20 Things to Do in the Cook Islands on a Rainy Day 🌧️ 2025

Last Updated: 8 June, 2025

What is There to Do in the Cook Islands in the Rain?

The Cook Islands is a tropical country. Therefore, rain may well be a part of your experience. Whether it’s just a passing shower or you’ve got one of those rarer drizzly days, this list of things to do in the Cook Islands on a rainy day will make sure the holiday fun never stops!

When Does it Rain in the Cook Islands?

Rain can happen at any time of the year in the Cook Islands, but the rainy season is between December and March. Learn more about the climate in our guide to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate + Weather by Month.

1. Stay Indoors at the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre

The Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre is a rainy-day must-do for nature lovers and families. This compact centre is packed with fascinating displays, from rehabilitated seabirds and coconut crabs to intriguing whaling and shipwreck artefacts.

Browse the aquarium with its devilish stonefish and learn about the formation of the Cook Islands. After exploring, treat yourself to a sweet treat at the new Lickity Splitz Ice Cream Parlour.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am to 4 pm. See more experiences like this in the 40 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands with Kids.

Location: West Side of Rarotonga. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

20 Things to Do in the Cook Islands on a Rainy Day ????️ [2023]

2. Learn Something New at the Te Ara Museum

Discover the fascinating history of the Cook Islands at the Te Ara Museum, an affordable all-weather activity perfect for those rainy days. Immerse yourself in grand exhibitions tracing the journey of early Polynesian navigators to Rarotonga, explore European influences, and gain insights into the islands’ present and future.

For an even more enriching experience, join a guided culture tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., led by a fabulous local guide who will bring the exhibits to life. After your cultural journey, relax with light refreshments at the café and browse our selection of 100% locally made gifts in the shop.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am (10 am on weekends) until 4 pm. With free WiFi available, you can easily share your newfound knowledge with friends and family back home!

If you want to skip to more museums, check out the 5 Best Museums in the Cook Islands.

Location: East side of Rarotonga. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

3. Unwind with a Spa Treatment

You’ll forget all about the rain while you’re immersing in a therapeutic massage or another island spa treatment. A selection of resorts on Rarotonga and Aitutaki specialise in spa treatments, from the “Vichy Showers” of the Waterfall Spa at Rumours Luxury Villas to the traditional practices of Spa Polynesia at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island and The Rarotongan.

There are far too many spas to list here, so take a look at the 10 Best Places to Get a Massage in the Cook Islands to find your perfect place to unwind.

Location: See spa locations in the link above.

20 Things to Do in the Cook Islands on a Rainy Day 🌧️ [2025]

4. Get Muddy on the Raro Buggy or Quad Tour

Wetter is better on off-roading tours with Raro Buggy Tours and Raro Quad Tours. Let loose in a self-driven off-roading vehicle, get muddy and explore the inland tracks of Rarotonga. The 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hours buggy tour, or 2 hrs 30 mins to 3 hours quad tour, starts with a slow-paced yet interesting history tour as you get acquainted with the vehicle.

Then you’ll head inland to plantations and dirt tracks, including a stop at the Papua Waterfall (Wigmore’s Waterfall). Find out more about the excursion in the 5 Best Off-Road Tours in the Cook Islands.

Location: South side of Rarotonga. Departures are from Wigmore’s Superstore, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Vaimaanga.

5. Go Shopping!

Many are surprised to find that the Cook Islands offers a wealth of shopping opportunities! That’s mainly because Cook Islanders specialise in many unique crafts, with a highlight being black pearls, which are only farmed in two countries in the South Pacific.

Woven rito fans, earrings and locally-crafted perfumes are also highlights on the shopping list. So pick out some stores from The Guide to Shopping in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and use a rainy day in the Cook Islands to visit them all!

Location: See shop recommendations and locations in the link above.

6. Hide in a Cave

A little-known thing to do in the Cook Islands, the islands of Atiu, Mangaia, Mitiaro and Mauke all have caves that will make you forget all about the rain. Find swimming pools at the base of semi-open caves on Mitiaro and Mauke, or go on a guided hike through the caves on Mangaia.

Of course, don’t go exploring too deep into any caves on your own, as you don’t know how the rain will affect the water level. However, the cave pools we list in the 10 Best Caves in the Cook Islands are all relatively shallow, so you should be okay there.

Location: Atiu, Mangaia, Mitiaro and Mauke. See the link above for cave locations.

7. Tour a Small-Scale Coffee Factory on Atiu

For coffee lovers visiting Atiu, don’t miss the unique experience offered by Atiu Island Coffee. Join Mata Arai for a hands-on tour that showcases traditional Atiuan coffee-making methods.

