50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga

All you have to do is sit on the sands on the edge of Rarotonga's encircling lagoon to watch tropical fish and spot blue starfish - it's like your own personal aquarium. But if you have snorkelling gear (or rent some) then go and join them!

Rarotonga has no lack of snorkelling spots straight off the beach, from the lively Aroa Marine Reserve to the famous “Fruits of Rarotonga” site.

Find out more about the snorkelling hotspots in The Best Snorkelling in Rarotonga: Top 10 Places to Snorkel or compare tours with sea scooters and more in the 6 Best Snorkelling Tours in Rarotonga.

Location: See the above links for snorkelling locations.

Like snorkelling spots, Rarotonga also blesses travellers with oodles of free hiking trails, this time to explore the island's rugged interior.

Walk the verdant jungle trails and up volcanic mountain peaks, from the half-day excursion of the Cross Island Trek to the perfect sunset views from the Raemaru Track. There are far too many trails to list here, so compare your options in the 10 Best Walks on Rarotonga.

Location: See the link above for all walk locations.

A part of the Cook Islands culture that has survived through the ages is the energetic dancing of the island’s warriors and princesses. Watch talented dancers adorned in traditional costumes at one of the island's cultural shows, otherwise known as “island nights”.

The performance is not all there is to look forward to, however, as devouring plate after plate of various traditional Cook Islands dishes from the buffet is also a reason to join in. Rarotonga’s cultural shows can be found across various resorts, as well as at the historical site of Highland Paradise or the overwater venue of Te Vara Nui Village. For something a little different, Umu Experience serves their Cook Islander food more "family-style" than buffet.

See the 10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands to compare your options.

Location: See the link above for locations.

Price: $$

Another way to immerse yourself in the flavours of the Cook Islands, that's also more down to earth than an island night, the Progressive Dinner Tour removes the barrier between “tourist” and “local”. Join Cook Islands Tours as they transport you across the island for a three-course dinner with each course in a different local home.

It’s your opportunity to sample the real flavours of Rarotonga and experience the generous hospitality of its locals. Intrigued? Plus, see similar food tours in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Rarotonga.

Location: Transfers are included from anywhere on Rarotonga.

Circle Cook Islands is where waste becomes wearable, and where you leave with something made entirely by your own hands.

Run by Sabine, Rarotonga's very own Eco Warrior with over 20 years of upcycling experience, these hands-on workshops at her Nikao studio transform everyday waste (think bike inner tubes, drink cans and plastic chip packets) into jewellery and handmade bags.

The "Make-Your-Own Upcycled Earrings" workshop runs for 2 to 2 hrs 30 mins, requires zero jewellery-making experience and teaches you how to make a seriously awesome souvenir. The "Learn to Weave" workshop, limited to just four guests, teaches the technique behind her famous upcycled bags, and you'll leave with a souvenir, a PDF guide and the skills to make your own bag at home.

Both workshops run rain or shine, indoors, and everything you make is yours to keep.

Visit the Circle Cook Islands shop on Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm, or find Sabine at the Punanga Nui Market every Saturday.

A guided tour of Maire Nui Gardens is one of the most intimate and enriching experiences on Rarotonga, taking you through seven acres of 100% organic gardens with a knowledgeable guide and no more than 11 other guests for company.

Over the course of an hour, the guided tour takes you past lily ponds, footbridges, native and introduced plant species, local fruit trees and food gardens, all on easy, mostly flat terrain. As you go, your guide shares the living history of this remarkable piece of land, title land passed down through generations from the ariki (chief) to her daughter, and now lovingly maintained by the mother who owns and runs the gardens today.

You'll taste fresh herbs, medicinal plants and seasonal fruits along the way, and see the composting systems that keep the whole property running without a single spray, chemical or pesticide.

The tour finishes at the Maire Nui Gardens Café, where a fresh organic tea is included. If you're in no hurry (and why would you be?), stay on for lunch: the menu features the "Tropical Salad", "Garden Tacos" and the legendary "Famous Lemon Meringue Cheesecake".

Self-guided visits are also available for a small entry fee, open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Sunday. Note that the cafe is only open on weekdays.

