Dreaming of a holiday where the kids can run free on sandy beaches, the water is as warm and clear as a swimming pool, and the biggest decision you have to make is which tropical fruit to eat? Welcome to Rarotonga, a small island in the Cook Islands that’s a big deal for family travel. This is everything you need to know to plan the best ever family holiday in Rarotonga!
- Planning a Family Holiday in Rarotonga
- Visas
- Getting There
- Best Time To Visit
- How Long To Visit For?
- Transportation
- Best Areas To Stay In Rarotonga
- Accommodation Options
- Places To Stay
- Things To Do In Rarotonga With Kids
- What To Pack
- Packing For Young Children & Babies
- More About Rarotonga
Planning a Family Holiday in Rarotonga
A lot of families get a bit anxious about traveling to a faraway island with kids. We were the same way before our first trip. Will it be safe? Will they get bored? Is it too expensive?
But guess what?
We live here in Rarotonga now!
It is in fact our second time living in the Cook Islands as a family. So, we have a lot to share to help you plan!
What we found was that Rarotonga is the perfect antidote to those first trip fears. It’s small, incredibly safe, easy to navigate, and full of simple, genuine fun that doesn’t require a theme park or a packed itinerary. It’s a place where you can truly slow down and reconnect as a family.
This guide is designed to help you with the most important parts of planning your family holiday in Rarotonga, from visas to transportation and everything in between.
Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?
Visas: The Quick and Easy Part
For most nationalities, including citizens of New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and the European Union, a visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days.
It’s always a good idea to check the official Cook Islands Immigration website for the latest requirements for your specific passport. But for most families, this is a very straightforward process.
All you’ll need is your passport and a completed Passenger Arrival Card, which is provided on the plane.
Getting There – Family Holiday in Rarotonga
The main way to get to Rarotonga is by flying into Rarotonga International Airport (RAR). The most common direct flights are from Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles.
The flight from New Zealand is around 4 hours, which is a manageable length for kids.
The best part? The moment you step off the plane, you are greeted with the woosh of warm tropical air with coconut trees all around, a welcoming ‘Kia Orana’ and the gentle sound of a ukulele. It’s an immediate signal that you’ve arrived in paradise.
Welcome to Rarotonga!
Best Time to Visit: Two Seasons, Both Beautiful
Rarotonga has a tropical climate with two seasons:
- Dry Season (May to October): This is the most popular time to visit. The weather is cooler (around 25°C), less humid, and has less rain. The gentle trade winds keep things comfortable. It’s the ideal time for outdoor activities, beach days, and exploring.
- Wet Season (November to April): The weather is hotter and more humid, with a higher chance of tropical downpours. However, these are usually short, and they often lead to some of the most beautiful sunsets.
A secondary benefit of visiting during November to April is that prices for flights and accommodation are often lower, and the island is less crowded.
How Long to Visit For?
We would recommend a stay of 7 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to explore the entire island at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
You can have a few days dedicated to beach and lagoon time, a few for exploring the interior road tripping around the island and visiting the local markets, and a few for simply relaxing by the pool.
Transportation: Getting Around with Ease
The beauty of Rarotonga is that getting around is simple and easy. The single main road is a 32-kilometre loop and makes navigation a breeze.
Rental Car
This is the most practical and popular option for families. It gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and provides a safe and comfortable way to transport beach gear, snacks, and tired kids.
Bus
Rarotonga has a clockwise and anticlockwise bus that circles the island. It’s an easy, cheap, and fun way to get around. It’s a great experience for the kids and a good way to save some money.
You can easily rent cars from several companies at the airport or in Avarua and Muri. Or – it isn’t quite as easy for families – but if you are really keen you can rent scooters from most of the rental companies too.
- Options For Renting a Car In Rarotonga.
- Getting Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.
- How To Take The Bus In Rarotonga.
Accommodation Options: Our Top Pick for Families
Your choice of accommodation can make or break a family holiday. In Rarotonga, you have some great options, each with its own benefits.
Resorts
For families who want amenities and activities on site, resorts are a great choice. They often have kids’ clubs, restaurants, and swimming pools.
Self-Catering & Airbnb
This is our top recommendation for families. There are countless privately owned villas and holiday homes available. Websites like Airbnb offer a wide range of options that give you plenty of space and a fully equipped kitchen. Being able to prepare your own meals is a game-changer for picky eaters and for saving money.
Budget & Backpacking
For those looking to save every dollar, there are a few budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Places like Rarotonga Backpackers offer dorm rooms and private rooms at a very low cost, with shared kitchens and a social atmosphere.
Things to Do – Family Holiday in Rarotonga
The beauty of Rarotonga is that the best activities are simple, authentic, and perfect for families.
Snorkel in Muri Lagoon
The calm, shallow waters of Muri Lagoon are perfect for kids to learn to snorkel. The lagoon is protected by the reef, so the water is crystal clear and you can see the colourful fish. You can easily rent snorkel gear or bring your own.
Kayak to a Motu
- Rent a kayak and paddle out to one of the small, uninhabited islands in the lagoon. Our kids felt like real explorers, and it’s a great way to see the lagoon from a different perspective.
