Kia Orana! It’s officially time: We’ve settled into life here living on the beautiful island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands for a second time and we are ready to share some of the most awesome things to do in Rarotonga with kids!
Rarotonga is a family paradise, and we’ve well discovered that it’s more than just beautiful beaches. It’s a place where adventure, culture, and relaxation all come together to create the perfect family holiday. Forget the stresses of city life. Here, the biggest decision is whether to spend the day snorkelling or head inland to road-trip the backroads and circle the island!
Our hope with creating this list is not to itemize and compare day trips and organised tours. But instead to let you know about the free and low-cost activities to do with your kids that truly showcase the best of Rarotonga.
Sort your accommodation before you arrive so that you are ready to step off that plane, embrace the feeling of that tropical breeze and get ready for an awesome family adventure!
Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?
Choosing Rarotonga With Kids as a Holiday Destination
We live here in Rarotonga now.
But we first visited Rarotonga as a family when our boys were only 1 and 3 years old, which – spoiler alert – was an epic family holiday where we had Christmas in the Cook Islands!
Albeit before our first visit we had the typical parent-travel anxieties: Is it safe for littlies? Will the kids get bored? How will we get around the island with a family?
But our fears were quickly replaced with a deep sense of calm and a feeling of pure freedom. Plus, the feeling of parenting success in choosing such a great holiday destination to visit as a family!
Rarotonga with kids isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience that brings you closer as a family. There are no theme parks, no traffic lights, and no over-the-top attractions. Just pure, simple, genuine fun. The island is small, the people are incredibly friendly, and the pace of life is so relaxed that it’s impossible not to slow down.
We’ve put together a complete Rarotonga With Kids Travel Guide for any family considering a trip to the Cook Islands. It’s a deep dive into what makes this island so special for children of all ages, with our personal tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to embrace the island’s unique and welcoming spirit from the moment you land.
Now though, read on. Because if you’re planning a trip to the Cook Islands with your crew, it’s going to be epic!
Best Things To Do In Rarotonga With Kids
Here is everything you need to inspire plans and dreams for a fab family trip to Rarotonga!
1. The Saturday Morning Market at Punanga Nui
Kicking off your island adventure in the weekend has to start at the Saturday Punanga Nui Market. It’s a must do for families – and a sensory explosion that kids will adore!
Held every Saturday morning in Avarua, the market is a hub of energy. You can wander through stalls selling fresh produce, try a tropical smoothie or a local donut, see the beautiful woven handicrafts, and vibrant island Pareu fabrics.
The air is filled with the sounds of local musicians playing island reggae, and the atmosphere is just incredible. There is a free stage show and dance performance every Saturday around 10:00am. It is worth it for the cultural experience!
Kids will love:
- Wandering Through the Stalls: Admiring the vibrant fruits, vegetables, and the incredible array of local crafts like intricate weaving and shell jewellery.
- Try a Fruit Smoothie: Delicious fruit smoothies made with fresh tropical fruit.
- Drink a Coconut: Of course!
- The Buzz of Activity: The sights and sounds of a bustling Polynesian market are captivating.
- Live Market Performances: Head to the main stage around 10:00am. You’ll often find local dance troupes, drummers, and musicians putting on lively, free market performances. Kids can often stand close to the stage, sway to the music, and soak up the infectious energy. Sometimes, they even invite kids up to dance, which is a brilliant photo opportunity!
Definitely go early though! In the tourist season during the NZ winter the Saturday market in Rarotonga gets very busy. Though there is the playground onsite to escape to for some down time and kid-time afterwards!
Trying a fresh drinking coconut at the market. 2. Snorkelling in the Lagoon
This is one of the best things to do in Rarotonga with kids! The entire island is surrounded by a reef, creating a calm, safe, and clear lagoon perfect for little ones to explore. The water is so clear you can see all the fish without even trying!
Our favourite snorkelling spots are at Aroa Beach in Arorangi and Tikioki (known as Fruits of Rarotonga), where the lagoon is perfect for swimming with kids. Muri Lagoon is also fantastic, with its little islands that you can paddle or swim to. Just remember to bring your reef shoes!
3. Drink a Coconut (or Three)
Have you tried a fresh young coconut before? It surely has to be one of the best tastes in the world on a hot, tropical day. Plus a great healthy and refreshing travel treat to get the kids onto!
In Rarotonga a drinking coconut costs between $3 – 5 NZD depending on the size. You can find drinking coconuts at the markets in town or at the small roadside stalls lining the round-island road.
Just look out for the signs saying ‘Nu’ – and don’t forget a reusable straw. It’s healthy, delicious, and an essential part of the Rarotonga experience!
4. Explore the Legend of Black Rock
Black Rock, or Tuoro, is a striking natural landmark with a powerful cultural story for the Cook Islands. The location of what is known as Blackrock in Rarotonga is stunning! Black Rock, or Tuoro, is a striking natural landmark with a powerful cultural story for the Cook Islands. It is a beautiful place to visit, to swim or just take it all in – especially at sunset.
But it also has a special spiritual meaning to the people of the Cook Islands…
Known as Tuoro in Māori; Blackrock is believed to be the place where spirits of the dead leave Rarotonga, before they ascend to a pua tree and leap from it to begin the journey back to their ancient homeland Avaiki, to the West.
It’s a beautiful spot to visit, with a stunning black volcanic rock formation against a turquoise lagoon. Our kids loved climbing on the rocks and we read the story from the information board just above the rock.
The view is spectacular. Not to mention if you are visiting in the whale season from July to November it is a great place to watch whales!
5. Take a Drive Around the Island (the Whole Island)
This is one of our favourite weekend past times living in Rarotonga. The way the island of Rarotonga is laid out, there is one main road that loops right around the entire island; not too far from the shoreline.
Slightly inland from that however, there is an inland loop road called ‘The Back Road’(!). And this back road loops almost the entire way around the island as well.
If you have rented a car and have some free time, pack the kids in the car, stop at a roadside market and grab a coconut and hit the road. A loop around the island is always great. It is one of the best free things to do in Rarotonga with kids.
On the backroads there is always something new to see!
Read all about:
- Best Self-Guided One Day Rarotonga Itinerary for Tour of the Whole Island.
- All About Renting a Car in Rarotonga.
- Renting a Scooter or Motorbike in Rarotonga.
- Getting Your Scooter License in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
6. Go Hermit Crab Hunting
Every evening, as the sun sets, the hermit crabs come out to play on the beaches. Grab a flashlight and go on a ‘Kakara’ (small hermit crabs) and ‘Unga’ (large hermit crabs) hunting mission. Pretty much on any evening if you head to the beach you will see some of the smaller hermit crabs (conical shaped and cylindrical). For the larger bright orange hermit crabs you will likely spot them on the northern side of the island.
Our kids spent hours giggling and watching these little creatures scuttle along the sand. It’s a simple, free, and completely magical experience – one of the coolest free things to do in Rarotonga with kids!
Be sure to treat them kindly and return them to their home after you’ve said hello…
7. Paddle Boarding at Muri Beach
Muri Beach is the most famous beach in Rarotonga for a reason. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for paddle boarding – and one of the best things to do in Rarotonga with kids.
There are plenty of places to rent boards, and it’s a great way to spend a relaxing day on the water.
8. Take an Inland Island Walk
For a more adventurous family activity, there are some great hikes on the island. While some of Rarotonga’s hikes are challenging, there are some shorter, less intense walks to do inland that are great things to do with kids in Rarotonga.
- Hospital Hill: A short, albeit steep (but easy) walk near Avarua that offers fantastic panoramic views of the harbour, town, and lagoon. It’s a great quick workout with a huge payoff for minimal effort, perfect for active kids. Drive up and park at the Rarotonga Hospital for a short 20 minute walk up to the lookout.
- Avana Harbour Walk: This isn’t a ‘hike’ in the traditional sense. But a lovely, flat walk along the historically significant Avana Stream, from where the ancient canoes departed for New Zealand. It’s a beautiful, peaceful stroll, allowing kids to connect with history and nature.
- Avana Point: Go out to the point of where Muri Lagoon starts and watch the incredible waves and bird life above the the harbour point!
- The Needle: For older kids (best recommended with a guide) you can do the Cross Island Walk but as the option of ‘Up & Back’ to The Needle.
It is possible to do The Needle hike up-and-back to the summit and down again. It is recommended to go with a local guide. But this is a suitable walk to do with kids.
- Read Hiking to The Needle and the Short Walk Up Hospital Hill in Rarotonga.
