Rarotonga is the biggest and by far the most popular among the exotic Cook Islands. Its capital, Avarua, is nicknamed ‘’town’’ where the administrative, commerce, and trade side of the island is seen. Due to 360 degrees exemplary scenery that mostly comprise of pristine waters, sandy shores, and virgin islets, Rarotonga has proven itself to be one of the world’s best holiday destinations. Thanks to Rarotonga International Airport, vacationers find an easy gateway to this piece of heaven. If the capital sitting on the north of Rarotonga is known to be a major business and administrative hub, Muri, on the eastern side of the island, is where most of the tourist attractions are, and therefore, tagged as Rarotonga’s tourist center. Nikao is quite popular and busy as well because it is where the airport is located and it is close to the island’s capital.
Going around is made easy through rent-a-car services. Tourists who wish to experience how to drive around Rarotonga have to apply for a driver’s license that costs around $20, valid for one year. Since the license is laminated bearing a picture of the tourist on it, it can serve as a souvenir of the Rarotonga trip as well. Buses have regular trips and they pick up and drop off passengers almost anywhere on the round island route. The villages are close to beaches, so those who are going to have a dip prefer to reach the waters through walking.
Water lovers cannot get enough of Rarotonga, that is why they prefer to live on the island for a while. Rarotonga accommodations cater to different types of visitors—from Hollywood stars to backpackers. Each Rarotonga island has a variety of “home’’ to offer, from the budgeted and mid-range ones in the likes of Rarotonga Backpackers, Mama Ru’s Bungalows, and Aremango Guesthouse, to the high-end and luxurious ones like Crown Beach Resort, Edgewater Resort & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga.
Being on an island is more than swimming in its waters and sipping fresh coconut milk, because part of visiting Rarotonga is eating its fresh, scrumptious, home-made food. Seafood is unarguably one of the prides of this island, and one of the best seafood restaurants on the island is The Mooring. International dishes are served as well, just like Kikau Hut Restaurant that is famous for its European cuisine.
There is a long list of to-do, to-see, and to-experience in Rarotonga, and along with its perfect weather, this becomes the best place for rest, relaxation, recreation, and outdoor activities. The beaches of Rarotonga, such as the Titikaveka Beach, remain to be the primary reason why tourists flock to this famed island. A different kind of shopping can also be experienced here courtesy of Punanga Nui, a famed flea market in Avarua. There are also colorful events that should not be missed, like The Rarotonga Steinlager Vaka Eiva that is named one of the most fun canoe festivals in the world.
