Island time
There’s no need for a long-haul flight to escape to paradise when, only a few hours away, the tropical haven that is Rarotonga awaits you.
There’s no need for a long-haul flight to escape to paradise when, only a few hours away, the tropical haven that is Rarotonga awaits you.
Words Cameron Scott
Just three-and-a-half hours’ flight time from New Zealand, the lush and mountainous tropical island of Rarotonga offers the perfect escape for jaded Kiwis. Whether you’re travelling with the family, wanting a romantic holiday for two, or even an idyllic wedding venue, Rarotonga has something for everyone. Relax on a white sand beach beside a stunning turquoise lagoon, enjoy the superb local food and choose from a huge range of activities for people of all ages. When it’s time to leave, you’re sure to be relaxed and rejuvenated.
STAY
MANUIA BEACH RESORT
If you’re looking for the perfect resort to relax, and escape children under the age of 16, Manuia Beach Resort, beside the beach in Arorangi on the sunset side of the island, is a private and idyllic retreat. Accommodation is island-style, featuring comfortable coconut thatched suites complete with air conditioning and beach or garden views. Enjoy the beautiful infinity pool area and relax under a sun umbrella on a poolside lounger with a delicious tropical cocktail served by friendly local staff. Or head for the glorious white sand beach just a few metres away, and take a cooling dip in the inviting, picture-perfect lagoon. The resort is also home to
On the Beach Bar and Restaurant.
EDGEWATER RESORT
Occupying 2.4ha of lush tropical beachside grounds on Rarotonga’s western coast, the family-friendly Edgewater Resort & Spa is five minutes’ drive from Rarotonga International Airport and 4.9km from Avarua township. A Rarotonga icon, the Edgewater has an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, a bar and free parking, and also features excellent cultural shows. Rooms have tropical-style décor and rattan furnishings and include balconies with beach or garden views. Accommodation options include three-bedroom garden or beach villas, perfect for families. Edgewater’s spa offers relaxing surrounds where guests can enjoy massages and a range of beauty treatments.
TE MANAVA LUXURY VILLAS & SPA
Marketed as “something a little more secluded and off the beaten track,” the 5-star Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa’s luxury accommodation comes in the form of large, open-plan villas located on the beautiful and tranquil lagoon beachfront. Each villa has its own private plunge pool and tropical gardens. The premium-priced beachside villas enjoy magnificent views over picturesque Muri Lagoon. With one, two or three bedrooms, the villas are perfect for families or couples on a romantic escape. Services include access to babysitters, spas and beauty packages, as well as gourmet dining at the resort restaurant. Nearby Muri village has a range of shops and restaurants with a strong island vibe, all within walking distance. temanava.com
PLAY
SNORKEL WITH TURTLES
“The most amazing experience I’ve ever had.” That was the comment from former Cook Islands resident Karen Scott of Tauranga after she took part in a turtle swimming experience with Snorkel Cook Islands earlier
this year. The two-hour tours take place in Avaavaroa Passage at Vaimaanga Beach under the close supervision of highly-experienced and friendly locals, including former Mount Maunganui lifeguard Josh Utanga. The tour includes snorkelling equipment (snorkel, mask, reef shoes and fins), a locker to store personal belongings, parking, sunscreen, and a refreshing snack of delicious island fruits when you get back to shore.
SUNDAY CHURCH
On Sundays, most work on Rarotonga comes to a stop. Avarua’s shops are closed, and locals dress in their best clothing and head for church in the morning. Even if you’re not a believer, join them for an uplifting experience you won’t forget. The singing is beautiful and joyous and you’ll receive a genuine and friendly welcome. At some of the historic Cook Islands Christian Churches, you might even be invited to share morning tea in the church hall. Churches of almost every denomination are spread around the island, so take your pick. For a more intimate experience, the small St Mary’s Catholic Church beside the lagoon in Arorangi village is highly recommended.
EAT
PUNANGA NUI
The best place to observe local life and experience Cook Islands culture is at the Punanga Nui Market on the lagoon side of the main township of Avarua, opposite the Bond Store. Eagerly awaited each week by locals and tourists alike, the Punanga Nui bursts into life from 8am on Saturdays, with a huge array of shops and stalls selling everything from fresh island produce and meals, to arts and crafts, pearl jewellery and colourful
island style clothing. There’s something here for everyone, with the bonus of cultural performances on the market’s main stage. There’s plenty of parking on the lagoon side of the site, but it pays to be there early.
EXPLORE THE OUTER ISLANDS
Rarotonga International Airport is the base for Air Rarotonga, set to celebrateits 45th anniversary next year. “Air Raro” as it’s fondly known, flies to nine domestic Cook Islands in the Northern and Southern Groups. It also flies to Papeete in Tahiti on the airline’s first international scheduled service which started this year. If you want to visit the outer islands in style, Air Rarotonga also operates a fast Cessna executive jet that can get you there in short order. Many visitors opt to visit the laid-back and picturesque island of Aitutaki, to the north, and you can book all the way there on an Air New Zealand itinerary.
