• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-535198529713
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "rarotonga-and-the-cook-islands/rarotonga",
  "destination": "Rarotonga",
  "title": "rarotonga",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Rarotonga,-Samoa-&-Tonga",
  "country": "The-Cook-Islands",
  "continent": "Australia-&-Pacific",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Rarotonga

The Cook Islands

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Man paddling canoe on Raratonga coast.

Pete Seaward

Overview

The most populous of the Cook Islands is stunning in its natural beauty and physical drama. A halo of flame-orange coral reef encircles the island, and Rarotonga’s sapphire-blue lagoon is trimmed by sparkling white beaches. Beyond the reef, breakers foam and crash like distant thunder.

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-452273036169
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "rarotonga-and-the-cook-islands/rarotonga",
  "destination": "Rarotonga",
  "title": "rarotonga",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Rarotonga,-Samoa-&-Tonga",
  "country": "The-Cook-Islands",
  "continent": "Australia-&-Pacific",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-31516903480
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "rarotonga-and-the-cook-islands/rarotonga",
  "destination": "Rarotonga",
  "title": "rarotonga",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Rarotonga,-Samoa-&-Tonga",
  "country": "The-Cook-Islands",
  "continent": "Australia-&-Pacific",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Rarotonga

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-64973285180
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "rarotonga-and-the-cook-islands/rarotonga",
  "destination": "Rarotonga",
  "title": "rarotonga",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Rarotonga,-Samoa-&-Tonga",
  "country": "The-Cook-Islands",
  "continent": "Australia-&-Pacific",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}