Away To Rarotonga

10 Things To Do With Kids On Rainy Day In Rarotonga.

Sarah Steiner

Looking for some things to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids?  We’ve got you covered!  

Although we can’t predict the weather, and Rarotonga does have a loveably tropical climate at the best of times.  There are some unique things to do on the island to pass the time.  Even if it’s raining a little – or a lot!

Here are 10 things to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids. 

What is the best time to visit Rarotonga for families?

The Cook Islands is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures year round.  But it does have the typically tropical weather of Polynesia and there are times you need to plan for a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids. 

Instead of four seasons in the year.  Rarotonga has two distinct seasons: a dry season which is slightly cooler and a wet season which is hotter and (much) more humid. 

So in theory, the best time to visit Rarotonga is later in the year from September – November.  This is when the weather is hot but tolerable and it isn’t too wet.  

Plus this is also the quietest time of year to visit as tourist-wise it is not as busy as the middle of year.  The middle of the year is when everyone is escaping the NZ winter!  

It is definitely worth looking ahead when planning which time of year to travel to Rarotonga with kids. 

Remember though that aside from weather-wise, it is more expensive for flights if you book close to departure and/or during the school holidays. 

Planning what to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids 

So, you’ve woken up to rain in Rarotonga and your tour has just been cancelled?  Don’t despair!  It is a great place to be and your away in the tropics on holiday, remember.   

Here are 10 things to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids. 

1. Empire Movie Theatre – Rainy day in Rarotonga

On a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids, one great option for entertainment is to visit Empire Cinema in Avarua.  

The Empire Cinema is the local movie theatre in Rarotonga.  In fact – it is the only movie theatre on the island!  But it offers a cozy escape from the weather, with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and the latest blockbusters. 

Tickets cost $12 NZD for adults and $6 NZD for children, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience. 

Empire Cinema things to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids.
Empire Cinema in Avarua.
Watching Elio at the Empire Cinema in Avarua.

2. Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre

The Rarotonga Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre has been created to showcase the Cook Islands unique and diverse marine and wildlife.  It is a small but packed, marine museum that is perfect for a rainy day in Rarotonga. 

There are live exhibits with coconut crabs and aquarium fish.  Plus, static exhibits on geology, geography, turtles, sharks, fossils, shells, ecology, cinema and so much more.  

Learn about the maritime history of the Cook Islands through the incredible displays of whaling and shipwreck artefacts.  See the rescue centre for turtle and bird rehabilitation on site which part of your entry fee goes towards supporting. 

Plus, treat yourself after all that great discovery to a sweet treat at the new onsite Lickity Splitz Ice Cream Parlour. 

The kids being very still to spot the stonefish. 
Can you?

3. The Rarotongan and Edgewater Resort Kids Clubs 

One more obvious choice for things to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids is to make the most of the Kids Clubs.  

The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium offers a package for kids under 12 where kids stay and play FREE! The onsite Moko Kids Club is open year-round (except public holidays).  It operates on Mondays to Saturdays from 9am-12noon, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm.

At the Edgewater Resort in Arorangi the Coconut Kids Club has daily activities for all ages.  There is fish feeding, crab racing, ei making (flower garland), and more!

4. TE ARA Cook Islands Museum – Rainy day in Rarotonga

Te Ara is the largest and main museum on Rarotonga and a hub of activity located in Muri.

The museum features a fantastic visual display about the story of the Cook Islands from pre-colonial times, independence in 1965, through to the present day.  There are interactive displays that will interest the kids.  

Plus, there is a tasty range of locally sourced food and drinks in the onsite Te Ara Cafe.  Our kids love the hot chocolate here!  

It is a slightly more expensive museum of the list but a great option on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids.  

5. Swim or snorkel – Rainy day in Rarotonga

This is one of the best things to do in Rarotonga with kids on a normal day.  But don’t despair if its raining.  The kids are still going to get wet, right? 

Weather aside, the best thing about snorkelling in Rarotonga – even/especially if it’s your first time – is that the entire island is surrounded by a reef.  This means, snorkelling with kids is a great option as it’s inside the shallow and safety of the lagoon. 

The best beaches for snorkelling in Rarotonga are: 

There is always the beach for a walk if the rain slows. Or if it’s a really rainy day and you don’t want to venture far from your accommodation; make the most of the swimming pool and let the kids get (even) more wet! 

It might be grey or rainy but it’s likely not really that cold.

6. Watch the planes – Rainy day in Rarotonga

Planes are still landing in the rain here in Rarotonga!  At the end of the runway around the sea wall in Nikao, there is a parking spot and lookout to watch the planes land.  

Albeit if it’s a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids this doesn’t sound quite as charming.  But there is space to park with a view from there that means you can even pull over in your car if it’s raining and watch the planes coming into land. 

7. 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 too.  This back road loops almost the entire way around the island as well. 

So if you have rented a car and even if it is raining, it’s interesting for a drive around to explore.  

Pack the kids in the car!  A loop around the island is always great.  But on the backroads – and even in the grey or rain – there is always something new to see.  

8. Avana Harbour – Rainy day in Rarotonga

Ok so this one isn’t quite so good on a pouring kind of rainy day in Rarotonga with kids.  But if its only lightly spitting or its ben a wet morning, Avana Harbour is impressive in moody or stormy weather. 

The Avana Harbour on the east side of the island is the entrance to Muri Lagoon.  But right on the point of the harbour is a small pathway out to the point.  Where before or after a storm, the Kota’a (frigate birds) circle.  It is an awesome sight to behold! 

Though of course take care and if the weather is not safe, don’t venture out to the harbour side. 

9. Get a Cook Islands donut 

This is just a small recommendation but an essential part of holidaying in Rarotonga with kids!  Have you tried a Cook Islands donut yet? 

At all the convenience stores and village supermarkets there are fresh Cook Islands style donuts cooked daily.  These are only $1 each and make a worthwhile mini outing.  Even Especially on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids! 

10. Hot chocolate at The Islander – Rainy day in Rarotonga

Last but not least, warm up on a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids choosing a hot chocolate overlooking the water at The Islander.  

This is the restaurant just near the airport in Nikao.  There is plenty of tables undercover and you can still look out over the lagoon and reef. 

A hot chocolate overlooking the stormy lagoon from The Islander in Nikao.

Planning for a rainy day in Rarotonga 

So, you see?  Even if you wake up to rain in Rarotonga, or your tour has been cancelled due to the weather.  There are still plenty of things to keep your family occupied.  

Make the most of even a rainy day in Rarotonga with kids! 

Read more about travel to Rarotonga

More about travel planning for Cook Islands and beyond

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