Rarotonga Luxury Itinerary: 5 Days

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How to Get Around the Cook Islands in 5 Days

This Rarotonga luxury itinerary for 5 days includes travel on the island’s main road, Ara Tapu. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get around Rarotonga in 5 days.

Road Transport on Rarotonga

The first road transport you’ll encounter on Rarotonga is your airport transfer, which you can either book in advance with one of the airport shuttle/private transfer companies or simply hop in one of the airport taxis, as outlined in the 10 Best Airport Transfers.

For subsequent travel around Rarotonga, car hire offers the most flexibility and convenience, which you can learn more about in What You Need to Hire a Car in the Cook Islands. You’ll find, however, that some days on this luxury itinerary feature tours that have transport included.

For everything in between, taxi services are available 24 hours. Find out more in our guide to Taxis in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

For all of your transport options across the island, not limited to the most “luxurious”, check out the Rarotonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Rarotonga.

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Day 1 – Arrival on Rarotonga

Welcome to Rarotonga and the start of your 5-day escape to paradise! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals hall to the Cook Islands’ traditional greeting with a floral ‘ei (neck garland) and, likely, a glass of bubbles for the journey if choosing a private airport transfer with Raro Tours.

Since it’s your first day in the Cook Islands, take it easy and get settled at your chosen luxury accommodation. After check-in, relax by your private pool, have a paddle with the kayaks provided at your resort and transition to “Raro time”. We’ll go over a few things you can do on Rarotonga tomorrow.

Rarotonga Luxury Accommodations

• Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
• Nautilus Resort
• Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
• Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas
• Te Vakaroa Villas
• Little Polynesian
• Crown Beach Resort & Spa
• Pacific Resort Rarotonga
• Rainbow Villas

Get details on all of our recommended stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

Resorts such as Nautilus Resort, Little Polynesian, Crown Beach Resort & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga have their own reputable restaurant, so we recommend dining at one of these if that’s where you’re staying (or get a complimentary shuttle to the Pacific Resort, if staying at Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa).

Otherwise, why not get your Cook Islands getaway off to an indulgent start with a gourmet platter delivered right to your villa’s deck with Island Platters? Find out more about the latter option in the 8 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga.

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Day 2 – Private Tour of Rarotonga

For your first full day on Rarotonga, get acquainted with the island through one of the fabulous guided tours exclusively catered to you and your nearest and dearest.

Raro Tours offers a private scenic island tour with a drive down the ancient Ara Metua inland road, visiting historical maraes, the Mairie Nui Tropical Gardens, a shell-carving studio, a spa product producer and many more hidden gems that many tourists miss.

Alternatively, Cook Islands Tours offers private orientation tours of the island, taking you to interesting sights and pointing out all sorts of recommendations that you can benefit from throughout your trip.

Discover more about guided tours across Raro in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Dining Recommendations

Treat yourself to a bit of fine dining this evening with a memorable meal at Antipodes. Perched on the hillside of Black Rock, the Mediterranean-inspired villa with three levels of dining area basks in wonderful views and sunsets.

Needless to say, you’ll need to make a booking a few nights ahead for this hotspot! Get more recommendations on where to eat from the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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Day 3 – Adventure in Raro

Make “Day 3” the day you do the experience you’ve been dreaming about: perhaps swimming with sea turtles or hiking across the island to breathtaking scenery? You have several premium tours available at your fingertips…

Option 1: Private Turtle Swimming Tour

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

Alternatively, Sea Pace Rarotonga‘s small-group tours ensure personalised attention, with just four swimmers per guide. The “Turtle & Ray Tour” offers excellent value, lasting 1.5 hours and including guided snorkelling, all gear, and a guaranteed turtle encounter.

For a more luxurious experience, try their premium tour with private guiding, photos, and local refreshments. Compare it with other tours in the 5 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga.

Option 2: Guided Hike of the Cross Island Trek

Rarotonga’s most iconic hiking trail, the Cross Island Trek takes you through tropical jungle and to volcanic peaks with unmatched scenery. Combine with experience with the guided eco-tour of Maunga Tours, including lunch and a guide with a wealth of knowledge.

Learn more about the tour in the 10 Best Guided Walks in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Dining Recommendations

You will have surely worked up an appetite today, so treat yourself to a three-course (or five-course, depending on the day) fine dining medley at On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant & Sunset Bar. Every course has its own individual chef headed by veteran cuisiner, Phillip Nordt, who’s famous on the island for his TV cooking show and other foodie ventures.

See how the restaurant compares to The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

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Day 4 – Relax in Raro

Take some time today to unwind. No doubt, that’s partly what you flew to Rarotonga to do anyway…

Of course, the most relaxing experience you can have on Rarotonga is indulging in a spa day. Raro has a number of fabulous spas, from the “Vichy Shower” specialists at the Waterfall Spa of Rumours Luxury Villas.

Nestled in a tranquil water garden, Te Manava Spa offers a serene retreat for relaxation. Internationally trained therapists deliver expert massages and beauty treatments, focusing on luxury and professional service. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Can’t secure a spot? The Pacific Lounge at Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a great alternative, offering manicures, pedicures, and rejuvenating massages near the main reception area. Be sure to compare all of your options in the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Otherwise, the luxury villas and resorts of Rarotonga offer plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate in paradise, between paddling on the lagoon via SUP or kayak and cooling off in your own private pool.

Dining Recommendations

Tamarind House Restaurant offers an elegant yet relaxed oceanfront dining experience in a charming colonial house. The menu showcases local ingredients with playfully decorated plates. Highlights include “housemade focaccia”, “smoked marlin croquettes”, and the island specialty “Ika Mata”.

Mains feature pan-seared ocean catch and island-style chicken curry. An extensive drinks list includes New Zealand wines and classic cocktails. It’s a prime spot for watching sunsets.

Learn more about each eatery in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga.

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Day 5 – Souvenir Shopping + Departure

Enjoy your final lazy breakfast by the beach before checking out of your accommodation. Take a taxi/drive to Avarua where you can have a browse at the black pearls, rito fans, local art and more. Better yet, if it’s a Saturday, experience the unmissable Punanga Nui Market.

See The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for more details. Then, get dropped off/drop your vehicle off at Rarotonga International Airport and begin the check-in process for your departure flight.

Remember to arrive at Rarotonga Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure so that you have enough time to check in, go through security and browse the duty-free.

Rarotonga International Airport’s duty-free stores are worth the time for a peruse, with local floral or shell ‘eis (necklaces), wooden carvings, perfumes, ukuleles, coffee beans and more. Check out the 15 Best Souvenirs from Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for shopping inspiration.

And it’s Aere rā from the Cook Islands!