Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and is a popular holiday destination for both Australians and New Zealanders. Just 32km in circumference, Rarotonga (known affectionately as ‘Raro’ to most), features rugged mountains, lush rainforests, clear lagoon waters, and stunning white beaches.
Populated by Cook Islanders, the locals are exceptionally friendly and happily welcome tourists and visitors to their lands. They are Polynesian, and holidaymakers in Rarotonga will have plenty of opportunities to experience Polynesian culture during their stay – including food and cooking classes, art displays, traditional dance, costumes, and much more.
In this article, we’re going to cover some of the top information you need to know if you’re planning a trip to Rarotonga in your December holidays – including how to get there, when to go, where to stay, and what to do.
Rarotonga in 2022: Covid Restrictions
As you’ll see in the article, there are currently some restrictions in place at Rarotonga due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, as we go into the future, these restrictions will hopefully be lifted.
There are currently no Covid-19 restrictions in place in Rarotonga. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there are restrictions in place on all international flights, and some flights to New Zealand.
How do you get to Rarotonga?
The easiest way to get to Rarotonga is by flying from Australia or New Zealand.
Australia
Rarotonga is serviced by Air New Zealand from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Flights from Australia take around 4 hours and 40 minutes.
New Zealand
Rarotonga is serviced by Air New Zealand from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Flights from New Zealand take around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
If you’re coming from New Zealand, the flights from Auckland are currently experiencing some delays due to the pandemic situation.
When is the best time to go to Rarotonga?
If you’re thinking about visiting Cook Islands Rarotonga in summer, be aware that it’s the rainy season. During the rainy season, there are high winds and strong storms that can make the weather quite challenging for visitors.
If you’re thinking about visiting Rarotonga in winter, you’ll definitely notice the cooler temperature. However, it’s also a good time to visit because it’s not too hot or humid.
If you’re coming from Australia, you’ll want to avoid the peak summer months from June to August, as this is when the Cook Islands experiences its busiest tourist season. For more updates, visit: https://jaasonoclock.com/
Where is the best place to stay in Rarotonga?
There are several accommodation options available to visitors to Rarotonga. There is a range of hotels, backpacker hostels, and homestays available. Rarotonga is a relatively small island. Therefore, you’ll find that most of the accommodation in Rarotonga is reasonably priced. However, there are a few areas that are more expensive.
Nautilus Rarotonga
Nautilus Rarotonga is a luxury resort on the island of Rarotonga and is one of the best accommodation options for tourists visiting the Cook Islands. It’s a large resort with many different accommodation options. You can choose from private villas, apartments, and luxury rooms. All the accommodation options at Nautilus Rarotonga are self-contained and feature modern amenities including air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and a private pool.
TeManava Luxury Villas Spa Rarotonga
TeManava Luxury Villas Spa Rarotonga is a large resort on the island of Rarotonga. It’s a beautiful luxury resort that offers a range of accommodation options, including villas, suites, and apartments. All the accommodation options at TeManava Luxury Villas Spa Rarotonga are self-contained and feature modern amenities including air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and a private pool.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is a large resort on the island of Aitutaki. All the accommodation options at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa are self-contained and feature modern amenities including air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and a private pool.
Things to do in Rarotonga
Rarotonga is a great place to spend your time, with plenty to do for everyone. Here are a few of the things you can do on the island:
Visit the island’s historic sites
The island of Rarotonga has several historic sites. The main one is Avarua. Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands and is home to the Cook Islands Parliament. You can also visit the Tumu Museum, which is a museum dedicated to the history of the island.
Beach Trips
The main beach in Rarotonga is Matavera Beach. It’s the most popular beach in Rarotonga and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific, let alone the Cook Islands.
Snorkeling
You can snorkel around the island of Rarotonga. You can snorkel around the coral reefs and see a range of marine life. You can take a snorkeling tour to visit the beautiful reefs around the island. You’ll find that the best snorkeling is around Avarua, and at other reefs in the north of the island.
Enjoy Your 2022 Rarotonga Holiday!
Thanks for reading our article about traveling to Rarotonga in 2022. We hope that you have found this information helpful in planning your Cook Islands holiday.
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