Must see attractions in Rarotonga

  • Top Choice

    Muri

    With its four motu (islets), Muri is the most beautiful section of Rarotonga’s encircling lagoon. The blue water is packed with tropical fish, especially…

  • Top Choice

    Cook Islands Christian Church

    Avarua’s white-washed church was built in 1853. The graveyard contains the graves of author Robert Dean Frisbie, and Albert Henry, the first prime…

  • Top Choice

    BCA Art Gallery

    This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe.

  • H

    Highland Paradise Cultural Centre

    High above ‘Arorangi, Highland Paradise stands on the site of the old Tinomana village with panoramic views over the west and south coasts. Members of the…

  • C

    Cook Islands Library & Museum Society

    Inland behind the Para O Tane Palace, this collection of Pacific literature incorporates a small museum. Intriguing exhibits include an old whaling pot,…

  • T

    Te Vara Nui Cultural Village

    Te Vara Nui combines a purpose-built village showcasing local culture including traditional medicine, carving, tapa making and legends, with one of…

  • W

    Wigmore’s Waterfall

    On the eastern edge of the abandoned Sheraton resort site, a road leads inland to Wigmore’s Waterfall, a lovely cascade dropping into a fresh, cool…

  • A

    Arai-Te-Tonga Marae

    A small sign points off the road to the island’s most important marae site, Arai-Te-Tonga. Situated just off the Ara Metua, there’s a stone-marked koutu …

  • C

    Cook Islands Whale & Wildlife Centre

    Visit this centre to learn about whales and other wildlife frequenting the Cook Islands. It’s an essential stop if you’re planning on going whale watching…

  • P

    Para O Tane Palace

    On the inland side of the main road is this palace and its surrounding Taputapuatea marae. The palace is where Makea Takau, the paramount ariki (chief) of…

  • B

    Black Rock

    On the northwest coast is Black Rock (Turou), traditionally believed to be where the spirits of the dead commenced their voyage to ‘Avaiki (the afterworld…

  • M

    Matutu Brewery

    Pop in to meet the guys behind Raro's very own craft brewery. Regular beers – also sold around the island – are Mai Lager and Kiva Pale Ale. Seasonal…

  • K

    Koteka Winery

    Discover the unique flavours of banana wine at Muri’s Koteka Winery or visit the winery’s stall at Avarua’s weekly market. The wine is mixed with whatever…

  • ‘

    ‘Arorangi

    On Rarotonga’s west coast, ‘Arorangi was the first missionary-built village, conceived as a model for other villages on the island. The missionary Papeiha…

  • N

    National Museum

    Inside the National Culture Centre, the National Museum showcases Cook Islands and South Pacific artefacts, and sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions…

  • M

    Matavera CICC

    The old CICC is lovely at night when the outside is lit up.