December, 2025

Luxury Activities and Tours on Rarotonga

Celebrating a special occasion? Or are you perhaps just in need of a treat? Do something beyond the ordinary among the rugged interiors or on the turquoise lagoon with one of the luxury experiences on Rarotonga. There’s something to excite all of the senses between private snorkelling tours and gourmet platters delivered to you on the beach.

Discover our curated selection of luxury activities and tours.

… But before we begin, be sure to take note of The Luxury Guide to Rarotonga and 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga to help plan more of your getaway of indulgence.

1. Unwind at Rarotonga’s Spas

When it comes to luxury, it’s hard to ignore the allure of Rarotonga’s spas. A selection of resorts specialises in spa treatments, from the Vichy Showers of the Waterfall Spa at Rumours Luxury Villas, which are unique on Rarotonga, to the indulgent array of couples’ treatments at Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa.

There are far too many options to list here, so take a look at the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga to find your perfect place to unwind.

Location: Refer to the spa locations listed in the link above.

2. Be Treated to a Private Dinner on the Beach

A must for couples celebrating a special occasion, Rarotonga offers a variety of private dining experiences. The adults-only Crown Beach Resort & Spa offers private dining under a gorgeous decorated gazebo on the beach. You can also inquire about private dining options at On The Beach (OTB), Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach, The Rarotongan Resort & Lagoonarium, Pacific Resort Rarotonga, and more.

With dining areas typically decorated with torches and tropical flowers, and, of course, complete with fine dining cuisine, this experience of dining with your toes in the sand while watching the sunset is a luxury experience on Rarotonga to remember.

Location: Crown Beach Resort & Spa, On The Beach (OTB) at Manuia Beach Resort, Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach and The Rarotongan Resort & Lagoonarium – all on Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi. Pacific Resort Rarotonga – Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

3. Enjoy a Bespoke Jet Skiing Experience with TVK Watersports

Indulge in an exhilarating experience with TVK Watersports, offering exclusive jet ski tours around Rarotonga. Choose between two private guided options: a thrilling one-hour tour covering half the island or an epic whole island adventure lasting up to two and a half hours.

You’ll appreciate the professional yet bespoke approach, allowing you to explore at your leisure rather than adhering to a rigid itinerary. These intimate tours are led by Marama, an expert guide with a background in surf rescue, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout.

Tours are tailored to your preferences, often including snorkelling and spearfishing opportunities. With a maximum of four jet skis per tour, you’re guaranteed an exclusive and personalised experience. For the ultimate in luxury, don’t hesitate to request a completely private tour.

Drivers must be at least 16 with a restricted licence, while passengers must be at least eight years old. Two can share a jet ski for the same price, making it an ideal activity for couples or friends. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred time slot, as rescheduling is common due to changing weather and water conditions.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri, east coast of Rarotonga.

4. Get Some Retail Therapy (and Shop for the Cook Islands’ Famous Black Pearls)

Many are surprised to discover that such a small island in the South Pacific offers numerous shopping opportunities. That’s mainly because Rarotonga and the Cook Islands specialise in many unique crafts, with a highlight being black pearls, which are only farmed in two countries in the South Pacific.

Woven fans, earrings, and locally crafted perfumes are also highlights on the shopping list. While there are shops scattered across the island, the main retail hubs are Avarua and the Punanga Nui Market, which is open on Saturdays.

Location: Refer to the shop recommendations and locations in The Guide to Shopping in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and The Best Places to Shop.

5. Have an Elevated Turtle Swimming Experience on a Private Tour

Sure, anyone can go snorkelling off the beaches of Rarotonga, but not everyone knows where the best spots are, nor is it always safe without a guide.

For an unforgettable turtle encounter, join Green Turtle Tours at the Ava’avaroa Passage. Their private guided swims offer intimate moments with green turtles and other marine life, complete with included snorkelling gear and professional video footage of your experience

Sea Pace Rarotonga offers a premium private turtle swimming tour that’s hard to beat. You’ll not only get up close with the turtles but also enjoy a handmade fruit platter.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, Ariki Adventures offers private sea scooter tours to swim with the turtles.

