Rarotonga

The main island of the Cook Islands, where a single 32 km ring road links lagoon beaches, the Needle hike and the Saturday market.

Rarotonga is the main island and capital of the Cook Islands, in the South Pacific about 3,000 km from Auckland, New Zealand. The island is volcanic in origin, with a circumference of only about 32 km, steep rainforest peaks in the center, and a ring of coral reef and clear lagoon all around. A single ring road links all the sights; the island bus runs in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions, and you can also rent a car (you need a local license or an international license), an electric bike or a bicycle.

Climate: May–Oct is the dry season, with temperatures of about 20–26°C and stable weather, and humpback whales can be seen Jul–Oct; Nov–Apr is hot, humid and rainy, with a risk of tropical cyclones.

Areas: Muri on the southeast coast is the hub for lodging and water activities, with lagoon islets, kayaking, glass-bottom boats, a night market and the two major cultural villages. Titikaveka on the south coast is good for snorkeling. On the west coast, Arorangi has the Aroa Marine Reserve, Black Rock and sunsets by the flat-topped mountain. On the north coast, the capital, Avarua, has the harbor, the Saturday Punanganui Market and the old church. In the center of the island, the cross-island hike passes the Needle.

Getting there: Air New Zealand and others fly direct from Auckland (about 4 hours), with connections from Sydney, Tahiti and elsewhere; to reach Aitutaki you need a separate domestic flight. Allow 5–7 days. Notes: New Zealand dollars and Cook Islands dollars are used; most shops close on Sundays, a good day to go to church and hear the hymns; there are rip currents at the reef passages in the lagoon, so do not swim beyond the reef.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries