Away To Rarotonga

10 Things To Do On A Rainy Day In Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Sarah Steiner

So, it is raining a little on one of your longed-for holiday days in Rarotonga? There are days when it rains in paradise. But the good news is there are some cool things to do on a rainy day in Rarotonga to keep your holiday spirits up – even when it rains!

Whether you’re wanting to stay bone dry inside in the comfort of your resort. Or if you are feeling a little more adventurous and ready to brave the weather and make the most of Rarotonga in all weathers. There’s lots to do indoors and out in Rarotonga on a rainy day. 

Here are 10 fun and creative suggestions to make the most of things to do in Rarotonga on a rainy day. 

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1. TE ARA Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise

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.

Plus, there is a fresh and tasty range of locally sourced food and drinks in the onsite Te Ara Cafe.

2. Discover Marine & 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. 

Stonefish Rarotonga museum and marine discovery centre.
The kids being very still to spot the stonefish.
Can you?

3. Rarotonga Brewery – Rainy Day in Rarotonga?

Beer is the passion at Rarotonga Brewery, and the good news is that they want to share that with you! 

Get out of the weather and grab a free taster from the bar.  Then take a walk through the brewery to see where all the magic happens. 

The master brewer can take you for a tailormade tour around all the equipment and show you how the famous COOK ISLANDS LAGER is produced. 

The Rarotonga Brewery has official tours on a Tuesday and Thursday.  But if you are looking for things to do – like a brewery visit – in Rarotonga on a rainy day, just give them a call.  Bookings are essential.  

It makes a perfect rainy-day activity in Rarotonga! 

4. Cook Islands Library & Museum Society

Inland behind the Para O Tane Palace in Avarua is the small but noteworthy Cook Islands Library and Museum Society.  

This is a collection of Pacific literature that is some of the original library treasures of the Cook Islands and incorporates a small museum.

Which though small, is packed with a wonderful collection of artefacts and historical memorabilia regarding the many and diverse cultures throughout the many Cook Islands. 

It is a private organization, relying on visitors for its income, which for a mere $6 entrance fee, is definitely worth supporting.

Visitors can also become temporary members of the library for a fee of $20.  This allows visitors to borrow up to 6 books for a 6-month period.  Then a $10 refund is provided upon returning all borrowed books.

5. Empire Movie Theatre – Rainy Day in Rarotonga?

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

Empire Cinema is the local movie theatre in Rarotonga – 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 $12-15 NZD for adults and $6-8 NZD for children, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience. 

Empire Cinema in Avarua.

6. Cook Islands National Museum

This is another great museum option to get out of the weather on a rainy day in Rarotonga. 

The Cook Islands National Museum is part of the National Culture Centre in Avarua and showcases an interesting display of historical and cultural artefacts. 

See the generations-old carvings, seafaring vaka replicas and traditional handcrafted tivaevae linens. 

The Cook Islands National Museum is perfect on a rainy day in Rarotonga.

7. Pa Ariki’s Takitumu Palace Museum 

The Takitumu Pa Ariki’s Palace Museum is open to the public through the 48th title-holding Queen, dating back to 1250AD.  The museum is located in the village of Avana on the eastern side of Rarotonga.

8. Gallery Tavioni & Vananga

 Experience traditional Cook Island arts and craft at the beautiful Gallery Tavioni.  

Gallery Tavioni and Vananga is a foundation for indigenous knowledge and Cook Islands traditional arts.  The gallery is owned by master carvers Mike and Awhitia Tavioni.

Together they are world-renowned artists and cultural icons from the Cook Islands. Their contributions to Cook Islands art is immeasurable, and they are regarded in the highest esteem by the Pacific Island art community.

9. Bergman Art Gallery – Rainy Day in Rarotonga

The Bergman Gallery is the principal exhibition space at Beachcomber Building, on the main Taputapuatea Road in Avarua.  

The gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of Modern Pacific Art, representing and exhibiting artists from the broader Pacific region.

There is also a quirky café with delicious coffees, cakes, brunch and lunch open in the same Beachcomber Building. 

Bright colours on a rainy day in Rarotonga at the Bergman Art Gallery in Beachcomber Building.
Pacific art and colourful Tivaevae in the Beachcomber Building.

10. Forget the Tain with a Spa Day 

Forget about the rain with a relaxing – and incredible – spa treatment or massage.

There are many great spa options in Rarotonga with most of the large resorts having a spa onsite. Or indulge in a luxury treatment at Moana Sands Hibiscus Spa, Waterfall Spa at Rumours Luxury Villas or Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa. 

Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Rarotonga 

So, you see? There is quite a range of unique, relaxing and/or tasty things to do in Rarotonga when it’s raining.  

Don’t let a little rain in Rarotonga put a damper on your holiday in paradise! 

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