Explore the Markets
- Let the kids pick out their own dinner at the Muri Night Markets or a special souvenir at the Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and the food is delicious.
Island Culture Night
- An Island Culture Night is a must-do for any family. You can book a spot at a cultural village or a resort for an evening of powerful drumming, graceful dancing, and storytelling. It’s an incredible way to learn about the island’s history and traditions, and the fire dancing is always a highlight.
What to Pack: The Essentials
Yippee! You’re packing for a tropical family holiday in Rarotonga!
Along with the obvious items – swimming togs, sun hat and jandals – there are a few further items for travel with kids that we always recommend so you can feel prepared (and therefore relaxed).
It sounds obvious, but do pack lightweight clothes for your island holiday – for all of you. And don’t forget some more modest items of clothing for wearing in town (away from the beach). The general dress code in Rarotonga is informal but don’t wear brief attire in town or villages.
- Reef Shoes: This is our number one tip for anyone traveling to Rarotonga. The coral on the beaches and in the lagoon can be sharp. Reef shoes are essential for protecting your feet and making beach exploration worry-free.
- Sun Protection: The tropical sun is strong, even on a cloudy day. Pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in the evenings and Dengue Fever in Rarotonga is a worry at times.
- Lightweight Clothing: The island is casual and warm. Pack lightweight cotton clothes, swimwear, and small towels for the kids.
- Snorkel Gear: While many places rent gear, having your own ensures a good fit and lets you snorkel whenever the mood strikes.
If you have kids snorkel gear at home, it could be worth bringing as it doesn’t take up too much space. But it will be guaranteed to fit well and make adventuring comfortable!
Plus, if you attend a Sunday church service (recommended for the singing alone) be sure to dress respectfully – kids too.
What To Bring From Home – Family Holiday in Rarotonga
A basic toiletry and medical kit is always good to include.
Don’t panic if you forget something as these items are all available in Rarotonga. But it’s always easier to bring your own and be prepared.
Travelling with kids on a family holiday to Rarotonga you might include:
- Insect Repellent (a must)
- Panadol or Ibuprofen (for kids and adults)
- Plasters/Bandaids
- Basic Antiseptic Cream
- Sunscreen (Reef-Safe definitely for in Rarotonga)
If you normally go away with antihistamine and/or a thermometer this could be good to pack for peace of mind. Though obviously, please seek advice from your doctor for anything of concern to you.
Packing For Young Children & Babies – Family Holiday in Rarotonga
If you are holidaying with babies or younger children bring everything you normally need in your nappy bag. It is possible to buy nappies and baby-items in Rarotonga (albeit everything is more expensive and the selection is far less).
I’d recommend packing enough:
- Nappies (and waterproof ones)
- Wet Wipes
- Nappy Rash Cream
- Teething Rusks
- Particular Baby Food – if required (don’t forget to declare this with customs)
Packing List – Family Holiday in Rarotonga
Clothes-wise, a packing list for a family holiday in Rarotonga might look something like this:
- T-Shirts
- Singlets
- Light Long Sleeve Shirt to cover arms for sun protection
- Shorts/Skirts/Dresses (some below the knee/formal for church)
- Light Cardigan or Jacket for cooler evenings
- Light Sleepwear
- Outfit for Smart-Casual Dinners at restaurants
- Underwear
- Swimwear
- Jandals/Flip-Flops
- Sneakers/Walking Shoes
- Light Rain Jacket if visiting in wet season (just trust us on this one!)
Plus a few extras that will make all the difference for an island holiday:
- Sunhat
- Swimming Sunhat for the kids
- Sunglasses
- Rash Vest for sun protection while swimming
- Reef Shoes better than flippers for swimming in the lagoon
- Mask, snorkel and/or goggles if you have your own (these can be hired)
Planning a Family Holiday in Rarotonga
Rarotonga is a place that will capture your family’s heart. It’s a holiday that feels like a real escape, a chance to reconnect with each other and the simple joys of life.
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- 10 Unforgettable Walks In Rarotonga.
- 10 Historical Sites You Must See In Rarotonga.
- Hiking The Needle Cross Island Walk.
- Hiring A Bike In Rarotonga.
- How To Get Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.
- 15 Essential Tips On Visiting Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
Accommodation Options in Rarotonga
There is a great range of accommodation options in Rarotonga, with resorts, hotels and motels, holiday homes and self-catering AirBnB’s:
Resorts in Rarotonga
- The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Aro’a
- The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Arorangi
- Club Raro, Tupapa
- Nautilus Resort, Muri
- Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Muri
Hotels and Motels in Rarotonga
- Magic Reef Bungalows, Arorangi
- Coral Sands Apartment, Arorangi
- Black Pearl at Puaikura, Aro’a
- Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel, Titikaveka
- Muri Garden Lodge, Muri
Holiday Homes and AirBnB
- Cooks Oasis Holiday Villas, Arorangi
- Lagoon Breeze Villas, Aro’a
- Muri Lagoon Beachfront Villa, Muri
- Ariki Bungalows, Muri
There are loads of amazing options when choosing accommodation in Rarotonga. There is a fantastic range available and each option has different qualities that will make your trip suited just to you.
More about Travel Planning for Cook Islands and Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before travelling to the Cook Islands!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.