The Complete Family Travel Guide 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. The main island of the Cook Islands is home to the country’s only international airport and receives regular flights from New Zealand and Australia, which are well connected to the rest of the world.

Find out about airlines travelling to Rarotonga in our guide, Which Airlines Fly to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?

Alternative ways to get to Rarotonga include day trips with cruise liners, as well as 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 (the best choice for families), 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.

What can families do together on Rarotonga? With a surrounding lagoon allowing for safe swimming and all sorts of wonderful marine life, needless to say, a lot of Rarotonga's attractions are out on the water. Whether your kids love to swim or not, Rarotonga also presents a good balance of inland adventures and cultural experiences.

We've detailed some of the highlights below, but be sure to check out the 30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids for much more inspiration.

The Best Water Experience: Muri Lagoon Cruises

A fun day out for the whole family, the cruises on the Muri Lagoon are varied enough to seize even the shortest attention spans. Choose from either Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes or Koka Lagoon Cruises, both offering ample snorkelling time, a larger-than-life crew and a show on the same uninhabited motu (literally, just down the beach from each other). Our advice?

Go with the one that gives you the best deal on the day or compare in the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

The Best Free Experience: Snorkelling

With plenty of safe swimming spots and hundreds of fish surrounding the coral bommies of Rarotonga, you’ll have trouble trying to get your kids (and yourselves) out of the water – trust us! Rarotonga has no lack of snorkelling spots to be enjoyed together, from the lively Aroa Marine Reserve to the famous “Fruits of Rarotonga” site.

Find out more about the snorkelling hotspots in The Best Snorkelling in Rarotonga: Top 10 Places to Snorkel or compare tours in the 6 Best Snorkelling Tours in Rarotonga.

The Best Cultural Experience: Umu Experience

Umu Experiences is a hands-on cultural dinner built around one of Rarotonga's most enduring traditions: the underground oven (umu).

Held on Monday and Wednesday evenings on the north coast of Rarotonga, the two-and-a-half-hour evening begins with a welcome at 6 pm, before guests rotate through five interactive stations covering everything from husking coconuts to layering the umu, all with live drumming in the background.

At 7 pm, a real umu that has been cooking throughout the day is unearthed, and the food is plated onto sharing platters brought directly to your table by warriors.

The evening closes with a 30-minute cultural show featuring Cook Islands dancing and energetic live drumming.

The Best Inland Experience: Cycling and Food Tours

Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours offers a fantastic range of ways to explore Rarotonga, from guided cycling tours and leisurely walks to a foodie truck adventure.

Their cycling tours begin with a briefing, letting guests choose their focus: food, history, art and culture, or a bit of everything. Pedal past charming villages, learn about the island's rich history along the ancient Ara Metua coral road, and enjoy tastings of local fruits en route. The "Discover" tour suits beginner cyclists, while the "Explore" tour is ideal for more experienced riders. Both finish with a delicious local lunch.

Prefer to go on foot? The "Afternoon Stroll" walking tour offers a relaxed way to take in the island's beauty and culture.

Foodies should also look out for the "Market Farm to Fork" truck tour, departing Punanganui Market on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am. It winds through back roads, stops at a local garden and finishes at the beach on the south side of the island, with tastings of local produce throughout.

The Best Creative Experience: Rarotonga Fabric Arts

If your kids (or you!) love getting crafty, then Rarotonga Fabric Arts is a must-do. This drop-in, self-paced workshop is open every day except Saturday (from 10 am to 3 pm, with last entry at 2 pm) and caters to all ages, making it a brilliant family-friendly outing.

Choose from t-shirts, tote bags, pillowcases or a pareau (sarong) to paint, then pick your spot at one of eight themed tables, each with its own distinct pattern. Staff show you how to roll on the water-based fabric paint using small or large rollers. Some people wrap up in 15 minutes; others happily linger for three to four hours. It's genuinely therapeutic.

No two creations are ever exactly the same, and if you'd rather skip the painting, pre-painted items are available to purchase. Either way, you're taking home something completely unique to Rarotonga.

More Family-Friendly Activities on Rarotonga

The above is just a hint of the adventure you could have as a family on Rarotonga. Family-friendly hikes, semi-submersible boat tours, banana boat tours, 4WD buggy tours and more await, as listed in the 30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids. Additionally, check out the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga, should you have older kids who can do pretty much anything.

From resorts offering educational and fun kids’ clubs to holiday homes giving your family its own slice of tropical paradise, there are stays on Rarotonga to suit a range of tastes and budgets.

Note that many accommodations on Rarotonga don’t accept guests under 12 years old, so be sure to check this before booking.

Although we outline all your options in the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga, here are some of our top picks for families.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga – Family-Friendly Luxury on Muri Beach

Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a well-established, family-friendly resort nestled among manicured gardens on the stunning Muri Beach. This popular accommodation offers a range of options, from studio rooms to fully self-contained beachfront villas, catering to diverse family needs.

The resort’s “Standard Family Rooms” are in high demand, often booking up a year in advance. Families will love the complimentary Kids Club for children aged 6-12, which runs daily from 9:30 am to 3 pm, offering a full schedule of activities.