Te 'Are Vananga is the hands-on workshop side of the much-loved Te 'Are Tatatau art shop and tattoo studio, offering a make-and-take experience you won't find anywhere else in Rarotonga.

The standout is the "Parau Shell Carving Make-and-Take Workshop," a four-hour session from 12 pm to 4 pm led by Iaveta, a young self-taught artist who has been selling his work since he was 12. After a quick safety rundown, you'll practise on coconut shells before choosing your own design, tracing motifs such as birds, whales or traditional patterns, and engraving them onto your shell piece using machines lighter than a Dremel.

The focus is on doing, not listening; Iaveta demonstrates technique rather than taking over, and by 4 pm you'll leave with a finished pendant ready to wear as earrings, a necklace or a keychain.

There's also the "Pareu Printing Make-and-Take Workshop," where you roll Cook Islands motifs onto a pareu or tea towel using your chosen boards and colours, with a heat-set finish ready to collect the next day.

A fun day out for all ages, the cruises on the Muri Lagoon are a varied slice of island life with snorkelling, a show and a barbecue meal included.

Choose from either Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes or Koka Lagoon Cruises, both offering ample snorkelling time, a larger-than-life crew and a show on the same uninhabited “motu” (literally, just down the beach from each other). Our advice?

Go with the one that gives you the best deal on the day, or compare in the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Muri Beach (east side of Rarotonga).

Guarantee a sighting of gorgeous sea turtles in their natural environment on one of Rarotonga’s turtle swimming tours. Guided tours will take you to prime turtle habitat that is otherwise inaccessible on your own.

There are plenty of turtle tours to choose from, like Rarotonga Turtle Tours with their high-quality gear and mindful approach, and Ariki Turtle Tours & Sea Scooters with their sea scooters. Alternatively, experience a private turtle swimming tour with Green Turtle Tours.

There are several options for turtle swimming across Rarotonga, so be sure to compare using the 10 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga.

Location: See the link above for operator locations.

Experience a unique culinary adventure with Arataki Organic Garden Tours. This intimate tour, led by Mirella and Katoa, offers a delightful journey through tropical flavours in their own backyard.

You’ll explore various fruits and vegetables, gain insights into local traditions, and try coconut husking. Multiple tasting stations showcase garden-grown delights, culminating in refreshing sugar cane and photo-worthy fruit platters.

Location: Ara Metua (Back Road), Avarua, Rarotonga. Look for the sign on the road behind the airport runway.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fun thing to do in Rarotonga, no matter the hour, but at night with your SUP’s LED lights illuminating the lagoon waters beneath you… Oh boy!

Both King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures and KiteSUP offer wonderful night SUP tours on Rarotonga; King Dryden’s is a more intimate experience with clear SUPs and kayaks, while KiteSUP takes you out to one of the lagoon islands. Both conclude with an awesome fire show.

Learn more about the SUP experiences in the 5 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in the Cook Islands and book your night SUP experience on King Dryden’s website.

Location: KiteSUP watersport centre and King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures are on Muri Beach in Ngatangiia (southeast coast of Rarotonga).

The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is a vibrant Saturday morning affair, bustling from 7 am to 12 pm. It's a whirlwind of tropical produce, smoothies, barbecued treats, and colourful pareu (sarongs). You'll find passionate artists, chefs, growers, and even black pearl farmers showcasing their wares.

Don't miss the chance to sample delicious street food and pick up unique souvenirs. It's also a great place to book tours, making it a one-stop shop for your Rarotonga adventures. Trust us, this market is a sight not to be missed!

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), west end of Avarua. Open only on Saturdays from 7 am to 12 pm.

Combine Cook Islands' creativity with a glass of bubbles at one of Coco Brush's cultural crafting classes!

Coco Brush offers two of Rarotonga's most social and creative Friday-night experiences: the "Paint and Sip" class and the "Prosecco and Petals" ei-making class, both held at Tiare's Restaurant.

Each two-hour session kicks off with a drink voucher redeemable at the bar (prosecco, wine, smoothies or whatever takes your fancy), before a guide leads the group through either a step-by-step Cook Islands-inspired painting or the art of weaving a traditional ei, a floral crown worn throughout the Cook Islands.

No experience is needed for either class, and the pace is efficient yet super sociable, with plenty of banter and, on most Friday evenings, live music adding to the atmosphere.

