Imagine getting off the plane in a tropical island paradise. The sun is shining. You’ve cleared customs and after a short ride in a minivan, checked in to your resort. You head to the beach and go for a short stroll, before borrowing some snorkel gear from reception and going for a swim in the ocean. It’s beautiful, the water is warm, and there’s lots of fish to see. You’re already thinking about heading up to the bar next to the pool for your first cocktail of the trip…and it’s only been 3 hours since you got off that plane!
This was our reality when we arrived in Rarotonga for our five-night holiday – and I’m not kidding! This beautiful gem in the Pacific is one of my favourite places to visit, and in this blog post I’m going to share with you my top five things to do while in Rarotonga.
I’ve been to Rarotonga four times now – my partner and I got engaged there last time we went, and we are planning on having our wedding there too. It really is a special place. So without further ado, here are my top five things to do in Rarotonga!
1. Ultimate Cook Islands Turtle Tour
The Charlotte Piho Photography Ultimate Cook Islands Turtle Tour is definitely number one on my list. It is an unbeatable experience, not to mention the amazing underwater photographs you get to go home with. We saw plenty of turtles, with one of them even swimming right up to our faces! I’ll never forget it.
As you can see below, the photos we got were incredible.
The tour is family run, with small group sizes and amazing guides. They know the spots the turtles like to hang out, as well as all of their names – you leave feeling like you’ve really gotten to know them!
I think it’s important to note that to see the turtles in Rarotonga, you need to book a tour. The area they are in can be dangerous to swim in on your own and without a guide with local knowledge.
2. Raro Buggy Tours
Prepare to get covered in mud. And I mean absolutely covered. If you don’t like mud – then I’m afraid this ones not for you! However if you don’t mind getting a little down and dirty, then the Raro Buggy Tour is a LOT of fun! You get to drive the buggies yourself, and there’s only one rule – drive it like you stole it. Here’s a selfie of the aftermath!
They have one and two person buggies, and this tour is suitable for small or large group sizes – I’ve done this tour with just my partner and I, and also in a large group where we booked out the whole tour while in Rarotonga for a friends wedding. I’ve had a blast both times!
Just remember to bring your full drivers licence, clothes you don’t mind throwing away after, and some suitable footwear.
3. Muri Lagoon Cruise
What better way to spend a day than cruising the crystal clear waters of Muri lagoon on a glass bottom boat.
There are two companies that offer this, Koka Lagoon Cruises and Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruises. Personally, I have only been on the Koka Lagoon cruise, however I believe they are very similar and I have heard good things about both.
This tour is more than just a lagoon cruise though – you have the option of getting off the boat and going snorkelling with the fish, including giant trevally, angel fish, butterfly fish, convict surgeon fish and trigger fish. If you’re lucky you might even get to see Roger the giant moray eel, and sometimes turtles even visit the lagoon too! My last trip to Rarotonga, we were lucky enough to see a turtle here.
Then it’s off to an island for an amazing island lunch and highly entertaining yet very informative show before returning home. The food is awesome and it’s a great day out, and they will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off once you’re done. I don’t seem to have any photos from the lagoon cruise (which is surprising seeing as I’ve done it three times!), so I was obviously too busy enjoying myself and having fun!
4. Cross Island Walk & The Needle
The cross island walk is exactly that – from one side of the island to the other, right over the top. Although I wouldn’t really call it a walk – more of a three hour long hike/climb/scramble!
Here’s a photo I took from the top. The needle is the rock to the right. The views up here are stunning!
When I did this walk, my friend and I decided to do it ourselves without a guide. However, due to the nature of the track, I fully recommend doing a guided hike with Pa’s Cross Island Hike. As well as being safer, I also think you’d learn a lot more about Rarotonga in the process.
One thing about Rarotonga – expect to find chickens everywhere, even in unexpected places. We even saw one up here at the needle!
5. Enjoy the Beach!
Last but not least, when in a pacific island paradise, you have make the most of the beach!
There are so many ways to enjoy your time at the beach in Rarotonga – swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, walking, drinking cocktails, watching the sun set, even whale watching if it’s the right season! In the winter, humpback whales migrate to Rarotonga as part of their yearly journey to mate and give birth. The season starts in July and ends in October and on one visit in October I was lucky enough to spot one from the beach.
Anyway, you get the idea! I love the beach because you can make it as active or relaxed as you want, either way it’s enjoyable and one of my favourite things about spending time in Rarotonga.
I’ll leave you with this beautiful reflective photo of the sunset to think about while you plan your trip….
Check out my resources page here for quick links to all of the activities I mentioned in this post!
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