20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com
20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2024]

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

What Can You Do on Rarotonga for Free (or Cheap)?

Rarotonga might evoke images of expensive resorts, but once you get there, you’ll realise that you can actually spend your entire getaway spending very little on activities. Free hiking trails, snorkelling spots right off the beach, affordable museums and cheap eats: there are plenty of free and cheap things to do on Rarotonga. We go through some of the best right here!

Before we begin, make more money-saving choices by using The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga on a Budget and 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga to plan more of your trip.

1. Hit the Free Snorkelling Spots – FREE

Let’s start with the obvious free thing to do on Rarotonga! The coral bommies of the lagoon provide hours of free fun within the safety of the lagoon (unless you’re near a passage… You should definitely avoid snorkelling near a passage). Rarotonga has no lack of snorkelling spots to be enjoyed, from the lively Aroa Marine Reserve to the famous “Fruits of Rarotonga” site. Find out more about the free snorkelling hotspots in The Best Snorkelling in Rarotonga: Top 10 Places to Snorkel.

Location: See the above links for snorkelling locations.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

2. Tackle the Rarotonga Hiking Trails – FREE

Like snorkelling spots, Rarotonga also blesses travellers with oodles of free hiking trails, this time to explore inland. 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.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© DH - Cook Islands Tourism

3. Have a Swim at the Papua Waterfall – FREE/CHEAP

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 to make the most of your visit. 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). Plus, avoid climbing the sides where rocks are known to fall. Finally, remember to take some insect repellent with you. Travelling with kids? You might also like the 30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids.

Location: End of Papua Road, Vaimaanga. To drive up the road to the waterfall, you may be asked for a donation (around NZ$2 for bikes and NZ$5 for cars/trucks).

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© David Kirkland - Cook Islands Tourism

4. Visit the Mairie Nui Gardens – CHEAP

Cross the quaint footbridges and into seven acres of botanical paradise at Mairie Nui Gardens. These gorgeous tropical gardens just outside of Muri provide a stunning place to explore between the lily ponds, intriguing plants and a backdrop of the dramatic mountain landscape. You can also stop by the Cafe & Grill with food flavoured with the garden’s homegrown herbs and spices. Entry to the gardens is by donation. Due to the romantic setting, we also list this attraction in the 16 Most Romantic Things to Do on Rarotonga for Couples.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Titikaveka.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. Sample Some Kayaking – FREE/CHEAP

With so much sheltered lagoon to explore and the abundance of kayaks to enjoy, 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 IslandsKiteSUP and Captain Tama Aquasportz. Kayak hire is typically around NZ$15 for an hour or NZ$30 for three hours.

Location: All over Rarotonga – See a comprehensive list of accommodations in Where to Stay on Rarotonga: The Best Rarotonga Accommodations or kayak rentals in the 5 Best Kayak Tours & Rentals in the Cook Islands.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

6. Learn About the History of the Cook Islands at the Te Ara Museum – CHEAP

One of the most impressive museums on Rarotonga, Te Ara Museum makes for a relaxing (and cheap) activity that will only take an hour or so out of your day. See grand exhibitions about the early Polynesian navigators who made it to Rarotonga and trace back their journey across the world, learn about European influence, as well as see displays on the present and future of the Cook Islands. You can stick around for light refreshments at the cafe and browse the 100% locally made gifts at the shop. Admission is approximately NZ$15 per adult and NZ$7.50 per child.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

7. Get Educated at the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre – CHEAP

A rainy day must-do or a great place to stop for an extended lunch thanks to the cafe and ice-cream parlour on-site, the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre is a must for nature lovers and families. The centre might be small but it’s packed with all sorts of interesting displays, from rehabilitated seabirds and coconut crabs to fascinating whaling and shipwreck artefacts. Browse the aquarium with its devilish stonefish and learn about how the Cook Islands were formed. Admission is approximately NZ$12 per adult and NZ$10 per child.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

8. Experience the Punanga Nui Market – FREE/CHEAP

The vibrant Punanga Nui Market is the place to be on a Saturday morning on Rarotonga. Try an array of tropical produce, smoothies and other treats at the food stalls, while pareu (sarongs), island shirts and black pearl jewellery (maybe a little out of the “cheap” price range, however) make for fun souvenirs. Don’t forget to check out the street food stalls at the sheds on the east side of the market! The market is free to go to but what you spend there is up to you.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), west end of Avarua. Only open on a Saturday.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

9. Visit the Historical Site and Explore the Rock Pools at Black Rock – FREE

A volcanic outcrop among the sand, Black Rock is not only a historical site but a great place to snorkel or reef walk. The rock is said to be where Rarotonga’s spirits would depart to the afterlife, which you can learn more about on the interpretation panel erected in front of the rock. At low tide, the rock pools are interesting to investigate, while it’s also a fun snorkelling spot at high tide.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

10. Scout Out the Island’s Ancient Maraes and the Historical Avana Harbour – FREE

Speaking of historical sites, there are plenty more intriguing points of interest scattered across Rarotonga. Let’s start with the Avana Vaka Migration Site where the ancestors of Aotearoa New Zealand departed on their vaka (canoe). The site has a memorial at the northern end of Muri. Additionally, ancient marae (Maori meeting areas) can be found along the inland roads, such as Pokata Marae and Arai-Te-Tonga Marae. Find all of these sites and more in the 10 Best Historical Sites in Rarotonga.