You’ll learn about coffee cultivation, roasting, and preparation, with a highlight being Mata’s demonstration of roasting and pasting coffee in coconut cream—a technique passed down from her grandmother.

The reasonably priced tour concludes with a delightful tasting of freshly roasted coffee served with coconut cream and pikelets. (Keep in mind that the coffee-picking season typically runs from February to May, so tour availability might be limited during this time).

Discover more experiences on Atiu in the 20 Best Things to Do on Atiu.

Location: Atiu. Mapumai, north of the Air Rarotonga office and south of Akai Bakery.

8. Tour and Taste Beer at the Rarotonga Brewery

Brewed on Rarotonga, Cook Islands Lager is the signature brew of the Rarotonga Brewery. Located across the road from the Edgewater Resort, the brewery is open Monday to Saturday for free beer tastings and from Monday to Friday for brewery tours.

Enjoy a casual affair (all indoors) with a local brewer showcasing how they craft their signature brews, as well as the ones they’re currently working on. See more activities like this in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Cook Islands.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, west coast of Rarotonga.

9. Marvel at the Papua Waterfall

If there’s one time to visit the Papua Waterfall, also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall, it’s when it’s raining! The falls are at their best under heavy rain when the river level is high. Find the waterfall among the forest in a clearing with picnic tables just in case, you know, the weather clears up and you want to stick around for even longer.

While swimming is usually popular in the bottom pool, it’s not recommended to swim if the water level is too high. Plus, avoid climbing the sides where rocks are known to fall. What you can do, however, is take some insect repellent with you. See more natural attractions like this in The Top 10 Natural Wonders in the Cook Islands.

Location: End of Papua Road, Vaimaanga. Note that the dirt road all the way to the waterfall is in bad condition – suitable for 4WD or SUVs only. If you’re unsure, park at the SPCA car park and walk from there (6 mins walk). You may be asked for an entry fee (around NZ$2 for scooters and NZ$5 for cars/trucks).

10. Pray the Rain Away at Sunday Church

Obviously, this is a rainy day activity in the Cook Islands that you can only enjoy on a Sunday. Nevertheless, if this applies to you, the powerful harmonies echoing across the churches on a Sunday are an experience not to be missed!

Don your most church-appropriate attire (cover knees and shoulders) and head to one of the churches across the Cook Islands! For recommendations, check out the 10 Best Churches in the Cook Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: See the link above for locations.

11. Visit the Cook Islands National Museum

Another museum you can rely on for a break from the rain on Rarotonga, the Cook Islands National Museum holds an interesting display of historical and cultural artefacts and replicas. Browse carvings, seafaring vaka replicas and traditional tivaevae linen and learn more about their significance through the information text on the walls.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and has a small admission fee. There are more indoor attractions in the nation’s capital, Avarua, so check them out in the 10 Best Things to Do in Avarua.

Location: North end of Rarotonga. Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre, Corner of Constitution Avenue and Victoria Road, Avarua.

12. Check Out the Art Galleries or Do a Painting Workshop

The Cook Islands Māori culture and marine environment are the main inspiration for art across the Cook Islands. This makes for some breathtaking pieces to admire at the galleries of Rarotonga’s talented artists. Pop into the Bergman Gallery, Two Mamas Gallery, Ani’s Art Gallery and more while exploring the island.

The Coco Brush Paint & Wine Experience offers a delightful two-hour painting session that’s perfect for unleashing your creativity, rain or shine. Expert instructors provide guidance and all the materials you need, so you can focus on enjoying the artistic process. Just bring your creative spirit and get ready to paint!

See what makes each gallery worth visiting in the 5 Best Art Galleries in the Cook Islands.

Location: For the Painting Workshop, meet outside Charlie’s Cafe, Titikaveka, southeast coast of Rarotonga. See the link above for more art galleries and their locations.

13. Visit the Cook Islands Library & Museum

Yes, this is a different museum in Avarua, but it’s not too far away from the one previously mentioned. Set on park grounds surrounded by some of Avarua’s oldest buildings, the Cook Islands Library & Museum displays interesting ceremonial artefacts, cooking utensils, shells and weapons.

Outside are the museum’s maritime displays, such as a vaka and an anchor. Their library also holds a collection of rare books. The museum is open from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday.

Location: Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).

14. Hop on a Lagoon Cruise in Aitutaki

We know you’re probably looking at this list of things to do in the Cook Islands on a rainy day because you don’t want to do a lagoon cruise in the rain, but don’t give up on the idea just yet! Most lagoon cruises are on vessels that are weather-proofed with a roof and tarps that roll down the sides.

