House Guidebook

SIGHTS TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO 1. Shop at Punanga Nui Market or Muri night markets Every Saturday from 8 am, you can mingle with the locals and shop for food, drinks, clothing and souvenirs at Punanga Nui Market in the main town, Avarua. 2. Experience one of the many Rarotonga tours One of the fastest ways to discover the island's best spots is on tour, with all kinds to choose from. They're definitely among the most fun things to do in Rarotonga 3. Discover local craft beer at Rarotonga Brewery Call into Rarotonga's brewery to see how their beers are created.

One of the fastest ways to discover the island's best spots is on a tour, and there all kinds to choose from. They're definitely among the most fun things to do in Rarotonga. Lagoon tours are popular, with glass bottom boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to choose from. Land-based tours range from buses and electric tuk-tuks to mountain bikes, scooters and off-road quads or buggies. There's even a highly-rated party bus nightlife tour for visitors who want to laugh and dance the night away in the safe hands of a trusted local guide.

Every Saturday from 8am you can mingle with the locals and shop for food, drinks, clothing and souvenirs at Punanga Nui Market in the main town, Avarua. Don't be late if you want fresh locally-grown fruit and vegetables, and be sure to catch the cultural performances on the main stage from 10am. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5pm, the night markets at Muri Beach Village serve up a wide range of delicious meals, so everyone can choose a favourite dish. Arrive early for the widest choice and remember to bring cash. These markets a

To get more from your holiday, take an hour or two away from the beach to learn more about the country's history and culture at one of Rarotonga's fascinating museums. Run by volunteers, the Cook Islands Library and Museum in Avarua is packed with exhibits. At Muri, Te Ara/Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise uses large displays and informative panels to tell stories of Polynesian migration and life in pre-European times.

Air Rarotonga and Vaka Tours provide an amazing day trip to the turquoise waters and fine white sands of Aitutaki Island. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, incredibly scenic flights and a guided open-air bus tour of Aitutaki.

If you fancy a challenging climb through lush rainforest, the four-hour cross-island walk is a must-do hike. Highlights include climbing part-way up Te Rua Manga (the Needle), a 413m volcanic plug in the island's centre, and long-range views across the island. Most people start from the Avarua end and finish at Wigmore's Waterfall. To get the most from your experience, consider booking a guided walk with Pa's Treks.

If you’re comfortable with it, the best way to get around Rarotonga is to rent a car or a scooter, as it will make moving between places much quicker. Bicycles are another great option if you just want to keep things local and stick to one side of the island. Another alternative is to take the local bus, which is a cheap and efficient way to get around. Don’t worry, it’s easy to figure out – One bus goes clockwise, and the other goes anti-clockwise. That’s it for our guide on all the great things to do in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. What do you think? Have we missed