Explore Rarotonga
If you can tear yourself away from the pool, there is so much to see, do and experience here in Rarotonga
Our top picks
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Beaches
Spend time surrounded by gorgeous blue waters swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, or simply soaking up the sun while laying on the golden sand. Walk a short 200m to Vaimaanaga beach, head to Turoa Lagoon for a fantastic snorkelling spot or drive a few minutes until you get to the ever popular swimming spot of Muri Beach.
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Eat & drink
Walk down the road to the popular Vaima Bar & Restaurant, or head a little further to Charlie’s for good food, drink and live music. For scrumptious fresh fish sandwiches, stop by the Mooring Fish Cafe, and for your coffee fix, Beluga Cafe is a must. Make sure you head to the Muri Night Market for an incredible selection of local food and a great atmosphere.
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Lagoon cruise
Explore the waters through a glass bottom boat, snorkel in the Muri Lagoon, feast on fabulous food and be highly entertained by Koka Lagoon Cruises. Just a short drive from the villa, this team will ensure you’re well taken care of and have an epic day in the lagoon.
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Adventure
When you need a break from taking a break, there is so much adventure to be had exploring the island of Rarotonga. Get muddy with Raro Buggy Tours, tackle the Cross Island Trek, get closer to nature with Ariimoana Walkabouts or simply travel the inland roads with scooters or bicycles.
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Island night
No visit is complete without an ‘Island Night’. Immerse yourself in local culture and learn more about Rarotongan history and traditions through music, song, dance and food. The Highland Paradise Culture Centre, Te Vara Nui Village, and several hotels and resorts are renowned for their island night cultural shows.
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Nightlife
From sunset cocktails beside the beach to buzzing nightclubs with great music, Rarotonga’s nightlife is full of life. Tour the Rarotonga Brewery, go happy hour hopping, or jump aboard the Raro Pub Crawl Party Bus before dancing the night away at the Rehab Nightclub.
Eat in
Pacific Palms Luxury Villa has a fully equipped modern kitchen and outdoor BBQ with everything you need to entertain and feed all guests.
Island Platters
Want to take a break from the kitchen but still eat from the comfort of the villa? Jenni at Island Platters creates exceptional platters from locally grown and sourced produce with options to suit all tastes, budgets and groups. Delivery is included.
Wigmore’s Superstore
Open 24/7, Wigmore’s Superstore is a quick 350m away with a great range of fresh and frozen produce, organic groceries, pantry items, cold beverages and best of all - huge ice cream scoops. Here you will also find WIFI vouchers and an ATM.
Punanga Nui Markets
The Punanga Nui Markets are held every Saturday from 7am - 12pm in Avarua. We recommend heading there early for first choice of fresh fruit, veggies and fish, plus island food, coffee, pastries and smoothies to enjoy while you shop.
Getting around
Rarotonga is very easy to get around by rental car, scooter, or bicycle. All motor vehicles, including scooters and motorbikes, are limited to 30kmph in the Avarua township, Muri Beach, and all school zones. 50kmph is the maximum speed limit around villages and the rest of the island.
You have to be at least 16 years or older and hold a current and valid driver’s license in order to drive in the Cook Islands. A Cook Islands license is required to ride motorcycles or scooters and can be obtained for $20 at the police station.
Pacific Palms Villa has off-street parking available.
If you prefer public transportation, the bus system here is convenient and low-cost. The "Island Bus" runs both clockwise and anti-clockwise. Buses will stop anywhere along the main road. All you have to do is smile and wave them down.