Knowing the weather patterns, especially on the Aitutaki Lagoon, the sun will come out at some point throughout the day. The best cruises to choose for a rainy day include The Vaka Cruise and Bishop’s Cruises, as they have the largest and most comfortable weather-proofed boats, but you can compare all of your options using the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.

Location: Aitutaki. Lagoon cruises include accommodation transfers.

15. Do Some Rainy Day Snorkelling

No one is above a rainy day snorkel! Since you’re going to get wet anyway, why not head out with your snorkelling gear and meet the fish?

Free snorkelling sites include the “Fruits of Rarotonga” site at the Tikioki Marine Reserve and the Aroa Marine Reserve at Aroa Beach on Rarotonga, while “Base One” at the end of the old runway on Aitutaki is also a great little snorkelling spot.

Note that if you’re rainy day is accompanied by stormy seas, needless to say, it’s probably not a good idea to snorkel.

Check out all of the snorkelling spots in the Top 10 Places to Snorkel or join one of the guided tours listed in the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in the Cook Islands.

Location: See the links above for locations.

16. Check Out the Giant Clams at the Marine Research Centre

Although only partially undercover, the rain shouldn’t ruin your visit to the Marine Research Centre in Aitutaki. See a giant clam nursery under the sail shades and learn about the conservation work done here from the site manager, Richard (usually available from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday).

Entry is by donation; drop some cash into the donation urn.

Location: Aitutaki. Follow the road to the northern tip of Aitutaki, around the left-hand side of the old airstrip and toward the golf course. The Marine Research Centre is signposted on the left-hand side before reaching the golf course.

17. Drink Your Sorrows Away at an Atiu Tumunu

A true cultural experience that unofficially welcomes you into the Atiu club, tumunu are rustic beer huts located on the outskirts of Atiu’s villages, usually on the edge of a forest or plantation. You’ll be sat on a tree stump under a shelter and passed around home-brewed orange beer (or “bush beer”).

Some sessions are even accompanied by music played by a local string band. Either visit a tumunu independently (locations and opening hours are listed in The Food Guide to Atiu: Places to Eat & Food Tours) or join Atiu Safari & Fishing Tours, Atiu Villas, Anatakitaki Cave Tours, or Kia Orana Bungalows for a fully guided experience with transfers and history storytelling included. Oh, and be warned, the tumunu bush beer is strong stuff!

Location: All over Atiu! Ask your accommodation or tour guides about the nearby tumunu or transfers are included on guided tours. Tumunu locations are also listed in the link above.

18. Get an Island-Style Shirt Made at Tuki’s Pareu

The big blue store of Tuki’s Pareu in Avarua is a good go-to for island-style attire. A rainy day, however, is the perfect time to get that island shirt made finally! That’s right, Tuki’s offers tailoring services where their experienced designers and seamstresses can whip up a perfectly fitted flamboyant shirt that will make you look the part for all of your South Pacific holidays.

They are open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, and until 12 pm on Saturday.

Location: North end of Rarotonga. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua, the blue buildings at the eastern end just past Trader Jacks.

19. Treat the Tastebuds to an Extended Brunch, Lunch or Dinner

While a pretty obvious thing to do on a rainy day, it can’t be denied that huddling under the shelter of a cafe or restaurant while gorging on island cuisine isn’t a bad way to spend an unfavourable weather day. Whatever your vibe and whatever your budget, Rarotonga and Aitutaki have the cafes and restaurants to suit.

The list is too extensive to go through here, but you can check out recommendations in The Food Guide to the Cook Islands.

Location: Rarotonga and Aitutaki. See the link above for locations.

20. Rent a DVD (Yes, Really!)

That’s right, DVD rental stores are still a thing in the Cook Islands and a rainy-day saviour! Look out for the DVD rental shop sign on the main road between Amuri and Arutanga, Aitutaki, or on the main road in both Nikao and Vaimaanga on Rarotonga (open from 5-8 pm, Monday to Saturday). Oh, and you’ll want to make sure your accommodation has a DVD player first, which many of them do!

Check out which accommodations are listed at the end of the 15 Things to Do on Rarotonga on a Rainy Day and 10 Things to Do in Aitutaki on a Rainy Day.

Location: On Rarotonga, Nikao Cottages and Nikao Beach Video – Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao. DVD Shop – Main Road (Ara Tapu), Vaimaanga. On Aitutaki, look out for the DVD shop sign on the roadside between Amuri and Arutanga.

More Things to Do in the Cook Islands on a Rainy Day

That’s it for our list of things to do in the Cook Islands on a rainy day, including indoor and all-weather activities. If that didn’t quite inspire you, then you might have more luck with these lists:

Finally, prepare yourself for more wet-weather days with the aid of our guides, The Cook Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate and The Best Time to Visit the Cook Islands: A Month by Month Guide.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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