Cook Island (Rarotonga)

What to do in Rarotonga?

Grab a seat on Air New Zealand's 3 hour 45 minute flight to Rarotonga from Auckland, with connections from all Air New Zealand serviced domestic airports.

Then shortly after landing, you'll be able to grab a beach lounger, grab a drink, grab a kayak, or even grab a 50-minute inter-island flight to Aitutaki, to discover the most beautiful lagoon in the world. Everything you could possibly want on a tropical South Pacific holiday is at your fingertips and it's all so easy in the Cook Islands.

With Rarotonga only 32 kilometres and a 45-minute drive around the whole island, no matter where you stay, you'll be close to all of the dining options on offer and any activities you fancy. This makes it easy to choose your accommodation based on your style, taste, and budget – ranging from waterfront luxury villas to family-friendly resorts, self-contained holiday baches, and more.

The island is a playground for swimming, snorkelling, and sunset cocktails. There are glass-bottom boat cruises, buggy tours, sea scooter adventures with turtles, and great hikes. But if relaxing by the pool or swaying in a hammock is more your style, you definitely won't be disappointed.

And for those who have been to Rarotonga before and are curious to go further afield, a trip to Aitutaki is as easy as joining a Day Tour or staying overnight. On this small and romantic island, you'll be surprised by how many activities are available, like lagoon cruises, sailing adventures, bone fishing tours, swimming with whales, and diving excursions.   

You'll be so close to home yet feel a world away with Rarotonga and Aitutaki's breathtaking turquoise lagoons begging to be explored, variety of accommodation and activities, vibrant Polynesian culture found with every 'Kia Orana', and an overall sense of freedom and ease everywhere you go.