Island time – now that’s a concept that I think non-island countries need to adopt from places like Rarotonga. Located in the tropical South Pacific, Rarotonga is one of the 15 Cook Islands. We’re here for a week!
Paradise, here we come!
We arrive at our accommodation, Muri Beachcomber, nice and early on Saturday after a brief 5-hour direct flight from Sydney. I can already feel the relaxation taking hold as we’re shown to our room. Passing by the pool, the amazing lagoon views, and the beach that’s almost on our doorstep, I know I’m in for a chilled-out week. I can’t wait!
Muri Beachcomber
Raro is pretty tiny, really, with the total distance around the island just 32km. The main metro area is Avarua, where most of the grocery stores and main businesses are located, but tourist areas are spotted all around the island. We’re staying in Muri, which is a happening wee spot right on the side of the main lagoon. With lots of restaurants and resorts, it’s a favourite with holidaymakers.
My top 7 Raro trips for a week of paradise
1. Stay in self-contained or semi-self-contained accommodation
Like a lot of tropical islands in the South Pacific, Rarotonga can be quite pricey, so one of the best tips I can give is to try to book into self-contained accommodation. This gives you the freedom of eating at home if you do feel the wallet getting a little tight. Muri Beachcomber is ideal for this, as it’s pretty much a mini home away from home. With a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom, and a living room, it’s definitely got everything we need for the week. We’re staying in a Watergarden Villa, which is secluded and private but only about a minute walk to the beach and lagoon!
Our home for the week
2. Stay somewhere central
No need to worry about transport when you can walk down to the lagoon for the day or stroll to a nearby restaurant for dinner. I recommend Muri, which is located about 10km from Avarua and has lots of restaurants and a few shops, plus the lagoon activities are right on your doorstep. There are quite a lot of accommodation options in Muri, which you can check out here.
3. Pack your own food for the trip
Rarotonga imports a lot of their food from Auckland, so in a way it’s like a mini New Zealand. That’s kind of cute, but it does mean that food options are quite limited and pretty pricey. So my tip is if you’re heading over here and not prepared to eat out at every meal, bring along a few easy-to-transport essentials like cereals, bread, snacks, and cheese. Just make sure you check it all off with customs on the way over!
If you choose not to pack your own goodies, there are eating-out options aplenty, as you can see from some of the food we’ve indulged in so far!
You won’t go hungry in Rarotonga
4. Check out the local markets
The Te Punanga Nui Markets are held each Saturday morning in Avarua and sell everything from fresh produce, local foods, fish, and all the touristy goods essential for any Cook Islands holiday – sarongs aplenty! Also worth visiting are the night-time food markets in the Muri township. You’ll pick up tasty locally made cuisine as cheap as chips, plus there are local music performances and other treats worth checking out. The best night to visit is a Thursday, but they are also on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Market time!
5. Hire some wheels
You’ll want to explore the island beyond the beach and lagoon, so the best idea is to hire a scooter or a car for your stay. We’ve opted for the scooter option and so far so good (though having had a few goes I think I’ll leave the rest of the driving to Mr LML!). Some hot spots definitely worth checking out are sunset from the south-western corner of the island, Wigmore’s Waterfall, and the awesome snorkelling spot near the Fruits of Rarotonga café.
Exploring Raro
6. Get out on the lagoon
The lagoon is definitely one of Rarotonga’s major drawcards – it’s picturesque, and there are lots of options available for you to get out, explore, and enjoy it! We give the paddleboarding a go, which is lots of fun (plus when you get bored of paddling the board works perfectly for a bit of out-on-the-water sunbathing). Mr LML also gives windsurfing a try, and the snorkelling is unreal. I also recommend kayaking, which gives you a chance to check out the smaller islands within the lagoon. We’re lucky that Muri Beachcomber has kayaks, lots of snorkel gear, and paddleboards available for guest use, so our days on the water are sorted!
Rarotonga’s blue lagoon
7. Pack ear plugs!
One last tip, and one not to forget (which we did!) – make sure you pack earplugs. Rarotonga is well-known for its token island roosters, which don’t seem to understand the concept of island time as well as the locals and tourists do!
Well, no excuses now – you’re armed with the top tips for an unforgettable Cook Islands trip to escape the post-winter chill! Check out hot Rarotonga flight deals available now, or book your accommodation here.
Have you been to the Cook Islands? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!