The Adults-Only Travel Guide to Rarotonga

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How to Get to Rarotonga

Rarotonga lies in the Southern Group of the Cook Islands, 3,000 km (1,865 mi) from Auckland, 4,980 km (3,095 mi) from Sydney and 2,855 km (1,775 mi) from Hawaii.

Rarotonga is home to the Cook Islands’ only international airport and receives regular flights from New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti, which are well-connected to the rest of the world. Find out about airlines travelling to Rarotonga in Which Airlines Fly to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?

Alternative ways to get to Rarotonga include day trips with cruise liners and sailing via private yacht. Find out more about your arrival options in Getting Here: How to Get to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?

How to Get Around Rarotonga

Rarotonga is well-connected with a coastal road network; the main road (Ara Tapu) is 32 km (20 mi) long, taking approximately 45 minutes to drive around the entire island. Car rentals, scooter rentals and bicycle rentals are readily available – just note that you’ll need to apply for a scooter license if your current driving license doesn’t already cover motorcycles.

Alternatively, there is a frequent bus service travelling in both directions around Rarotonga, while taxis and airport transfers are also available.

Find out all you need to know about transport in our Rarotonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Rarotonga.

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Rarotonga Water Tours for Adults

Rarotonga’s surrounding lagoon, and even beyond the reef line, is a highlight of any visit to the island. Here’s how to enjoy without the disturbance of little ‘uns.

Scuba Diving

Most of Rarotonga’s water experiences happen within the confines of the surrounding lagoon, but those who venture further will discover an abundance of coral formations, caves and marine life where the plateau drops off into the deep blue.

Rarotonga has around 25 exciting dive sites around the lagoon, as well as additional sites within the lagoon, which can be experienced with Pacific Divers and Dive Rarotonga. Learn more about the operators in The Best Dive Shops & Operators in Rarotonga.

SUP Yoga and Pilates

KiteSUP offers a unique private SUP yoga experience on the serene waters of Muri Lagoon. Available Sunday through Friday, this activity combines stand-up paddleboarding with yoga for a truly zen experience. No prior experience is necessary – you’ll be taught how to paddle and guided through beginner-friendly yoga poses.

KiteSUP operates from two locations: a surf shop in Nikao (northwest coast of Rarotonga) and a watersports centre on Muri Beach in Ngatangiia (southeast coast). They also offer Pilates classes at “Pilates Cook Islands” above their shop. For more wellness experiences, check out The Guide to Retreats in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Yoga, Wellness & More.

Jet Skiing

TVK Watersports offers an exhilarating jet ski experience for adults (minimum age 16 with a restricted licence) on the stunning waters of Rarotonga. Their most popular activity, guided jet ski tours, come in two options: a one-hour tour covering half the island or a full island tour lasting 2 to 2.5 hours.

Led by Marama, a professional guide with a background in surf rescue, participants are encouraged to explore at their own pace for a more independent adventure. Tours are flexible and often include snorkelling and spearfishing opportunities. With a maximum of four jet skis per tour (including the guide), you’ll enjoy a more personalised experience.

Two people can share one jet ski for the same price, making it a great option for couples or friends.

Private Fishing Charters

Head out to the blue water outside of the Rarotonga lagoon for some deep-sea fishing! Shared fishing charters rarely have kids onboard, but private fishing charters are the way to guarantee a more “adults-only” experience.

Experience the thrill of reeling in pelagic fish species, like mahimahi, wahoo and yellowfin tuna, on one of the many charters departing from Avarua. Check out all of the departure points in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Rarotonga.

If they don’t appeal, how about swimming with turtles? Learn more in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Rarotonga or get inspired for more activities in the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga.

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Rarotonga Land Tours for Adults

We all get enticed by the allure of Rarotonga’s jagged mountains and lush jungles. Here are a few ways you can experience them with mostly an adult crowd.

Cross Island Trek

Most of the time, it’s just you and who you choose to hike with on this challenging yet rewarding hiking trail across Rarotonga. The Cross Island Trek is a 6 km (3.7 mi) trail marked with orange markers for those who want to experience the hike independently. Otherwise, guided hikes are available with Maunga Tours.

Aside from trekking through lush jungle forest, a highlight is Te Rua Manga, also known as The Needle. The trail ends at Papua Waterfall (Wigmore’s Waterfall) where you can have a refreshing dip assuming it has been raining enough for the water level.

Find out how to get to the Cross Island Trek and see more hikes in the 10 Best Walks in Rarotonga.

Quad Bike Tour

Exclusively for adventure-seekers over seven years old, but mostly those over 18 with a driving license, Raro Quad Tours is your opportunity to let loose on a quad bike, get muddy and explore the inland tracks of Rarotonga.

You’ll definitely be eased into the chaos, however, with the 2 hrs 30 mins to 3 hours tour starting with a slow-paced yet interesting history tour of the island before heading inland to plantations and dirt tracks, including a stop at the Papua Waterfall (Wigmore’s Waterfall).

Find out more about the excursion in The Best Off-Road Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Day Spas

It goes without saying, but your spa time on Rarotonga is as serene as it gets. A selection of resorts specialises in spa treatments, from the Vichy Showers of the Waterfall Spa at Rumours Luxury Villas which are unique on Rarotonga to the beachfront massages of the Muri Beach Club Spa.

Compare all of the spas available in the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Again, there’s more of that going on, including teeing off at Rarotonga’s golf course, in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Rarotonga.

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Nightlife and Adults-Only Dining on Rarotonga

Whether you want to enjoy quiet cocktails with your loved one or party into the early hours with mates, Rarotonga has you sorted.

Little Polynesian Restaurant & Bar

Set on Titikaveka Beach, the Little Polynesian Restaurant & Bar offers an intimate dining experience for adults seeking a taste of Polynesian nightlife. Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm, with an all-day menu from 11 am, this beachside venue serves up local favourites like ika mata and fresh bruschetta.

For dinner, indulge in specialties like wild turmeric seafood sizzler or slow-roasted chicken with rukau stuffing. Sip on craft cocktails while enjoying the infinity pool views or treat yourself to decadent desserts like Raro Tiramisu.

We recommend making reservations to secure your spot at this relaxed yet refined tropical gem.

Private Dining Experiences

A must for couples seeking absolute tranquillity, as well as effortless romance, there are a number of private dining experiences available on Rarotonga.

The adults-only Crown Beach Resort & Spa offers private dining under a gorgeous decorated gazebo on the beach. You can also ask about private dining at On The Beach (OTB), Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach, The Rarotongan Resort & Lagoonarium, Pacific Resort Rarotonga and more.

Nightclubs and Bars

One of the biggest Pacific party islands, Rarotonga has a fun selection of bars and nightclubs to let your hair down. Either hit the clubs in Avarua, such as Rehab, On the Rocks (OTR) and Luna, or hop on one of the “party buses” like the Raro Pub Crawl or Going Troppo Nightlife Tour to hit all of the hottest bars and clubs around the island.

Plan your night on the town using The Ultimate Guide to Rarotonga Nightlife and the 10 Best Bars in Rarotonga.