Rarotonga: Destination of the Month

Island nights are a fun way to delve into Rarotongan culture and are available at a wide range of different resorts. We highly recommend booking well in advance, as these shows often sell out – and we can see why! Packed full of traditional music, flame-throwing, delectable food and cultural dances, these shows are truly one of a kind. More often than not, the food will be served buffet style, consisting of popular island cuisine including rukau, taro, poke, fresh seafood and more. Dance troupes usually perform in colourful cultural outfits, making it an all-around spectacle. If you are lucky, you may even get to watch a flame-throwing act that will have your jaw on the floor!

If the ocean is your happy place, pop on a snorkel and get swimming! With water that can only be described as crystal clear and an abundance of colourful marine life to be discovered beneath the surface. Your best bet would be to hop on a snorkelling tour, as they’ll provide you with all the necessary equipment to have a great (and safe) time in the water. A top pick for snorkelling is Tikioki Marine Reserve – keep an eye out for butterflyfish, angel fish, turtles and more!

Don’t forget a pair of hiking shoes when packing your suitcase! Raratonga has a bunch of hikes on offer that allow you to see the island from a whole new perspective. One of the most popular trails is the Cross-Island Track, which is a four-hour hike in total. If you want to see the island from a whole new angle, the Maungatea Bluff Track is known for its incredible views at high altitudes. Another top pick is the Takitumu Conservation Area Trail – perfect for wildlife lovers. Keep your eyes pointed upward and try to spot the Kakerori, otherwise known as the Rarotongan Flycatcher bird! If you are new to hiking, shop our range of hiking packs and hiking boots to get yourself prepared.

The Punanga Nui Market is always humming, no matter the weather! This market is on every Saturday morning rain, hail or shine. At this market, you’ll find fresh produce, enticing baked goods, hot coffee, jewellery stalls, clothing and more. It is also the best place to go to bring home a special something for a loved one. The live music makes going to the markets a joyful experience, whilst also offering you insight as to how the locals spend their weekends.

If you want to add a sprinkle of adventure into your holiday plans, give the Raro Quad Tours a go! Take the reins and drive your quad bike to secret spots you wouldn’t see otherwise. If you’ve never hopped on a quad bike, don’t stress! They will give you an orientation beforehand to get you feeling confident. Splashing through streams and across muddy dirt roads are all part of this unforgettable experience.

Keen to jet set off to Rarotonga but don’t have the luggage? Head over to our website. We can get you kitted out with everything you could possibly need, including suitcases, packing cubes, travel backpacks and more! If you are interested in booking flights, check out Grab a Seat to secure yourself the best deal.