9. Get into the Island Style
A fun way to immerse yourselves in the culture is by getting some authentic island wear. The kids loved picking out brightly coloured shirts at the market. There are all kinds of Pareu wear – shirts, skirts and dresses – at the markets and shops in Rarotonga.
It’s a great way to remember the trip and get into the local spirit!
10. Swim at Wigmore’s Waterfall
On a hot day, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in a freshwater pool. Papua Waterfall – or Wigmore’s Waterfall – located on the eastern side of the island, is a local favourite. The kids loved playing in the pool below the falls, and it’s a great photo opportunity!
Be sure to lather up with insent repellent going inland to the bush areas. But it is worth it for a drive up the inland road and you can check out the SPCA on the way!
11. Enjoy an Ice Cream at Kavera
If your kids are anything like ours, an ice cream stop is non-negotiable.
Kavera has a little shop that serves up massive scoops of NZ’s famous Tip Top ice cream. It was the perfect treat after a day of exploring.
12. Go on a Low Tide Reef Walk
This was a highlight of our trip. We joined a guided tour with Ariimoana, led by the knowledgeable Kura and Jack.
We walked along the reef at low tide, and they taught us all about the local marine life and the importance of preserving the ocean. It was an incredible educational and beautiful experience for the whole family.
They also do an Inland Fruit Walk – where we tried more than 18 different types of local fruits on our tour! This was another of the most memorable tours we have done in Rarotonga with kids. We can’t recommend the Ariimoana Walkabouts tours highly enough!
13. Try New and Exotic Fruits
Rarotonga is a fruit lover’s paradise. We picked up some interesting new fruits like soursop, starfruit, and breadfruit from the markets and roadside stalls.
Have you tried pawpaw? Island guava? Or what about soursop?
Some different fruits to try in Rarotonga include:
- Green Mangoes
- Starfruit
- Soursop
- Plantain Bananas
- Tuava (island Guava)
- Dragonfruit
- Papaya (pawpaw)
- Uto (seeded coconut)
- Breadfruit
It’s a fun way to introduce kids to new flavours and a great way to support local growers!
- Read more about Fruits to Try in Rarotonga.
14. Drive the Back Road
Most people stick to the main coastal road. But for a different perspective, take a drive along the inland ‘Back Road’. It’s a narrow, bumpy local road that takes you through taro plantations, local villages, and lush green scenery.
It feels like you’re truly exploring the heart of the island.
15. Meet a Moko (Gecko)
Skinks, geckos, lizards – these little guys are all over the island! If it’s your first time in the tropics you might be wondering what that clicking noise is inside your accommodation or house. Well? That’s a Moko!
Our kids were obsessed with spotting the little geckos and skinks that are everywhere in Rarotonga. They are completely harmless and a constant source of entertainment. We spent hours trying to find them and give them names!
Look out for them inside your place to stay, or anywhere when you are out and about with a little bit of nature and bush around you.
16. The Palace Takeaway
I promised value for money in this post, didn’t I? Well, if you are in Avarua on Happy Hour at The Palace (and if you aren’t, you should make sure that you are) you are in serious luck.
A burger at The Palace costs $3.50 on a Wednesday evening!
For a super casual and delicious meal, head to The Palace Takeaway in Avarua. It’s a popular spot with locals and a fun, no-frills dinner option.
Grab a burger and go for a wander around the beautiful port area of Avarua. It’s great for the kids – but trust me, eating a burger in the golden hour in tropical paradise is hard to beat.
17. Visit Papa Mike’s Gallery
Mike Tavioni is a legendary local artist and carver. Visiting his gallery and workshop is a unique opportunity to see him at work and learn about Cook Islands culture and traditions. He’s incredibly welcoming and happy to chat with visitors of all ages.
18. Have a Picnic at the Beach
Grab some fresh fruit, some freshly baked bread, and find a secluded spot on one of the many beaches for a peaceful family picnic. The beaches are so clean and beautiful, and it’s a great way to enjoy a simple, relaxing lunch.
19. Plane Spotting (Free!)
Combine two simple pleasures: head to the western end of the airport runway, near Nikao, to watch planes land and take off. Plus see the waves crashing or spot whales from the lookout point!
Kids are often fascinated by the sheer size and sound of the aircraft, especially the larger international jets. It’s a free spectacle!