You'll leave with either a fully finished island-inspired painting or a beautiful floral crown to wear, plus a group photo shared on social media. Private classes are also available on request, at a time and location that suits your group!

With so much sheltered lagoon to explore and the abundance of kayaks to borrow, you can’t go to Rarotonga and not do some kayaking. Kayaks are often a free inclusion of any beachfront accommodation on Rarotonga, while kayak rentals are also available with Adventure Cook Islands, KiteSUP and Captain Tama Aquasportz.

Find out more in the 5 Best Kayak Tours & Rentals in the Cook Islands. Don't know where to paddle to? Check out the best routes in our guide, Kayaking in Rarotonga: Top 5 Places to Kayak.

Location: All over Rarotonga – See the link above for kayak rentals or see a comprehensive list of accommodations (most with kayaks) in Where to Stay on Rarotonga: The Best Rarotonga Accommodations.

Cool off and get some “cool” pics at the Papua Waterfall. Also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall, the falls can be found among the forest in a clearing with picnic tables enticing you to stick around for a while - if you do, take some insect repellent with you!

The waterfall is at its best when there hasn’t been a dry spell (which isn’t often on Rarotonga), and swimming is best done in the bottom pool, not on top where the water pipes are. Heading here is one of the cheap (and sometimes free) things to do, as listed in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga.

Location: End of Papua Road, Vaimaanga. Note that the dirt road all the way to the waterfall is in bad condition – suitable for 4WD or SUVs only. If you’re unsure, park at the SPCA car park and walk from there (6 mins walk). You may be asked to pay an entry fee, which is approximately NZ$2 for scooters and NZ$5 for cars and trucks.

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Rarotonga at the Te Ara Museum in Muri. This contemporary cultural centre offers a fascinating journey through time, from early Polynesian navigators to European influence and the Cook Islands' present and future. You'll love the grand exhibitions and engaging displays that bring the island's rich heritage to life.

For an even more immersive experience, join a guided cultural tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Led by a fabulous local guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the exhibits.

After exploring, relax with light refreshments at the café and browse their selection of 100% locally made gifts at the shop. And don't worry about staying connected – Te Ara Museum offers free WiFi for visitors.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am (10 am on weekends) until 4 pm, making it an ideal all-weather activity that'll only take an hour or so of your day.

Check out more all-weather attractions like this in the 15 Things to Do on Rarotonga on a Rainy Day.

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

Get your adrenaline pumping with TVK Watersports, renowned for their exhilarating jet ski tours around Rarotonga. Choose between two 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 love the professional yet flexible approach, allowing you to explore at your own pace rather than strictly following the guide.

Led by Marama, a skilled guide with a background in surf rescue, safety is paramount. Tours are tailored to suit, often including snorkelling and spearfishing opportunities. With a maximum of four jet skis per tour, you're guaranteed an intimate experience.

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 a perfect activity for couples or friends. We recommend booking early, as rescheduling is common due to changing weather and water conditions.

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

Located just north of Muri is the spot where the Maori set off in their vaka (canoes) to make the migration to Aotearoa New Zealand. The site has a memorial with commemorative stones set in a circle listing the names of each vaka that departed from Avana Point.

Many New Zealand Maori can trace their heritage back to these vaka from Rarotonga. The spot is also good for watching the sunrise and enjoying some stargazing in the low light.

Location: A gravel roadside clearing on the coastal side of the Main Road (Ara Tapu) opposite the Ngatangiia CICC Church, Ngatangiia (east side of Rarotonga).

At just 32 km (20 mi) to circumvent the whole island, Rarotonga is an awesome road trip destination. Hire a scooter (Raro style) or a car to spend the day hitting many of the points we cover in this list of things to do on Rarotonga.

Bicycles are also a fun option for exploring one side of the island at a time, especially the scenic and historic Ara Metua inland road. Get inspiration for a day trip with A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Rarotonga.

Location: Check out the 10 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga, Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More and Cycle Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes.

The Muri Night Market is a vibrant culinary hotspot that comes alive on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 5 pm in Muri Beach Village. It's where food trucks gather to create a whirlwind of tastes, offering a diverse array of local and international cuisines.

