13 Best Things To Do In Rarotonga For Families
There are so many great things to do in Rarotonga. It really is the best place to relax and unwind while also having a little adventure along the way.
Rarotonga is a popular travel destination for anyone looking at getting away and and enjoying ‘island time’. As a family, we love visiting this place and always recommend it to others.
In 2019 we even had a London reunion here with past flatmates, travelling from Australia and New Zealand, and spent 10 days here with their families… all under one roof.
Below are the best activities we have done during our visits here, our kids loved being part of these as well.
Best things to do in Rarotonga
Hang at Muri lagoon
Welcome to paradise is what everyone said! And Muri Lagoon is what paradise would look like on a postcard.
The lagoon is huge, surrounded by smaller islands and crystal clear water.
This was the perfect place for the kids to swim and the adults to relax. We spent most of our time snorkelling, there is plenty of fish to see and coral to explore.
The boys relaxing on Muri, I could get use to this every day
Why not rent a paddleboard and/or a kayak from SUP. The guys here are great and they are located towards the end of Muri Lagoon just behind Koka Lagoon Cruises.
Spending time together creating memories with friends and family
We hired one of each and everyone took the opportunity to paddle around the lagoon. Plus it’s a great way to get the little ones out on the water.
One thing you do need to watch is the placement of your towels and belongings on the beach. When the tide is coming in now and then there is a small surge of water and if you are not careful… everything will be wet.
Sadly we learnt this a couple of times.
Everyone playing beach cricket on Muri Lagoon
There are plenty of hotels along the waterfront and many have restaurants and bars located along the sand. Here you can pick a snack or two however these can be pricey.
We opted to walk out to the main road where there are a few stores Vili’s burger joint, LBV Cafe and Delicious Cafe. These are some of the best restuarants and cafes in Rarotonga.
Sunset on Muri
At the end of the day, we would head to the Sails and Isobar for drinks on the deck, it overlooks Muri lagoon. They do a great happy hour on cocktails and beers.
Muri lagoon is also a great place to watch the sunrise too, the perfect start to your day… if you can get up early.
Stunning Muri Lagoon, looking across to Kokomiri island.
Koka Lagoon Cruise (glass bottom boat)
Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Koka Lagoon Cruises is a 4-hour experience and worth every penny.
Our day started at 10 am when we were welcomed on board, met the crew, and sailed off to a marine reserve. The crew makes the trip, they are entertaining and energetic non-stop.
Koka Lagoon cruise boats
Along our way to the reserve we learnt about the surrounding islands, what the plan for the day looked like, and the crew as well as those manning the boat.
There was also the string band who sang and played and entertained.
Everyone getting ready for the start of the Koka Lagoon Cruise
On arriving at the reserve we learnt about the fish, coral rejuvenation, the lagoon itself, and the dos and don’ts when in the water. We spent around 40 minutes snorkelling.
No fins were allowed on less you couldn’t swim. This is to protect the reef. However then are steel platforms in the water to rest on.
A chance to snorkel around with all the sea-life
Afterward, we made our way to Koromiri island (opposite Muri beach) once more entertained musically by the boys all the way.
Upon arrival, an incredible buffet lunch including meat, yellowfin tuna, papaya salad, rice, bread, fruits and more was waiting.
From there the boys kept us entertained with songs, and demonstrations including coconut tree climbing from Captain Awesome who holds a pacific record for climbing a coconut tree in 6 and a half seconds and sarong tying.
Matt volunteered to climb this coconut… this was as far as he got
These were all done with audience participation.
To be honest we laughed pretty much the whole way through the show, like I said the Koka crew knows how to entertain.
Before we knew it our 4 hours were up and we were on our way back.
If you only do one thing during your visit to Rarotonga then do this, you will learn about the lagoon and be entertained nonstop.
Boys getting already to snorkel
Punanga Nui market
This is located near the waterfront in Avarua. Saturday is the main market day opening at 7 am and finishing at noon.
This is a must-do.
Here you can purchase your fresh fruit and veg, coffee, food stalls are set up and it’s delicious, clothing as well as souvenirs.
Punanga Nui Market
These range from artworks, handmade ukuleles to jewellry, even black pearls.
There is even a bonus of a live cultural display. It really is the perfect way to start a Saturday.
Try Kitesurfing or Stand Up Paddleboarding
These guys at KiteSUP are opposite Koka Lagoon Cruise and we believe gave the best value for hiring Kayaks and Paddleboards at Muri Lagoon.
We opted just to hire the equipment and entertain ourselves.
