Planning a first time holiday to the Cook Islands and wondering about tips on visiting Rarotonga?
Travelling to the Cook Islands is a beautiful, vibrant and relaxing experience. The culture and country is characterised by the wild blue expanse of the planet’s biggest ocean. But these isolated isles are one of the greatest getaways.
Visit the colourful market and the experience those picturesque beaches and the sunsets. It is a welcoming and friendly culture with a strong emphasis on hospitality.
So with some tips – from a family who is proud to call Rarotonga home – the Cook Islands is about to be one of the top destinations you have ever encountered.
Here are 15 practical tips on travelling to Rarotonga to help you pack, plan and know what to expect when you arrive.
Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?
Important Tips: Travelling to Rarotonga
Welcome to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands! It’s safe to say we love this incredible south Pacific Island gem.
I started writing this travel guide as we touched down in Rarotonga, moving back to live in the Cook Islands for a second time!
We have been living in Rarotonga for several years now after travelling around the world with our kids fulltime for more than six years. It is unanimous that we love it here.
But for a first-time visitor, planning a trip to Rarotonga can feel overwhelming. Many people have hesitations making a first trip to the Pacific. There aren’t really the same kind of ‘all-inclusive’ options that there are in other island resort countries.
But rest assured, the Cook Islands has been welcoming travellers for decades.
It is a welcoming and friendly country with incredible culture, delicious food, beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes that make it an amazing choice for a holiday.
So here we go.
In no particular order – but each with equal importance – here are 15 of the top tips for travelling to Rarotonga to ready you with confidence and know-how for your first time.
Tips on Travel to Rarotonga and Cook Islands
Here are some pre-departure tips to help you plan your time in this fascinating island nation.
1. Check the weather in the South Pacific – Visiting Rarotonga
The Cook Islands are famously beautiful year-round. But there are of course some seasons that are better to travel than others.
The months of May to October are known as a great window for a visit. This is officially the dry (drier) season with low humidity. Plus, this is the best time to escape the New Zealand and Australian winter, right?
From November to April is summer and the weather is warmer but also sometimes wetter. However, the rain comes in short and sharp showers with sunshine and blue skies popping right back out afterwards.
December to January is the cyclone season in the South Pacific. Although storms at this time of year can bring heavy rain and strong winds, the Cook Islands is not severely impacted each year.
- Tip: Keep an eye on the weather in the South Pacific.
2. Triple Check Dates Before Crossing the International Dateline
This is quite likely the most important of all tips on visiting Rarotonga. Because if you are flying from Australia or New Zealand to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, you cross the International Dateline.
In short, this means that your flight departs on a different date to that it lands on. Regardless of the time of day you fly.
So, if you fly from Auckland on a Friday, you land in Rarotonga on a Thursday. Yet if you are flying past midnight, you could end up arriving on a date that is two days from when you depart.
Similarly, traveling back from Rarotonga to New Zealand or Australia, travellers lose a day, and arrive the day after they depart.
Likewise, double and triple-check your accommodation dates to preclude any unpleasant surprises.
- Tip: Check and triple check your dates before booking accommodation in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands to match your flight dates.
3. Embrace Island Time: Visiting Rarotonga
Visiting Rarotonga and the Cook Islands means adjusting – and embracing – what is only to be known as ‘island time’.
It really is a thing! But it is a great part of island life.
We love the pace of living in Rarotonga. Albeit it does take a little bit of adjustment. We’ve been travelling fulltime all around the world for six years and have what we call our ‘24-Hour Rule’ for travel anywhere.
We reckon it always takes a day to let yourself physically and mentally adjust to your new destination. But it’s a great part of adapting to a new country and culture.
The Cook Islands definitely operate on island time. If you are meeting someone and they have still to arrive after 15 minutes, that’s no cause for concern. Just relax and enjoy Rarotonga’s easy-going vibe.
- Tip: Embrace island time!
4. Avoid the School Holidays If You Can – Visiting Rarotonga
The New Zealand and Australian school holidays are a busy time of year for tourists visiting Rarotonga.
There are three short, 2-week school holidays in New Zealand, spread out during the school year. Which for many visitors this is the only time they can travel. In doing so it does put pressure on prices and availability for accommodations and flights during these periods.
If you aren’t tied by the school holidays in New Zealand and Australia it is wise to reconsider visiting Rarotonga at this time.
Note also that Cook Islanders living in New Zealand often visit the Cook Islands for Christmas and New Year, and for the annual celebrations that lead up to the island’s Constitution Day on 4th August.