Additional family-friendly amenities include complimentary laundry, babysitting services for a fee, and portacots available for hire. You can also join the free 30-minute “garden tour” to discover culturally significant plants in the resort’s beautiful grounds.

Learn more about why Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a favourite for families visiting the Cook Islands and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

Edgewater Resort & Spa – Rarotonga’s Largest Resort for Family Fun

Welcome to Rarotonga’s largest resort! Nestled along the palm-fringed beach of Arorangi, the Edgewater Resort & Spa boasts a prime position for glorious sunsets and offers everything families need for a fun yet relaxing stay in paradise. While rooms are simplistic in design, they’re airy and spacious.

The real magic happens at the “Activities Hut”, where a lively community vibe thrives. From cooking demos to crab hunts, activities are central to the Edgewater experience.

The Coconut Kids’ Club ensures that both parents and children can enjoy their own slice of paradise. With its array of entertainment options, Edgewater creates unforgettable family memories against the backdrop of Rarotonga’s stunning scenery.

Discover why Edgewater Resort & Spa is a top choice for families seeking entertainment and beachfront relaxation, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

Although self-catering is a viable option on Rarotonga thanks to the array of accommodations with kitchen facilities, as well as the abundance of convenience stores, remember that this is your holiday too. Treat yourself to some of the family-friendly restaurants on Rarotonga and don’t miss one of its famed island nights!

Island Nights

With fierce dancing from the island’s warriors and energetic booty shaking from the island’s princesses, a cultural show on Rarotonga is a must-do for all ages. Also known as “island nights”, Raro’s cultural shows can be found in various resorts or at the historical site of Highland Paradise or the overwater venue of Te Vara Nui Village.

All come complete with a buffet of traditional “umu kai”, as well as plenty of options for fussy eaters. Te Vara Nui accepts both cash and credit card payments at the table.

Bar tabs can also be arranged with management approval by leaving a credit card at the bar. That said, we found it easiest to simply bring enough cash for drinks. Find the locations in the 10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Family-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

From food trucks to dine-in delights, Rarotonga offers a wide range of options for dining with kids. One of the top family-friendly options includes Charlie’s Cafe in Titikaveka, with its watersports equipment hire giving you plenty of reasons to stick around for the afternoon.

Castaway Beach Bar, located at the Castaway Resort in Arorangi, is a family-friendly beachside eatery offering a diverse island-style menu. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, salads, seafood, and pizzas, with vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Don't miss their free Saturday "Island Night"!

Mai'i Café & Bar is a laid-back, family-friendly spot in Rarotonga that blends casual dining with leisure amenities. Enjoy a diverse menu featuring island favourites like fish kebabs and raw fish with taro, alongside international dishes such as butter chicken (their signature dish) and shawarma. Live string band performances add to the relaxed vibe. Cool off in the on-site pool (with drink purchase) or challenge friends to a game of pool, table tennis, or darts.

Other honourable mentions include: Vaiana's Bar & Bistro, Beluga Cafe, Vili's Burger Joint and The Brasserie/Spaghetti House at the Edgewater Resort & Spa. Check out more recommendations in our 10 Best Cafes in Rarotonga and 10 Best Restaurants in Rarotonga.

Markets

The vibrant Punanga Nui Market is a treat for all the senses, offering a true local gathering experience. Open on Saturdays from 7 am to 12 pm, it's the perfect spot to start your weekend. Kids will love trying tropical fruits and smoothies at the food stalls, while pareu (sarongs) and island shirts make fun souvenirs. Don't miss the food sheds on the market's east side. You can even pet puppies next to the SPCA shop!

Muri Night Market is a vibrant culinary experience in Muri Beach Village. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 5 pm, it's where food trucks gather to offer a variety of delicious local dishes. You'll find an array of dinner and dessert options at reasonable prices. Remember, stalls are cash only. For more market experiences, check out the 5 Best Markets in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

See all of our dining recommendations and more in The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Let the kids have their holiday while you do one of the more grown-up adventure or relaxation activities on Rarotonga by taking them to a kids’ club or using one of the island's babysitting services.

Resort’s Kids’ Club

Available at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Edgewater Resort & Spa and The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, kids’ clubs involve fun cultural and marine activities.

Kids typically come back with their homemade floral ei, with facts about the all-powerful coconut and stories of crab racing, traditional dancing, basket weaving and more. See The Best Kids’ Clubs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for locations of all of Raro’s kids’ clubs.

Babysitting

Babysitting services are readily available on Rarotonga. If an accommodation or resort doesn't offer babysitting services, chances are they'll be able to outsource one of the island's many babysitters.

Therefore, it's always worth asking about babysitting services with your chosen accommodation. Otherwise, check out a quick list of some of the accommodations that have babysitting on the menu in The Best Kids’ Clubs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

That's it for our complete travel guide to Rarotonga for families, but is by no means the end of our Raro advice! Check out the following guides for anything we might have missed:

• 40 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands with Kids
• 10 Best Beaches on Rarotonga
• The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki for Families

Finally, if there’s any part of your family vacation that you haven’t planned, you’re likely to find the right advice in The Complete Travel Guide to the Cook Islands for Families and 30 Tips for Your Family Rarotonga & Cook Islands Vacation with Kids.