Lukas paddleboarding for his first time on Muri lagoon
However, if you are a beginner they also offer kitesurfing and paddle boarding lessons to get you started.
They offer a range of tours as well. These range from snorkel tours such as a shipwreck adventure, to eco-tours and snorkelling with turtles.
There are paddle boarding options too. These include the famous Fire on the water tour which is very popular and always full.
KiteSUP offers many more activities and options too, just check out the website for their comprehension list. There is definitely some time for everyone here.
Family and friends paddling around Muri Lagoon, such a fun experience.
Te Ara Museum
This place gives you an insight into the history of the Cook Islands. Te Ara involves a lot of reading and there are a few things to look at including 4 fish tasks with information about the reef.
You get an insight into the cook island’s environment, past, present, and future.
Front of the Te Ara Museum
We loved learning about the stick chart. This was the way their journeys were mapped, very impressive.
Upstairs there is a plastics video you can watch.
Lukas enjoyed this and learnt a lot about protecting our oceans and supporting the Cook Islands ecosystem. Adults are $15 and kids under 12 were free.
The cafe here offers a delicious range of kai kai – (Cook Island for food). The ingredients are straight from the local farmers and nothing goes to waste as the leftovers are given to the pigs.
There is also a free water refill tap here so bring your water bottle.
There is also a gift shop selling only products crafted by locals based around the Cook Islands. Here you will find a range of skincare products, crafts, art, book, etc
We spent around an hour in the museum.
Map of the journey’s early polynesian explorers took
Island Nights
Te Vara Nui is the show to see and is Rarotonga’s biggest overwater island night show. Here the legend of Tongaiti is told. Tongaiti and his wife Ari were explorers and travelled, with his tribe, to the ‘floating islands. After many weeks they arrived at “Tumu-Te-Varovaro”, Rarotonga.
However, they were met with hostility from the locals. After many days of paddling around the island, Tongaiti asked his daughter to dance from the Chief of “Tumu-Te-Varovaro”. His heart melted with her beauty and they welcomed Tongaiti, his family, and the tribe ashore.
Te Vara Nui, one of the best cultural shows in Rarotonga
The show is spectacular, told through dance that will leave you mesmerised and in total ore of the Cook Island culture.
Before the show, a stunning Island/Western Fusion Buffet Dinner is provided. With a range of delicious meat and vegetarian dishes, salads (the Spicy Papaya salad is so good), and wonderful desserts.
Mountain Trek
Now we planned to take all the kids, except the very little ones up to the lookout however, the weather changed towards the end of the week so sadly we didn’t get to do this.
The 2 treks we were looking at:
Raemaru Trek is a moderate 90-time trek. There is a 15m rock climb to the top. This trek starts on the back road of Arorangi, just locate the Friendly Mart Convenience store and ask for directions.
Once you start just follow the orange markers. There is also a self-guided tour, this is available via a QR code.
Cross Island Trek is a bit more of a challenge and takes around 3 to 3 1/2 hours. You can do this on your own or book a guided tour.
There are 2 places that you can start: The North Trailhead or the South Trailhead. The north starts in Avarua. Just head to Pandanus Gas Station and then ask for directions.
The South Trailhead starts at Wigmore’s Waterfall. The locals we spoke to said the best place to start is at the North Trailhead.
But speaking to other people who did it they recommend it was worth it for the views alone. Oh well, just that means we need to return to Rarotonga one day.
Wigmore’s Waterfall
To be honest Wigmore’s waterfall was not really worth it, maybe it was the time of the year but there wasn’t much to see other than a trickle of water and plenty of mosquitoes.
However, I have read from other travellers that they loved it and would highly recommend it.
So I guess you best check it out and make up your own mind.
Wigmore’s Waterfall, yet on this day there wasn’t much to look at.
There is also a small charge of $5 per car and $2 per motorbike to use the car park. This is around halfway up the road.
Remember if you hired a car check that your insurance covers you for going up this road.
Gallery Tavioni and Vananga
If you are looking for a master carver then this is the place. Mike Tavioni and his wife Awhitia are very welcoming.
A couple of the boys had a piece each, designed and beautifully carved out of local timber. To be honest each of the pieces was amazing. The craftsmanship is incredible, the best in the Cook Islands. They also offer artworks as well.
The workshop at Tavioni
You can select your design and then add your personal touch. Make sure you visit well in advance as Mike needs time to carve your design. On Fridays, they host local children to try their hand at carving and learn the techniques.