- Tip: If you are flexible with dates, check ahead and avoid Australian and New Zealand school holidays if you can.
5. Pack for the ‘Tropics’ – Visiting Rarotonga
Yippee! You’re packing for a tropical holiday!
Along with the obvious items – swimming togs, sun hat and jandals – there are a few further items 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.
Lightweight hiking shoes are recommended for tackling Rarotonga’s ‘The Needle’ Cross Island Walk.
While other essentials for exploring the lagoons and beaches include reef shoes. These are lightweight to add to your packing list for Rarotonga. But reef shoes protect your feet from coral cuts and the occasional stonefish. Plus, they are gentler on the precious coral and marine life than huge flippers which are not necessary in the lagoon.
Bring a long-sleeved linen shirt and trousers to guard against insect bites in the evenings. Hats and sunglasses are also strongly recommended.
- Tip: Pack casual clothes for Rarotonga though do think about packing for the tropical climate, reef and lagoon.
6. Dress Modestly Away from the Beach
Don’t forget some more modest items of clothing in your packing list for Rarotonga. These casual but modest clothes are for wearing in town away from the beach.
The general dress code in Rarotonga is informal and Cook Islanders are a famously friendly bunch. But to avoid causing offence, don’t wear brief attire in town or villages.
Certainly if you attend a Sunday church service (recommended for the singing alone) be sure to dress respectfully.
For church, a collared shirt with long trousers or a skirt are the right attire for this more formal occasion.
- Tip: Dress modestly in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands when away from the beach. Pack a sarong to wear after swimming!
7. Drink Filtered Water – Visiting Rarotonga
Tap water in Rarotonga is not filtered and therefore not recommended for drinking while on holiday. But you do need to keep hydrated in the hotter, tropical climate of the Cook islands.
Some accommodation providers will have filtered taps.
Otherwise one of the best things about Rarotonga is that it’s free and easy to refill your reusable water bottle at one of the filtered water stations around the island.
It is a great initiative for locals and tourists alike!
- Tip: Keep hydrated and use the water stations to drink filtered water in Rarotonga.
9. Avoid Mosquito Bites
If you’re visiting Rarotonga you’re likely already thinking ahead about mosquitos. But don’t panic.
While there is no Malaria on the islands, Dengue Fever is also transferred by mosquitoes and is present on Rarotonga.
- The latest outbreak of Dengue in the Cook Islands was noted in January 2026.
However, most accommodation places have mosquito screens on the windows. There’s no vaccine or prophylaxis for the virus, so take care.
Use repellent, keep your accommodation insect proof using the door and window screen. Plus wear long trousers in the evening if worried.
Accommodation providers (and local villages) are continuing precautionary action by spraying regularly throughout the year to eradicate mosquitos.
- Tip: If you or your children are feeling sick or need medical assistance you can visit the Tupapa Outpatient Clinic (in Tupapa village, just near town). Or contact the Outpatient services on ph: +682 29110.
10. Be Aware of the Water Currents Before Swimming
Rarotonga’s water currents in the lagoon can be strong and unpredictable, especially near passages in the outer reef and during outgoing tides.
Check out for the warning signs of passages in the reef to stay away from. Or ask a local if the water is safe before you go swimming.
Some parts of Rarotonga’s lagoon have strong currents, particularly near the Rutaki, Papua and Avaavaroa passages. The Avaavaroa Passage is where the turtle tours in Rarotonga take place. So do be aware that here it is absolutely recommended to swim with a registered and certified turtle tour guide to keep safe.
- Tip: Be aware of local currents before jumping in the water.
11. Take a Card & Carry New Zealand Dollars Cash
Currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
New Zealand coins are accepted too. Plus the Cook Islands also has specific coinage including a triangular $2 coin.
You can withdraw bills from ATMs on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Though you cannot change Cook Islands money outside of the country so remember to spend/change local coins before you leave.
There are sixteen ATM’s around Rarotonga operated by ANZ, BSP (Bank of the South Pacific) and BCI (Bank of Cook Islands). They each provide facilities for cash advances on major credit cards.
There are two ATM’s on Aitutaki. Though none of the other islands have ATM facilities.
Some of the larger retail outlets and restaurants accept payment by credit card.
However you definitely need to carry cash with you for the night and weekend markets, roadside stalls and small village stores.
There are ATM facilities at Rarotonga Airport for cash withdrawal on arrival.
- Tip: Take a credit card and carry New Zealand dollars in cash.