- Tip: FYI the Air New Zealand flight arrives daily from Auckland to Rarotonga at 1:40pm at the moment!
20. Find the Local Playgrounds
For a change of pace, let the kids burn off some energy at one of the local playgrounds.
There’s a great one at the Punanga Nui Market, and another on the south side of the island at YWAM in Vaimaanga.
Otherwise there are playgrounds at the Tiare’s Café in Muri and at Vaianas in Nikao.
21. Find a Sea Slug
Our kids thought this was the most exciting treasure hunt! The lagoon is home to hundreds and thousands of these sea slugs. They do look pretty funky. But these cool cucumbers actually play an important role in the ecosystem of the lagoon life as decomposers, contributing a great service to life on the reefs!
We spent ages searching for them in the sand and under coral, teaching the kids about the delicate balance of the ocean. It’s a simple, but super fun, activity.
The beaches are one of the best things to do in Rarotonga with kids – hands down!
22. Attend a Sunday Church Service
A Sunday church service is a truly special and unforgettable cultural experience.
Even if you aren’t a regular church goer this is a unique experience in Rarotonga. There is nothing quite like the sound of singing in a Pacific Island church!
Attending a church service with kids is an awesome experience. Seeing it through their eyes and experiencing the heartfelt culture of the Cook Islands is one of those moments of travel that you will remember forever.
Most of the Cook Island Christian Church services start at 10:00am on a Sunday. The local congregation and families attending will welcome you and make you more than glad that you went.
The singing is absolutely beautiful and fills the church with a harmony that will give you goosebumps. Just remember to wear your Sunday best—it’s a formal occasion!
Formal dress is expected. The kids are fine in shorts or a dress. But for adults it’s a good excuse to embrace the island shirt and a modest dress for the ladies. (Try an island church hat if you have time!). Plus don’t forget a small donation to put in the tithings collection.
Enjoy Rarotonga With Kids
So, there you have it – a huge list of 20 AWESOME Things To Do in Rarotonga with kids!
Rarotonga truly offers a wealth of free and cheap activities that are perfect for families. These experiences immerse you in the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, creating authentic and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope this list helps you plan an amazing family holiday in Rarotonga. It’s a destination that truly caters to all ages and is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Let me know if you try some of these or have any suggestions to add!
Accommodation Options in Rarotonga With Kids
Rarotonga is ideal as a destination for a family holiday. There is a great range of family friendly accommodation options with resorts, hotels and motels, holiday homes and self-catering AirBnB’s.
It is often possible to book flights and family accommodation in Rarotonga as a package (through a NZ travel agent).
Otherwise it’s easy to book family accommodation online.
- Resorts: Prices for the resorts start around $200 NZD p/night for a basic family room (options for breakfast and meals are extra).
- Hotels and Motels: Prices from $200 NZD per night. Some of the hotels advertise special deals in the quieter months.
- AirBnB: Options for self-catering are from $180 NZD p/night depending on the length of stay and location on the island (proximity to the beach!).
- Luxury: High end family accommodation in Rarotonga starts from between $600 to $1000 NZD per night.
Here is an initial list of accommodation in Rarotonga and options for families.
There are plenty more but this is just a start. Have a browse or leave us a comment if you have any questions.
Resorts in Rarotonga for Families
- 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 for Families
- 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 AirBnB options to browse online (I haven’t listed them all). But check them out for a great self-catering holiday option.
Backpacker and Budget Accommodation Options
- Rarotonga Backpackers, Arorangi
- Backpackers International, Aro’a
- Aremango Guesthouse, Muri
I have to add in here that on our first ever trip to Rarotonga with kids we came for Christmas in Rarotonga with our extended family. We stayed in a self-catering, beachfront bungalow at the Rarotonga Backpackers – which was just perfect!
Sort your accommodation before you arrive so that you are ready to step off that plane; embrace the feeling of that tropical breeze and get ready for an awesome family adventure!
Read More About Holiday to Rarotonga
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Essential Tips On Visiting Cook Islands.
- All About The Markets In Rarotonga.
- Places To Eat In Rarotonga On Sunday.
- Renting A Car in Rarotonga.
- How To Buy A Car In Rarotonga.
- Finding And Renting A House In Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
- Is Dengue Fever A Worry For Travel To Rarotonga?
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 traveling 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.