You'll find options for both dinner and dessert while mingling with locals and fellow travellers in this buzzing atmosphere. Don't forget to bring cash, as the stalls don't accept cards. For more foodie experiences, check out The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri Beach Village, east side of Rarotonga.

A volcanic outcrop amidst the sand, Black Rock is not only a culturally significant site but also a great place to snorkel or take a reef walk. The rock is said to be where Rarotonga’s spirits depart to the afterlife, which you can learn more about on the interpretation panel here.

At low tide, the rock pools are interesting to investigate, while it’s also a fun snorkelling spot at high tide. Check out more points of interest in the Sightseeing on Rarotonga: Top 10 Sights on Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao (northwest side of Rarotonga).

Speaking of sights, make the most of Rarotonga's points of interest by learning about the history from a local on one of the guided island tours. Cook Islands Tours and Raro Tours both offer orientation tours, getting first-time visitors acquainted with Rarotonga, its snorkelling spots and dining scene, as well as stopping at interesting sights.

Raro Safari Tours offers an alternative sightseeing experience, taking you up a mountain in a 4WD to revel in spectacular views of Te Rua Maunga (The Needle). We go into much more detail about these tours in the 10 Best Tours of Rarotonga.

Location: Tours include pick-ups from anywhere on Rarotonga.

Cruise to the deep outer reef with Raro Reef Sub and experience the underwater world without getting wet! This unique semi-submersible vessel offers tours from April to December/January, taking you on a 1 hr 30 mins adventure around the RMS Maitai shipwreck.

Look out for large pelagic fish, turtles, sharks and even whales. It's a spectacular option for families and supports local conservation efforts, too!

Location: Tours depart from Avatiu Harbour, Avarua, north side of Rarotonga.

We've touched on how good the snorkelling is in Rarotonga, now imagine the scuba diving! If you’re new to diving, Dive Rarotonga, Pacific Divers, and Adventure Cook Islands can show you the ropes (or the tubes?) with scuba diving lessons or an introductory dive trip to discover the stunning coral formations and tropical marine life along the canyons of the lagoon’s passages.

If you're certified, this opens up many more dive sites where the reef drops off into the deep blue. Learn more about what the dives have to offer in The Best Dive Shops & Operators in the Cook Islands.

Location: See the link above for the location of each dive operator.

Explore the fascinating Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families. While small, it's packed with intriguing displays, from rehabilitating seabirds and coconut crabs to captivating whaling and shipwreck artefacts.

Don't miss the aquarium, featuring the devilish stonefish, and learn about the formation of the Cook Islands. After your visit, treat yourself at the Lickity Splitz Ice Cream Parlour.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).

A must for couples celebrating a special occasion or “just ’cause”, private dining experiences are a speciality of the resorts on Rarotonga. 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. Dining areas are typically decorated with torches and tropical flowers, and, of course, complete with fine dining cuisine. Plan more of your romantic excursion to Raro using The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Rarotonga.

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 (west side of Rarotonga). Pacific Resort Rarotonga – Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga).

Tumutoa Tours offers three culturally immersive experiences on Rarotonga, all focused on traditional food preparation, storytelling, and local village life. The most comprehensive option is the "Umu Feast Stringband & Fireshow", held Mondays and Thursdays from 3 pm to 7:30 pm.

This 4 hrs 30 mins experience includes learning to prepare an umu (earth oven) feast, weaving your own food basket, and husking coconuts to make coconut cream for ikamata. Enjoy string band entertainment while you cook, followed by a shared feast and fire show.

For a different experience, try the "Umu Feast & Discovery Walk" on Fridays from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. This tour combines cultural food prep with a guided walk through Inave Village, where you'll explore edible and medicinal plants, hear local legends, and enjoy the umu feast you've helped prepare.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, west side of Rarotonga.

Ariimoana is a fascinating eco-tour operation on Rarotonga, run by Jakopo and his partner Kura, a Rarotonga-born musician and former National Geographic crew member who originally started taking people exploring purely out of love for the island.

Their shared group tours include the popular "Reef Walk" (run four to five times a month, guided by the moon cycle, with a maximum of six guests) and the "Inland Walk", a guided journey through private plantations and village orchards, with access to land made possible through Kura's local family connections.

