Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Bathe in paradise in Muri Lagoon

Watch the sun set and the moon rise on Muri lagoon.

Walk the cross island track

Take a side trip by sea-plane to Aitutaki

Quick Tips:

Although you are required by immigration to have booked accommodation before you arrive, you can get away with simply telling them where you are planning on staying. However, it is wise to book a place before arriving to avoid places being fully booked.

Best Way To Get Around:

There is only one main road on the island, which runs around the circumference. You can pick up the frequent 'clockwise' or 'anticlockwise' bus. Many people hire mopeds, which are the preferred local method of transport. This is fun, cheap, and allows some independence, however since they never give you helmets, it would be wise not to drive like the locals and keep within the 40kph speed limit. In the week I was there, two friends got very bad abrasions from falling and one was knocked unconscious. Always look out for pigs, chickens and dogs on the road when driving.

This must be, by far the best budget accommodation on the island. Located on the edge of Muri Beach in five or six bungalows, you can hear the sea from your bed and the white sand of Muri Beach is a 5-metre hop from your bungalow.

Dorms are up eight beds in a large room (no bunks) with a kitchen, although there are no locks on the doors, so you will have to trust other travellers.
The atmosphere is great -- by the end of the week, I was acquainted with almost everyone else staying at Vara's and we all happily drove our mopeds down the road together to island dancing nights and to the Cook Island National Fire Dancing Competition (July), as well as to the 'pub crawl' organised by Vara's.
A very reasonable NZ$18 per night for a dorm bed.

For a bit of a thrill if you are waiting for a plane, a popular activity is to walk out of the airport (after checking in) and continue along the road, until you reach the part of the road that is perpendicular to the end of the runway. Stand here on the road and wait for your plane (or another jumbo jet) to come in. The huge plane comes in so low, it literally almost clips the fence you are standing right next to. Anyone who manages to withstand the urge to duck gets a prize (or their head chopped off!).

Muri Beach, is a stretch of pure paradise-like sand and water on the side of Muri lagoon. The clear water of the lagoon is shallow enough to walk half way to the small offshore islands on the other side. By swimming the rest, you can relax on your own island (bar the odd couple getting married), taking in a beautiful view of Muri beach and the mountainous rainforest of Rarotonga behind it.

The lagoon is perfect for snorkeling since there are an abundance of colourful tropical fish. Sails Sailing Club offers windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing, although these watersports do not spoil the tranquility of the lagoon.
There are also a couple of upmarket beach-side restaurants, perfect for a romantic meal overlooking the lagoon.

Rarotonga is by far, the most visited of the Cook Islands since it is where all international flights arrive, and access to other islands is easiest by seaplane. Although this has not seemed to spoil the landscape, white beaches or crystal clear water of this small island (26 square kilometres), traditional Cook Island practices and way of life is not so easily observed here as on the more remote islands. The main town Avarua, consists only of one street containing a tax-free shop, several souvenir shops, cafes, a car rental shop and a police station. However, as the governmental centre for the Cook Islands, islanders from the outer seas come to Rarotonga for the annual carnival (July) and other competitions and events. The standard of living on Rarotonga is high (very different from Fiji); the islanders live in neat bungalows along the main road, although I would imagine on other Cook Islands, living standards are a lot less.

The island consists of mountainous rainforest in the middle (accessible via the Rarotongan crossing track), encircled by the only main road on the island and stunning white sandy beaches, popular with honeymooners, wealthy families, and backpackers on their way to New Zealand or LA.