Rarotonga Luxury Itinerary: 3 Days

This Rarotonga luxury itinerary for 3 days includes travel on the island's main road, Ara Tapu. Here's a quick rundown on how to get around Rarotonga in 3 days/a long weekend.

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 private 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 most 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.

Welcome to Rarotonga and the start of your 3-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), as well as a glass of bubbles for the journey if choosing the 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 10 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga.

Make your only full day on Rarotonga the day you do the adventure you've been dreaming about. Or, if you're not so much into exerting yourself, opt for a spa treatment instead... We have four premium options for you.

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 hr 30 mins 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 or Arore Mountain

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

Alternatively, choose a shorter morning hike of breathtaking sunrise hues with Arore Mountain Adventures. The 1 hr 30 mins return hike takes you up the back hills of Muri for views of the lagoon and its motu in a way a rare few visitors get to see.

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

Option 3: Relax with a Spa Treatment

If none of the above appeals, then why not indulge yourself in a spa day instead? Raro has a number of fabulous spas, from the "Vichy Shower" specialists at the Waterfall Spa of Rumours Luxury Villas.

Indulge in a tranquil spa experience at Te Manava Spa, nestled in a peaceful water garden setting. Internationally trained therapists deliver luxurious massages and beauty treatments with a focus on professional service. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Can't secure a spot? Try the Pacific Lounge at Pacific Resort Rarotonga, offering a range of treatments from express manicures to rejuvenating body massages. Be sure to compare all of your options in the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Dining Recommendations

Treat yourself to a culinary adventure at On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant & Sunset Bar, located at Manuia Beach Resort in Arorangi. This casual yet polished beachside eatery, headed by veteran cuisiner Phillip Nordt, offers a three-course fine dining experience. With a menu that champions local, organic produce and fresh cocktails, OTB serves up delights from breakfast through to dinner.

Be sure to attend their BBQ event every Sunday, complete with live music and the island's largest fire show! See how the restaurant compares to The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

Leaving so soon?! For your final morning on Rarotonga, enjoy breakfast at your resort, then you may have time to enjoy a morning island tour before your departure flight.

Sightseeing Tours of Rarotonga

Raro Tours offers a private scenic island tour for you and your nearest and dearest with a drive down the ancient Ara Metua inland road, visiting historical maraes, the Maire Nui Gardens & Café, a shell-carving studio a spa product producer and many more hidden gems that many tourists miss.

Alternatively, Cook Islands Tours offers private orientation/sightseeing tours of the island, taking you to interesting sights, sharing the local history, indulging in refreshments and much more.

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

Departure

Get your tour guide to drop you off at Rarotonga International Airport. Remember to arrive at the 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!