SOUL CAFÉ & BARBER SHOP
The funky Soul Café is located in Maraerenga on the Tupapa side of Avarua, not far from the Cook Islands News office. As well as serving excellent coffees, Soul Café offers the opportunity to build your own sandwiches with the freshest of ingredients, washed down with a selection of fresh fruit smoothies. There’s also a tempting brunch menu which makes the most of island produce such as rukao (taro leaves cooked in coconut cream) in innovative ways. The Eggs Benedict served with yellowfin tuna comes highly recommended. The café is owned by long-time friends Caleb Tatuava and Vou Williams who also operate the barbershop next door.
soulcafeck
THE MOORING
Enjoy the freshest of local fish and delicious sandwiches, salads and sauces at the Mooring Fish Café in Muri. This casual and friendly dining establishment has won numerous awards for its fish meals, salads and sandwiches starring local game fish such as wahoo, tuna, mahimahi and marlin, caught fresh daily by fishermen operating from nearby Avana Harbour. Lunch on a fish sandwich on fresh Turkish bread washed down with refreshing coconut juice. Mains include “Fresh off the Boat” (crumbed mahimahi with chips and salad), tuna tacos with spicy slaw and the freshest fish and chips you’ve ever tasted. Opposite the Muri Night Market.
themooringfishcaferaro.com
NAUTILUS RESORT RESTAURANT
Muri’s luxurious Nautilus Resort offers several dining options with views over
a beautiful infinity pool, white sand beaches or the turquoise waters of the lagoon.
In the main dining area, the award-winning beachfront Nautilus Restaurant offers
a Polynesian inspired dining experience.
You can also enjoy dining on the beachside patio – or resort staff will happily organise
a private dinner. The food is described as Pacific Rim- European fusion, using local seasonal ingredients freshly picked from
the resort’s vegetable garden, and there’s
an emphasis on fresh fish dishes featuring local game fish.
Chase the sun
Say goodbye to the winter chill. The Cook Islands heat is calling. As the days get chillier and we cosy up by the fire in our winter woolies, it can be difficult not to daydream about sun kissed beaches and warm summer breezes.
Say goodbye to the winter chill. The Cook Islands heat is calling
As the days get chillier and we cosy up by the fire in our winter woolies, it can be difficult not to daydream about sun kissed beaches and warm summer breezes. Blessed with endless days of glowing sunshine and balmy temperatures, travelling to the Cook Islands is a sizzling temptation for Kiwis this winter as summer is just a short flight away!
If you’ve caught the case of the winter blues and are in need of an uplift, research from Booking.com reveals that getting away on holiday is said to be the form of self-care in 2022 (more so than daily exercise or mindful meditation!) with over three-quarters of people (79%) affirming that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation. Here are Booking.com’s top Rarotonga destinations for the ultimate tropical getaway.
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is a beachfront paradise for travellers wanting to live their summer day dream. Overlooking the beautiful Muri Lagoon, these luxury villas offer a truly 5-star experience with a private pool and patio. Guests can make the most of the island life with free use of kayaks, so they can spend their days on the glowing blue water taking in their surroundings. The Te Manava Spa offers relaxing therapies including massages and pedicures, so travellers can really unwind and recharge at the end of their holiday. Furthermore, these villas are ideal for the eco-conscious traveller as they’re a Booking.com Travel Sustainable property.
Inspired by the turquoise water of Muri Lagoon, Crystal Blue Lagoon boasts stylish modern villas in an idyllic beachfront location. This tranquil retreat features an infinity pool with breath-taking sea views, where guests can truly feel like they’re in paradise.
Guests are able to enjoy free use of snorkelling gear, so they can hop from pool to lagoon and explore all of the beautiful reefs nearby. These self-contained villas offer guests privacy, with all of the required facilities to ensure they have everything they need for their stay.
The beachfront Ocean Spray Villa offers incredible panoramic views of the lagoon, beach and the Pacific Ocean, so Kiwis will be able to truly immerse themselves in the ‘beach bum’ life while they chase that summer feeling. The spacious, homely rooms have an almost ‘Bach’ like vibe, so Kiwis will feel right at home when they’re chasing more of those summer days.
Situated right on the beach, Muri Beachcomber offers direct access to Muri Beach and its extraordinary white sand. The crystal clear water looks like something off of a postcard, guaranteeing travellers a real slice of paradise!
Guests are given free access to kayaks and paddle boards, meaning they’re able to make the most of the island lifestyle and cruise over the stunning ocean waters all day long. Whether you want to swim in the outdoor pool, snorkel in the lagoon just metres from the property, or book in scuba diving and sailing, guests can be sure they won’t find themselves bored here.