Going on holiday can be a little bit of a pricey affair at times. After you’ve accounted for your flights and accommodation, you’ve got your food and drink and sightseeing to think about. Don’t get us wrong, it’s all absolutely worth it (especially in the Cook Islands) but it’s always important to think about where you might able to save a few dollars, here and there.
To help you out with this, we’ve come up with our list of 6 fantastic free things to do in Rarotonga!
1. Relax on the many beaches
An easy one to start with is to relax on one of the many beautiful tropical beaches on the Island. It may, in fact, be what’s attracted you to come to Rarotonga in the first place! It’s a big reason why holidays in the Cook Islands are so good. The main leisure activity, relaxing and sunbathing on our beaches, is one that won’t cost you a dime.
There are many beaches to choose from like Muri Beach, Titikaveka, Aroa Beach and more.
2. Do the Cross Island walk
If you feel the need for a serious stretch of the legs then the Cross Island walk, which takes you from one side of the island to the other, should be top of your list.
Some people say it’s the best walk in the South Pacific and it’s hard to argue otherwise once you’ve done it. The walk, which is best started from North to South, takes you through some beautiful native bush to an elevated point on Te Rua Manga, the mountain otherwise known as ‘The Needle’. At 413 metres it offers a great vantage point to admire the whole island.
3. Experience the Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Market is a great way to experience the fun and colour of the Cook Island way of life and takes place in the main township of Avarua.
The market is open throughout the week and on Saturday until 2pm which is when we suggest going. The whole island comes together to see the best offerings of the local traders with stalls selling clothing, arts, crafts, jewellery and most importantly, food. There’s also the main stage where you’ll often be able to experience a bit of live entertainment as well.
4. Church service
For a truly cultural experience, you can’t go past a Church service in Rarotonga.
Religious belief and practice has always been important in the Cook Islands and attending a Sunday Service is a great way to understand this. In doing so, you’ll have the privilege of listening to the amazing choirs singing hymns sung in Cook Island Maori. You’ll also enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and the locals dressed in their Sunday Best.
5. Be mesmerised by the South Pacific sunset
Sunsets in the Pacific really are a sight to behold and is great for the soul after a day of busy activity on the island.
Of all the free things to do in Rarotonga, this one will probably be the most satisfying as a show of nature at its best. The west side of the island is a particularly nice place to experience this and there are some fantastic photo/Instagram opportunities at Black Rock Beach.
6. Spend a day at your wonderful resort
Last, but not least, given you’ve already paid for the pleasure, it’s perfectly fine to spend the day enjoying all the excellent facilities at your accommodation provider.
We may be a little bias with this one but the whole point of what we provide at Pacific Resort Hotel Group properties is to service what you need. Whether it’s lying out on a sun lounger with your toes in the sand or taking some time out to enjoy that book you have been looking forward to, you’ll feel completely at home and at ease. It’s a great example of “living the dream”, literally!
Enjoy the free things to do in Rarotonga!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions for free things to do in Rarotonga. The great thing is that this is just the starting point of great discoveries and memories you’ll create and cherish along the way. We look forward to seeing you here soon!