Their gallery is located on the back road in Atupa, just look for their big sign.
Raro Buggy Tour
This is one of the most popular activities to do in Rarotonga. Raro Buggy Tour offers a mud-filled history and cultural adventure. The tour lasts around 2 hours and is worth it
You meet at Wigmore’s Supermarket, make sure you are there 30 mins before the tour starts. Here you will meet your guide and the adventure begins.
Raro Quad Tours, a great bit of fun
Places you visit
- Ancient Burial Site, learn about the history of the tribal wars from long ago.
- the old Sheraton Hotel (the history behind this famous eyesore is awesome, from a failed business venture to unpaid local workers).
- Muddy puddles, this starts behind the old Sheraton Hotel, nothing better than slip-sliding your way around and getting muddy. HEAPS of fun.
- Wigmore’s Waterfall – the perfect spot to clean the mud off.
Make sure you bring the following
- Sunglasses
- Clothing you are happy to get muddy
- Covered footwear
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellant
- Swimwear and a towel
- your driver’s licence
Cost $150 for your own buggy or $175 ($77.50 per person) if you share with a friend.
Raro Buggy Tours also offers trail and quad tours.
Explore The Island By Hiring A Car
The best way to do this is by car or scooter (motorbike) this way you can just pull over at places you see and like. The speed limit is 50kms in most areas while 30kms in others.
This gives you the option to stop at different beaches, cafes and restaurants.
Loved our beach walks, exploring the coastline
Our favourite stop was trying all the different fruits as locals set up food stalls along the main road. It’s also a great way to interact with the locals.
There are plenty of places you can hire a car or scooter.
To drive a car in Rarotonga you just need to bring your driver’s license however if you are keen on hiring a scooter then you will need to sit a test to receive a local scooter license.
Quick photo of the family in the car, best way to get around the island
Muri Night Market
We spent a couple of nights here, food prices are around $15 and no one was disappointed with their choice. There is a large range of food to choose from, all cooked right in front of you. This is one of our favourite things to do in Rarotonga.
A personal favourite was Island Crepes, I know it’s a pudding but at the end of the night, it’s worth it. While there are lots of favours I recommend Strawberries and Custard.
Walking into the Muri Night Markets
The night market is open from 5 pm to 7 pm. Make sure you get there at 5 pm because once they run out you will be disappointed. We learnt this the hard way, one night we arrived just before 7 pm.
Only 4 stalls weren’t sold out however the food from those stalls was still amazing.
This is definately one of the best places to eat in Rarotonga.
People sitting around and enjoying the food at the Muri Night Markets
Day Tour To Aitutaki
If you have the money then this is a great way to visit one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The lagoon’s waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling along with its white sand beaches.
View over Aitutaki Lagoon, the perfect spot
What’s included in your day trip
A shuttle will pick you up from your hotel at about 7 am and take you to the domestic airport.
The flight, with Air Rarotonga, departs around 8 am before returning around 5 pm.
The flight is 50 mins and the views of Aitutaki are stunning and would put a smile on anyone’s face about the day to come.
Upon arrival, you’ll board a truck for a tour of the island, the township and learn about its rich history.
Vaka Cruise boat, docked and waiting for passengers
From there you board the Vaka Cruise, a catamaran. You’ll sail around the lagoon for 6 hours, stopping at various motu (inlets) including Moturakau, Akaiami, and One Foot Island. Here you will be able to snorkel to your heart’s content. Lunch is served on board and is included in the price along with tea, coffee, and water.
After the cruise, you are returned to the airport for your flight back to Rarotonga.
The cost is $493 NZD for adults, $243 NZD for kids aged between 2-11, and kids under 2 are free.
While it’s a great day out if you have the money I would stay on the island for longer. This really is paradise and the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
One of the stops on the cruise, One Foot Island. Absolutely stunning.
Final Thoughts
There are many things in do in Rarotonga, whether its relaxing at Muri Lagoon, crusing around on one of the boat tours to exploring or hiking along one of the trails.
There is something here to do for every family member. Sawyer was two when he did his first Koka Lagoon Cruise.
There is also a wonderful variety of places to eat and drink once you have finished your day out.
Now the challenge is picking which activities to do first.
Kokomuri Island, where the after cruise entertainment takes place
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Hi, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled for over 25 years. My parents gave me the travel bug when I was 10 years old by taking my sister and I to the USA and Mexico for two months. I've travelled by myself, with mates, with my wife and now as a family of four. My goal is to inspire our families to get out and see the world.
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