Location: See the link above for locations.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

11. Delight in the Cheap Eats of the Muri Night Market – CHEAP

Another market endeavour to try is the Muri Night Market on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 5pm. It’s the place for cheap eats when the island’s food trucks gather together for a whirlwind of tastes. You’ll be sorted for dinner and dessert at a fraction of the price that you’d pay in a restaurant. Learn more about the market in the 5 Best Markets in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

12. See the Matai Shipwreck – FREE

Either admire “The Boiler” poking out of the ocean from shore at Trader Jacks in Avarua or swim out to the 100+-year-old 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 500m (1,600ft) from shore.

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

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© Reef Sub

13. Check Out the Island’s Art Galleries – FREE

The Cooks Island Maori 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 Little Red Gallery, the Bergman Gallery, Two Mamas Gallery, The Art Box and more while exploring the island. See what makes each gallery worth visiting in the 5 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: See the link above for locations.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

14. Kick Back with Some Stargazing – FREE

When night falls and the sky is clear, the universe puts on the most mesmerising show made all the clearer thanks to Rarotonga’s limited light pollution. Head out on the beach or simply look up from your accommodation on a clear night and enjoy the display. If you can time your visit between late April and late May, Rarotonga captures amazing views of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. Discover more evening activities in the 10 Things to Do in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands at Night.

Location: All over Rarotonga. See The Best Spots for Stargazing in the Cook Islands for specific locations.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

15. Hit the Island’s Best Sunset and Sunrise Spots – FREE

If you’re not staying on Rarotonga’s sunset coast, Arorangi, at least make your way to its never-ending beach to soak up the sunset. Take a picnic from one of the affordable food trucks and make an evening of it. Check out the best spots around Rarotonga in the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands. Alternatively, head over to Muri Beach to watch the sunrise, as described in the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise.

Location: Sunset – Arorangi, west coast of Rarotonga. Sunrise – Mrui Beach, east coast of Rarotonga.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

16. Look Out for Whales – FREE

Between July and October, the flukes of humpback whales can be seen diving into the deep beyond the reef. While it’s possible to spot whales from any shore of the island, some of the best places include the resorts and accommodations lining the beach in Arorangi. See where else to do some whale spotting in the 10 Best Places for Whale Watching in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: See the link above for locations.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

17. Relax, Stroke a Dog, or Watch the Hermit Crabs on the Beach – FREE

Oh yeah, there’s a whole lot of beach on Rarotonga; almost the entire island is just one long beach. Spending the day on the sand is a fun free thing to do on Rarotonga where you can relax, do some beachcombing, look out for hermit crabs and say hello to Rarotonga’s abundance of “wandering dogs”.

Location: All over Rarotonga! Check out the 10 Best Beaches in Rarotonga.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

18. Enjoy the Singing of a Sunday Church Service – FREE

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 10am service. The Avarua CICC Church is highly recommended for a traditional experience or enjoy something more contemporary and upbeat at the Celebration Church in Avarua. For more recommendations, check out the 10 Best Churches in the Cook Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: See the link above for locations.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

19. Cycle Around the Island – FREE/CHEAP

This activity is either free or cheap depending on if you happen to stay at an accommodation with cycle hire included (Muri Beachcomber, Te Etu Villa and Ikurangi Eco Retreat are just a few). If not, bicycles are available to hire at most vehicle rentals on the island, costing between NZ$15-$30 a day. Inland roads are quiet and scenic, making for a pleasant ride – just check out recommended routes in the 5 Best Bike Trails in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands, as well as where to hire bikes in Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes.

Location: See the locations of stays with bikes in the 10 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Bike Hire.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© David Kirkland - CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

20. Do a Tiki Tour Around the Island by Car or Scooter – CHEAP

Similar to the point above but allowing you to explore further, hiring a scooter or a car is a good way to spend the day hitting the points we’ve covered in this list of free and cheap things to do on Rarotonga. Car and scooter hire will only cost you around NZ$20-$60 per day (but remember that there is a fee for the scooter license). Whatever mode of transport you prefer, there’s much joy to be had exploring the scenic roads of Rarotonga from the palm-fringed inland roads to the beaches along the coastal 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 and Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More.

20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga 🤿 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

More Free and Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga

That’s it for our complete list of free things to do on Rarotonga and cheap things to do on Rarotonga. If you’re exploring more of the Cook Islands or need more inspiration for Raro, check out these other lists:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed when it comes to saving money on Raro, we probably mention it in The Complete Backpacking Guide to the Cook Islands on a Budget.

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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