Rarotonga trip planner

The center of Rarotonga is a mass of peaks and ridges, closely thatched with dense jungle. Around the outer edge of the island, between verdant bush and pristine white beaches, you'll find a scattering of hotels and resorts; restaurants, bars, and cafes; paw paw patches and fields of taro, mango, and bananas. Explore the unspoiled scenery of the interior, or relax wholeheartedly into the laid-back Islander way of life. There are two bus routes--clockwise and counterclockwise around the island--and the buses stop on demand, allowing you to get around with ease (if at a sedate place). Encircled by a sheltering coral reef, the crystal clear waters surrounding the island are calm and perfect for fishing, swimming, diving, paddling, snorkeling, or simply splashing about. Rarotonga also serves as the gateway to the rest of the Cook Islands, with tiny traditional communities, ancient caves, uninhabited islets, and sandy atolls to discover. Explore the family-friendly attractions of Rarotonga and add them to your vacation plans using our Cook Islands tour builder.