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The largest and most populated island of the Cooks — though not, by any standards, crowded — is Rarotonga. Volcanic, it rises 4,500 metres from the ocean floor, and although you can drive around it in just half an hour it takes a great deal longer to cross the mountainous interior.

Dense rainforests and sheer peaks drop to palm-fringed beaches and clear blue water, sheltered by an offshore coral reef.

Exploring the island

There are plenty of ways to explore the island: four-wheel-drive is the easiest. Cross-island treks, with trails passing the island’s most dramatic peak, Te Rua Manga, or ‘the Needle’ are also a firm favourite.

With no snakes, dangerous wild animals or poisonous insects, exploring on land is relaxing and rewarding.

Surrounding waters

RarotongaTo sea, dive boats and catamarans explore the Pacific in all its glory: an exciting world of giant pelagics and multicoloured shoals of reef fish on every side.

Local restaurants live from the wealth of the sea, with tuna, mahi mahi (dolphin fish) and parrot fish staple foods, and curried octopus a speciality.

Often these are followed by the island’s tantalising tropical fruits — pineapples, pawpaw (papaya) and bananas, which are also the prime elements of the refreshing island breakfast.

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Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ specialist Tom

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Rarotonga by contacting one of our Cook Islands specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Rarotonga

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Rarotonga, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Rarotonga

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Rarotonga

    Accommodation choices for Rarotonga

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Rarotonga. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Rarotonga

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Rarotonga, and which use the best local guides.

    • Day Trip to Aitutaki
      Aitutaki, The Cook Islands

      Day Trip to Aitutaki

      Day Trip to Aitutaki

      Enjoy a scenic flight over to Aitutaki where you will have a short tour of the island before joining your cruise, enjoying a selection of fresh tropical fruit whilst sailing out into the crystal clear lagoon.

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    • Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise
      Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga

      Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise

      Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise

      Enjoy a morning cruise in Muri Lagoon and snorkel and swim among tropical fish in this marine conservation site.

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    • Half Day 4WD Inland Tour
      Mountains of Rarotonga

      Half Day 4WD Inland Tour

      Half Day 4WD Inland Tour

      This jeep tour will take you off the beaten track, away from the circular road around Rarotonga and in among the island's valleys and up its mountain tracks.

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    • Half Day Island Discovery Tour
      Te Rua Manga (The Needle) on Rarotonga

      Half Day Island Discovery Tour

      Half Day Island Discovery Tour

      Travel by air-conditioned minivan around the whole of the 32 km circumference of Rarotonga, in the company of a local guide.

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    • Highland Paradise Cultural Tour
      Rarotonga Mountains

      Highland Paradise Cultural Tour

      Highland Paradise Cultural Tour

      The Highland Paradise Cultural Tour takes you high up into the rugged mountains of Rarotonga to an open-air museum, showcasing evidence of a historical lost village and the survival of the Polynesian people.

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    • Cross Island Trek
      Cross Island Trek with Pa, Rarotonga

      Cross Island Trek

      Cross Island Trek

      This fascinating walk will take you deep into Rarotonga's lush interior to learn about the local flora and fauna, and their uses in ancestral medicine.

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