For more options, check out our guide to the 10 Best Turtle Tours in Rarotonga. You’re sure to find the perfect turtle encounter for your style and preferences!

Location: Tours meet at the Avaavaroa Passage, Vaimaanga, southern side of Rarotonga.

6. Explore the Historical Sites and Hidden Gems on a Private Island Tour

Soon after you arrive on Rarotonga, we recommend you not only become more familiar with the island but get as much out of the sights as possible with a private guided tour. Raro Tours offers a scenic island tour exclusive to you and your group, featuring a drive down the ancient Ara Metua inland road.

The tour includes visits to historical maraes, the Mairie Nui Tropical Gardens, a shell-carving studio, and a spa product producer, as well as many other hidden gems that many tourists miss.

Alternatively, Cook Islands Tours offers private orientation tours of the island, taking you to interesting sights and providing recommendations that can benefit you throughout your trip. They also offer private historic walking tours of Avarua.

Location: Raro Tours – Transfers included. Cook Islands Tours – Transfers are included on the orientation tour and the meeting point is in Avarua for the walking tour.

7. Indulge in a Gourmet Island Platter… Anywhere!

Sure, we could list all of the more upmarket restaurants here, which we do in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands, but for something a little more unique, we suggest a gourmet platter delivered to you with Island Platters.

Whether you want an extra-special breakfast on your villa’s deck or a romantic picnic on the beach, Island Platters can curate a stunningly presented and delicious platter right in front of you, using fresh, local ingredients. See more unique food endeavours in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Rarotonga.

Location: Anywhere – platters are delivered to you.

8. Experience Rarotonga from a Fresh Perspective on a Scenic Flight

Get ready for a bird’s-eye view of Rarotonga that’ll take your breath away! Air Rarotonga offers a spectacular 30-minute scenic flight that showcases the island’s stunning natural beauty. You’ll soar over lush inland valleys, towering volcanic peaks, and the mesmerising turquoise lagoon encircling the island.

What we love about this experience is how customisable it is. Want to spot a specific landmark or even try your luck at whale watching during the right season? Just ask! The pilot’s onboard commentary adds depth to your aerial adventure, pointing out hidden gems you might miss from the ground.

Remember to book at least three days in advance, as these flights are in high demand. It’s perfect for couples, with a maximum of two adults per booking. Trust us, this is one perspective of Rarotonga you won’t want to miss! Find out more about the experience in The Best Scenic Flights in Rarotonga.

Location: Rarotonga Airport, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao.

9. Stay in a Luxury Villa or Resort

Admittedly, most of Rarotonga offers casual luxury by simply providing a stunning tropical environment. Where you can truly experience five-star, over-the-top luxury is at the island’s luxury villas, resorts, and boutique accommodations.

From villas with a luxury spa on-site to beachfront resort rooms with a private plunge pool, there are plenty of indulgent choices in Raro. Choose from the most lavish in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga.

Location: See the link above for locations.

10. Visit the Island of Aitutaki for the Day or Overnight on a Private Jet

There’s so much more to the Cook Islands than Rarotonga, and the most premium way to explore them is on a private jet day tour with Island Hopper Vacations. Fly from Rarotonga to Aitutaki on a private jet for up to seven of your nearest and dearest.

The day tour includes a private island tour and lagoon cruise, while the overnight tour also includes a stay at the five-star Pacific Resort Aitutaki. Itineraries are customisable to include fishing or whale watching in the season.

Location: VIP transfers are included from anywhere in Rarotonga.

More Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga

That’s it for the most luxurious of the luxury experiences on Rarotonga. But of course, “luxury” means something different for everybody. You might find luxury in private fishing charters, scuba diving or kitesurfing. And if there’s anything that we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in one of the following guides:

Finally, don’t leave without bookmarking The Complete Luxury Guide to the Cook Islands with the last of our advice for luxury travellers.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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