Rarotonga Food Itinerary: 3 Days

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

How to Get Around Rarotonga in 3 Days

This 3-day Rarotonga food itinerary includes travel on the island’s roads, particularly its main road, Ara Tapu. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get around Rarotonga in just 3 days.

Road Transport in Rarotonga

The first road transport you’ll encounter on Rarotonga is your airport transfer. This must be booked in advance with your resort or one of the airport shuttle companies, as outlined in the article, 10 Best Airport Transfers.

For travelling around, car and scooter hire offer the most convenience. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in the Cook Islands, and for scooters, check out the 10 Tips for Riding a Scooter in the Cook Islands. Alternatively, you also have the option of taking the bus, which is compatible with this itinerary.

Discover more about the bus in our comprehensive guide, The Bus in Rarotonga: Bus Fares, Timetable & More.

Compare all of your transport options in the Rarotonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Rarotonga.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 1 – Arrive on Rarotonga + Progressive Dinner

Welcome to Rarotonga! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals hall to a shower of “Kia Oranas” and a floral ‘eis (neck garlands). It’s the customary Cook Islands greeting that most of the airport transfers supply with enthusiasm!

If you want to get your trip off to a truly “foodie” start, choose Raro Tours‘ private transfers, which include sparkling wine and/or juice for the journey to your accommodation.

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

For your first foodie fix, consider dining at your accommodation or joining the “Progressive Dinner Tour” (see below).

Rarotonga Resorts with Amazing Restaurants

• Little Polynesian Resort
• Pacific Resort Rarotonga
• Castaway Resort
  
• Manuia Beach Resort
• Crown Beach Resort & Spa
• Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach
• The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
• Sunset Resort

Find out more about each resort and more in the 10 Best Resorts for Foodies in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and the 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations/Progressive Dinner Tour

For your first night, make things easy for yourself by eating at the restaurant of your chosen accommodation. All of the resorts recommended above have very reputable restaurants that many people travel across the island for!

Otherwise, jump on the “Progressive Dinner Tour” with Cook Islands Tours. You’ll be transported to three different local homes for entrees, mains, and dessert. It’s a truly local and uplifting experience for the palate and the soul.

Find out more about the tour in The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 2 – Explore Avarua or Embark on a Foodie Hike

It’s time to explore Rarotonga! The capital, Avarua, is a good place to start when seeking foodie experiences. Alternatively, walk off some of last night’s dinner with a hike on Rarotonga, also featuring food!

Both of your options are outlined below.

Option 1: Things to Do in Avarua

Don’t miss the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings from 7 am to 12 pm! This vibrant event is a must-visit during your trip to Avarua.

Browse local crafts, fresh produce, and delicious treats. It’s also a great place to make tour bookings for your Cook Islands adventure.

Further in town, explore some of the town’s historical buildings and sit down for a coffee or cocktails at one of its delightful cafes – The Lucky Rooster and The Café are two of our favourites. If you’re vegan/vegetarian, the contemporary cuisine of Kai & Co. is a highlight! Plus, pick up some naughty treats complete with tastings at Cook’s Fudge Factory.

For more things to do in town, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Avarua.

Option 2: Food-Oriented Island Hikes

Join Ariimoana for one of the family’s island walks where you’ll discover edible plants and fruit found along an inland hiking trail with incredible views! Alternatively, Tumutoa Tours offers a similar experience with an option to do an easy walk through tropical gardens and plantations.

Find out more about these experiences, again, in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Rarotonga and 10 Best Guided Walks in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Dining Recommendations – Muri Night Market

Don’t miss the vibrant Muri Night Market, a whirlwind of flavours and local delights. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings from 5 pm in Muri Beach Village. Remember, stalls are cash only, so come prepared for a delicious culinary adventure!

Alternatively, enjoy three-course fine dining at OTB of the Manuia Beach Resort or try the “Pacific Sizzler” at Sandals Restaurant & Barefoot Bar of the Pacific Resort. Sample superb South Pacific cuisine at Anchorage Restaurant & Bar, or Mediterranean fine dining at Antipodes.

Discover the Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Top Restaurants for more information on each.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Day 3 – Last Day on Rarotonga

Do anything you might have missed if you have time before your flight. Then, it’s time to say goodbye to the azure lagoon waters, silky sands and island flavours of Rarotonga as you depart for your next destination. We told you 3 days wasn’t enough!

Remember to arrive at Rarotonga International Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure, so you have enough time to check in, go through security, and browse the duty-free shops. Airport transfers are a little cheaper for your departure flight, so check them out in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga.

If you want something to remember the Cook Islands by, have a browse of the Rarotonga International Airport’s duty-free stores with black pearls, rito earrings and fans, local perfumes, coconut oil and more. Check out the 10 Best Souvenirs from Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for more ideas.

And it’s Ka Kite from the Cook Islands!