They also offer private tours including snorkelling, ridge and mountain hikes (notably up the Cow, Rarotonga's third highest peak) and an "Around the Island Tour" available in English or Italian.

Deeply committed to sustainability, the team deliberately avoids turtle tours on ethical grounds and keeps most experiences private to protect both guests and the environment. Keep an eye out for endemic birdlife, including the flycatcher, starling and fruit dove.

Immerse yourself in a therapeutic massage or any other island spa treatment at one of Rarotonga's spas. Rarotonga has no shortage of spots to unwind, and a handful of resorts take spa treatments seriously. Among them, Rumours Luxury Villas stands out with its Waterfall Spa, where the Vichy Showers alone are worth the visit.

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

Location: See spa locations in the link above.

This British cargo ship that wrecked in the Avarua Harbour on Christmas Day, 1916, is now part of the reef. Either admire “The Boiler” poking out of the ocean from shore at Trader Jacks in Avarua or swim out to ship yourself.

Caution: Only strong swimmers with fins and snorkelling gear should make the journey, and at low tide with other people. The swim is about 500 m (1,600 ft) from shore. Alternatively, the Maitai Shipwreck can be admired on Raro Reef Sub and snorkelling tours with Ariki Adventures and KiteSUP.

Location: Trader Jacks, Main Road (Ara Tapu), the western end of Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).

Reef Riders offers one of Rarotonga's most unique watersports experiences: electric surfboard riding on the lagoon, with one-on-one guidance from start to finish.

Your 35-minute session kicks off with a 10- to 15-minute tutorial where your guide walks you through how the board works, where to ride and how to nail your technique. Then you're out on the lagoon, gliding over a shallow, sandy bottom that's about as forgiving as it gets for first-timers.

Once you're up, you'll have around 20 minutes of free riding with your guide on hand to help with adjustments along the way. Fair warning: it's more of a workout than it looks, and 35 minutes will feel just right by the end.

Sessions run from Monday to Saturday.

With every cafe, bar and restaurant so close, you can’t visit Rarotonga and not sample the surprisingly vibrant dining scene! Whatever your vibe and whatever your budget, Raro has the cafes, food trucks and fine dining restaurants to suit.

The list is too extensive to go through here, but you can start discovering recommendations in The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: See the links above for locations.

One of the few easily accessible ancient "marae" (Maori gathering places), Arai-Te-Tonga is located just off the Ara Metua (inland) road. It was one of the first "koutu" (royal courts) that was built by the first settlers in Rarotonga in 1350 AD.

Learn about its history on the interpretation panel and see the deliberate arrangement of stones in the grassy clearing that marks the site of the marae. Explore more fascinating maraes around the island, listed among the 10 Best Historical Sites on Rarotonga.

Location: Corner of the Inland Road (Ara Metua) and Maotangi Road, Tupapa (northeast side of Rarotonga).

Brewed right here on Rarotonga, Cook Islands Lager is the signature brew of the Rarotonga Brewery.

Founded in 2016, this garden tasting room and retail outlet on the west side of Rarotonga has grown into a genuine local icon.

Located around 800 m (yards) past Black Rock, opposite Edgewater Resort, the brewery follows the German Purity Law for Beer (malt, hops and barley only) and takes sustainability seriously, running a biofuel generator on restaurant waste and saving millions of glass bottles through reusable flagons.

Beyond the signature lager, they craft ciders, artisan sodas, kombucha, limeade, moringa iced tea and garden-grown herbal teas. Free shot-glass tastings of the full range are available daily, while guided brewery tours run every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.

Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Drive yourself on an exciting off-roading adventure with Raro Buggy Tours or Raro Quad Tours, two self-drive tours that take you deep into Rarotonga's muddy trails, lush valleys and tropical forests.

Choose between one or two-seater 4x4 buggies (lasting 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hours) or single and double quad bikes (lasting 2 hours to 2 hrs 30 mins). Either way, your passionate local guide will get you acquainted with your vehicle before heading off the beaten track toward the Papua Waterfall (also known as Wigmore's Waterfall), while sharing the history and origins of Rarotonga along the way.

Buggy tours depart at 8:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm; quad tours depart at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Note that drivers must be 18 or over with a valid overseas car licence, and passengers must be at least six years old. Arrive 30 mins before departure.

