Located in the mysterious South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands manage to establish a unique identity among thousands of other island destinations. Without all of the hustle and bustle of Hawaii, yet maintaining all of the beauty and serenity of such locations, the Cook Islands are an ideal island getaway destination.
On Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, you'll find breathtakingly beautiful scenery, both above and below the water. Whatever you do, don't forget to take a snorkelling or diving trip, and leave plenty of vacation days for relaxing by the water.
Getting in and around Rarotonga
Rarotonga Airport
Getting to the Cook Islands is best done by plane. There are a few stops on the Cook Islands that see traffic from cruise liners, including Rarotonga and Aitutaki. However, the Rarotonga International Airport has enough flights to make air travel quite easy. There are daily flights from Auckland and weekly flights from other places including Tahiti, Honolulu and Sydney.
Rarotonga Transport
Air Rarotonga makes getting from island to island fast and easy. For getting around on land, there is a public bus service that circles the island. During the day, two buses make their way around the island - one clockwise and the other counter clockwise - and at night time one bus runs clockwise. Scooter hire is also available and is a fun and popular mode of transportation. You can use your own motorcycle licence and pay a small fee or obtain a Cook Island visitors licence.
Rarotonga Car Hire
Rarotonga car hire is also a possibility for getting around. Car hire is available at the airport and on various Cook Islands. The same licensing rules apply as with scooters - you can use your own licence or obtain a visitor's licence from the police station.
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Rarotonga accommodation
With Rarotonga accommodation, there is something for everyone. The luxury and mid-range resorts on the island are beyond comparison. Yet, there are a number of quality budget accommodations on the island that match the resorts in terms of quality. You won't have a hard time finding a great place to stay in Rarotonga.
Luxury
Little Polynesian Resort is an award-winning, adults-only luxurious boutique resort where you'll feel like you're staying in your own private paradise.
Pacific Resort Rarotonga. You won't be able to find fault with this exquisite resort with luxurious surroundings and rooms decorated in a contemporary Polynesian style.
Little Polynesian Resort. The Little Polynesian Resort is elegantly rustic and you'll feel like you're staying in your own private paradise.
Pacific Resort Rarotonga. You won't be able to find fault with this exquisite resort that makes you feel right at home in these luxurious surroundings.
Mid-range
Sunset Resort is the picture of island luxury and is conveniently located on popular Rarotonga.
Crown Beach Resort and Spa is located where botanical gardens meet the beach and has everything you'd want from a luxury island resort. The Sunset Resort. The Sunset Resort is the picture of island luxury and is conveniently located on popular Rarotonga.
Crown Beach Resort. The Crown Beach Resort is touted as the place to see and be seen in Rarotonga and has everything you'd want from a luxury island resort.
Budget
The Cooks Oasis offers lovely rooms close to the beach and restaurants, and the friendly staff take every step to ensure you have a pleasant stay.The Kiikii Motel on Rarotonga is close to all of the action and the friendly staff take every step to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
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Things to do in Rarotonga
As one of the South Pacific's most beloved island destinations, Rarotonga has enough things to do to keep any traveller on the go. Rarotonga has everything you need for the vacation of your dreams.
Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the cultural centre of the entire island network. The capital, Avarua, is a great place for shopping and dining.
Atiu Cave Tours. Considered a national treasure, the caves on Atiu are a vast network spread throughout the dense flora of the island. The Anatakitaki Caves are home to a rare bird that uses sonar in the dark, and the Te Ana O Rakanui burial cave is a popular tourist spot.
Fishing is a popular tourist activity on Rarotonga. The waters are heavily populated with marlin and tuna for sport fishermen that are in search of a challenge.
Diving and snorkelling. The terrain underneath the water at Rarotonga is just as beautiful as the scenery above water. Underwater canyons and colourful coral make Rarotonga one of the world's best spots for diving and snorkelling. Titikaveka lagoon is said to be one of the best snorkel spots.
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Day trips in and around Rarotonga
Aitutaki is a popular tourist attraction and a frequent Cook Islands stop for cruises. This beautiful, crystal-clear lagoon is perfect for a lazy day on the beach, as well as snorkelling, swimming or fishing.
Atiu is the third largest of all of the Cook Islands and an important stop for visitors hoping to explore the history of the local culture. Atiu also promises gorgeous scenery, beautiful beaches and excellent hiking.
Horseback riding is a fun and adventurous way to see the outlying areas around Rarotonga. Complete your day's ride with a trot along the beach and you and your family will be in tourist heaven.
Cruises and boat tours. There is much to see underwater when travelling from one island to the next. You'll want to see what's going on underneath you with a glass bottom boat or even jump in the water with your snorkel gear to take in the action yourself. Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes is just one service on Rarotonga that offers such cruises and includes snorkel gear and a barbeque lunch.
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