12. Ask Before Taking Photos
All over the world, people deem it impolite to portray people without asking. It is the same visiting Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.
Some locals aren’t keen on being photographed. You can always ask someone, and while many may be more than happy you probably will find several that say no. Don’t be offended if they say no.
But do ask before taking photos of people. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Tip: If you’re wanting to take a picture of a person’s face, always ask permission.
13. Get a SIM Card for Visiting Rarotonga
We all rely so much on the internet these days. In the Cook Islands, it’s useful for navigating, booking accommodation and activities. Plus having mobile data is genuinely the best way of capturing all the incredible sights and sounds to share back home and on social media.
Hotels and accommodation in Rarotonga do (mostly) have WIFI. It’s not that outdated – though free internet access is hard to find in the Cook Islands.
To keep it simple, you essentially have three options for staying connected with mobile data while visiting Rarotonga:
- Extend you home mobile plan
- Buy a local SIM Card for Cook Islands
- Get an eSIM for Cook Islands
You could extend your plan from home and use your native SIM card internationally. However, most international roaming plans (sorry) can be eye-wateringly expensive.
We recommend you get a SIM card of some sort for your holiday.
Vodafone also sells an eSIM package incorporating 10GB or data, 30 minutes of international calling and 300 text messages. Vouchers and Travel SIMs are both available from Vodafone’s booth at Rarotonga airport.
- Tip: Get an eSIM or physical SIM card for visiting Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
14. Hire a Car – Visiting Rarotonga
You have several options for getting around in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands:
- Car: Hire a car in Rarotonga or Aitutaki
- Motorbike: Rent a scooter or motorbike in Rarotonga
- Bus: Take the local bus in Rarotonga
- Taxi: This can be arranged with your accommodation to get from the airport to your place to stay.
Without doubt, the easiest option for getting around in Rarotonga is to hire a car for your stay.
Car rental in Rarotonga begins from around $45 NZD per day for a small car. Which is all you need – trust me on that one; we love our little Nissan March!
Start here with some of the car rental options on Rarotonga:
- Rarotonga Rentals
- Pacific Rental Cars & Bike Hire
- Polynesian Rental Cars
- Raro Cars
- Island Car & Bike Hire
All visitors (over the age of 16) are able to drive in the Cook Islands – provided they have a current driver’s license from their home country.
Your overseas license enables you to drive the motor vehicle class that you are entitled to drive in your own country.
- Tip: Hire a car in Rarotonga to get around independently on your holiday in the Cook Islands.
14. Sunday is a Day of Rest – Visiting Rarotonga
In the Cook Islands, Sunday is a quiet day and a day of rest on the islands. Many shops and businesses close on a Sunday. For most people it is a day to visit with family and attend church service. Though there are some cafes and restaurants that open in Rarotonga on a Sunday. It is worth checking ahead for both!
- Tip: Sunday is a day of rest in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.
15. Our Last Tip on Visiting Rarotonga? Trust Your Gut.
Don’t get hung up on potential worries or stories you heard from others who haven’t actually ever visited Rarotonga.
More than anything, trust your gut. Enjoy the Cook Islands. Remember that many people travel to Rarotonga – hundreds every year – and have a great time!
Let yourself fully experience Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.
It is an incredible destination for a getaway, beaches, food, landscapes, culture – and so much more!
- Tip: Trust your gut instinct.
Most Important Tips for visiting Rarotonga?
Essentially, these are the best tips for visiting Rarotonga and the Cook Islands to ensure you have the absolute best experience.
- Keep an eye on the weather in the South Pacific.
- Embrace island time!
- Avoid the New Zealand school holidays if you can.
- Check and triple check your dates before booking accommodation in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands to match your flight dates.
- Dress modestly in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands when away from the beach. Pack a sarong to wear after swimming!
- Keep hydrated and use the water stations to drink filtered water in Rarotonga.
- Avoid mosquito bites.
- Be aware of local currents before jumping in the water.
- Take a credit card and carry New Zealand dollars in cash.
- If you’re wanting to take a picture of a person’s face, always ask permission.
- Get an eSIM or physical SIM card for visiting Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
- Hire a car in Rarotonga to get around independently on your holiday.
- Sunday is a day of rest in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.
- Trust your gut instinct. Always!
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- 10 Foods To Try In Rarotonga.
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Hiring A Scooter In Rarotonga.
- 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?
- Transport & Getting Around Rarotonga.
Travel Planning for Cook Islands & Beyond
These are the companies we use 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. Easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for.
- 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 including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!
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.