Head out to the blue water outside of the Rarotonga lagoon for some bluewater fishing! Experience the thrill of reeling in pelagic fish species, like mahimahi, wahoo and yellowfin tuna, on one of the many charters departing from Avarua.

Plan your fishing excursion, along with reef fishing and spearfishing, in The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Check out all of the departure points in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Rarotonga.

A casual range where golfers tee off island-style in their shorts and tees, the Rarotonga Golf Club offers a non-pretentious yet challenging 9-hole course among the coconut palms. For something for all the family, Aumata Mini Golf offers 18 holes of fun under the shade of the mango trees, as well as a cafe where pizzas are their speciality.

The course is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 9 pm, and 1 pm to 9 pm on Sundays. Find out more about making the most of Rarotonga’s golf scene in The Complete Guide to Golf in the Cook Islands.

Location: Rarotonga Golf Club - Tipani Road, Nikao (north side of Rarotonga). Aumata Mini Golf - Inave Road, Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).

Rarotonga is one of the biggest Pacific party islands, boasting a vibrant selection of bars and nightclubs where you can let your hair down. Hit the clubs in Avarua, such as Rehab, On the Rocks (OTR) and Luna.

Alternatively, hop on one of the exciting "party buses" like the Rehab Party Bus (operating Mon, Wed, Sat) or the Going Troppo Nightlife Tour (operating Wed, Fri, Sat) to explore the hottest bars and clubs around the island. You'll love the Pacific-style partying and the chance to mingle with locals and fellow travellers alike!

Location: See locations in The Ultimate Guide to Rarotonga Nightlife and 10 Best Bars in Rarotonga.

The powerful harmonies echoing across the churches on a Sunday is an experience not to be missed! Don your most church-appropriate attire (cover knees and shoulders) and head to one of the churches across Rarotonga, typically with a 10 am service.

The Avarua CICC Church is highly recommended for a traditional experience. Alternatively, enjoy something more contemporary and upbeat at the Celebration Church in Nikao. But seriously, all of the churches are very welcoming to visitors, so check out some more in the 10 Best Churches in the Cook Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: See the link above for locations.

Experience tranquillity like never before with a unique stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga session on the stunning Muri Lagoon. KiteSUP offers private SUP yoga experiences, where you'll paddle out to a secluded island for a serene floating yoga class. No prior experience is necessary – you'll learn paddling techniques and beginner-friendly yoga poses.

For those seeking a different wellness experience, try the Pilates Cook Islands classes held above the shop.

With options for both SUP yoga and pilates, you're sure to find your perfect zen moment in paradise.

For more yoga experiences across the island, check out the 10 Best Places to Experience Yoga in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands or join a wellness retreat as detailed in The Guide to Retreats in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Yoga, Wellness & More.

Location: KiteSUP has two locations – a surf shop in Panama, Nikao (northwest coast of Rarotonga) and a watersport centre on Muri Beach in Ngatangiia (southeast coast of Rarotonga)

Do breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner a little differently with Island Platters. Get a gourmet platter delivered to you, 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. For more “treat yourself” endeavours, check out the 10 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga.

Location: Anywhere on Rarotonga – platters are delivered to you.

The Cook Islands' Māori culture and marine environment are the main inspiration for art across Rarotonga. This makes for some breathtaking pieces to admire at the galleries of the island’s talented artists. Pop into the Bergman Gallery, Two Mamas Gallery, Ani's Art Gallery and more while exploring the island.

Get ready to unleash your inner artist at the Coco Brush Paint & Wine Experience! This delightful two-hour painting session provides expert guidance and all the necessary materials to create your own masterpiece. Just bring your creative spirit and prepare for a fun-filled evening of art and relaxation.

See what makes each gallery worth visiting in the 5 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: For the painting workshop, meet outside Charlie’s, Titikaveka, southeast coast of Rarotonga. See the link above for more art galleries and their locations.

For a colourful souvenir you can proudly say you made yourself, Rarotonga has several hands-on fabric printing experiences to choose from.

