Rarotonga
is the capital of the Cook Islands and the starting
point for your adventures.
The island
offers a wide range of accommodation to cater for
all needs and budgets. From $20 a night for a bed
at a backpackers upwards to several hundred dollars
a night for a room at an exclusive resort. Rarotonga
has it all.
There are many
activities that are essential to any stay in Rarotonga.
These include a cultural island night with a traditional
'kaikai' dinner, music and dancing, a visit to the
Saturday morning market and snorkelling in the Coral
Garden at the Fruits of Rarotonga. For those looking
for adventure you can journey into the jungle with
Tangaroa's 4x4 Tours, scuba dive with the big fish
outside the reef, or take a helicopter flight around
the island.
Learn more about
the Cook Islands culture by spending some time with
Piri Puruto, the legendary 65 year old Coconut King
who can climb a coconut palm in seconds and light
fire with sticks. Or for those who want to take things
slowly, enjoy some quality time relaxing on the beautiful
white sand beaches or swimming in the warm tropical
waters.
Getting around Rarotonga
is easy and there are many options. You can rent a
scooter for as little as $10 a day or hire a convertible
jeep for around $65 a day. This allows you to explore
the entire island at your own pace. For those not
wanting to drive you can catch the island bus. Two
buses leave each hour from Avarua and head in both
directions around the island. Buses operate between
7am and 10pm, but are less frequent after 4pm. For
those looking for some exercise and a more environmentally
friendly option you can hire a bicycle.
Rarotonga has many
options for top quality cuisine and eating out. From
quick and easy seafood takeaways to world class restaurants.
Trader Jacks is one of the islands most famous eating
spots with a great atmosphere and delicious food right
on the waterfront in Avarua. For those staying in
self catering accommodation there are 2 large food
stores in Avarua and a number of smaller stores in
each district. The Saturday morning market offers
a great choice of fresh tropical fruit, vegetables,
fish and produce.
Rarotonga offers
a holiday like no other - one to remember.