At Te 'Are Vananga, the "Pareu Printing Make-and-Take Workshop" lets you choose boards featuring Cook Islands-inspired motifs, pick your colours and roll your designs onto a pareu or two tea towels. Watch the pattern reveal itself with every pass, with your finished creation heat-set and ready to collect the next day.

Another experience with a feel-good twist is the Creative Centre, where visitors are welcomed into a centre supporting people with disabilities and guided through screen printing by the clients themselves. Bring your own item or choose a T-shirt, bag or sarong to print, making this as much about meeting local people as creating something colourful to take home.

Then there's Rarotonga Fabric Arts, where you can paint your own bedspread, tea towel or pareu using a wide selection of stencils and custom-made blocks. Choose your fabric, get creative with the colours and collect your masterpiece around an hour later, ready to iron at home to set the design.

Location: Te 'Are Vananga (Te 'Are Tatatau), Main Road (Ara Tapu), Panama, north coast of Rarotonga.

Creative Centre, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua, north coast of Rarotonga - behind the dental services/health centre.

Rarotonga Fabric Arts - Main Road (Ara Tapu), Takitumu, southeast coast of Rarotonga. Well signposted along the main road.

For a unique hands-on experience, head to the Cook Islands Chocolate Factory in Muri. This grassroots venture offers a genuine farm-to-bar chocolate journey, focusing on the process rather than polished presentations.

Choose from three tour options: an affordable tasting tour featuring 12 items, a tour that combines tastings with cacao tree education, or the comprehensive farm tour, which covers agriculture, business aspects, and includes tastings.

The casual and interactive tours emphasise the entire chocolate-making process, from growing cacao trees to crafting dark chocolate. It’s a true paddock-to-plate experience with no packaged products involved. Children join for free, and most seniors can participate at no cost or make a donation if they wish.

Tours run Monday to Saturday during business hours, weather permitting (they’re cancelled on rainy days). Book your spot at the market or via their Facebook page for a delicious insight into Rarotonga’s cacao culture.

Location: Vaii Drive, Muri, southeast coast of Rarotonga.

As you can see, Rarotonga has no lack of museums, with the Cook Islands National Museum offering a quaint yet interesting option in Avarua. Browse carved artefacts, seafaring vaka replicas, and traditional tivaevae linens, and learn more about their cultural and historical significance through the informational texts on the walls. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Location: Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre, Corner of Constitution Avenue and Victoria Road, Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).

Yes, this is a different museum in Avarua, but it's not too far away from the one previously mentioned. Set on park grounds surrounded by some of Avarua's oldest buildings, the Cook Islands Library & Museum displays interesting ceremonial artefacts, cooking utensils, shells and weapons.

Outside are the museum's maritime displays, such as a vaka and an anchor. Their library also holds a collection of rare books. The museum is open from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday to Saturday and on Tuesday evenings from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Location: Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).

A grand limestone building on the waterfront of Avarua's eastern shores, the Beachcomber Building not only offers a flair of history, but it also has a few reasons to visit. Browse local crafts and black pearls at The Beachcomber Store, browse inspiring local art at the Bergman Gallery and enjoy the quirky setting of The Cafe and the "Vinyl Revival Club".

Location: Coastal side of the main road (Ara Tapu), opposite Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).

The Muri Lagoon is a hub for watersports, with kite sports being another way to experience this natural playground!

Rarotonga's neighbouring island, Aitutaki, might take all the limelight when it comes to kitesurfing, but the Muri Lagoon provides excellent conditions to learn. Join KiteSUP for kitesurfing tutorials, gear hire or try the up-and-coming sport of "winging". Dive deeper into the subject in Kitesurfing in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: The Top 10 Places to Kitesurf.

Location: 6 Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga).

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. So pick out some stores from The Guide to Shopping in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands + The Best Places to Shop and The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and visit them all!

Location: Refer to the shop recommendations and locations provided in the link above.

Opposite the prominent CICC Church in Avarua stands the historic Pare O Tane Palace of Makea, along with the surrounding Taputapuatea Marae. The grounds are open to the public to admire this grand building, which has been renovated over the years.

Stand on the grounds where the paramount ariki (chief) of the area, Makea Takau, signed the treaty accepting the Cook Islands as a British protectorate in 1888.

Location: Makea Tinirau Road, opposite the CICC Church, the eastern end of Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).