If there is anything you are interested in, click on any of the above and you will go directly to the information. If you would like further information, please see our "A-Z Rarotonga Info Guide" for more details.
Rarotonga has a lively arts and craft community. We recommend you visit the various galleries on Rarotonga where you will find an excellent representation of local artists, some of whom are gaining international recognition. You might also find artist exhibits in hotel and resort foyers.
There are a number of local jewellers on Rarotonga offering contemporary jewellery, as well as the world famous Black Pearls, Tivaevae (hand stitched quilts) and more. For a small country the art and craft scene is a fast changing landscape with fresh ideas and opportunities constantly emerging.
The Art Studio
A new and modern gallery owned by leading artists Kay and Ian George is a must see, and is located on the main road in Arorangi on the western side of the island.
Beachcomber
Located in Avarua...Beachcomber has taken on a whole new look and now incorporates Rarotonga's infamous "The Cafe"
Pacific Art
In Arorangi and a shop in Muri.
Mike Tavioni
One of the Cook Island's leading carvers is located on the back road behind the airport and well worth a visit.
Black Pearls
Are sold at a number of stores in Rarotonga and it is best you ask us or your host when you get here about the best place to go.
Te A-riki Art tour
Is a relatively new concept and is led by Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, a renowned local carver and artist. He provides insight into both culture and art in the Cook Islands. The art and culture in Rarotonga is both diverse and abundant and the art tour is an ideal way to delve a little deeper. You can always return on your own for a closer look at your leisure.
Punanga Nui markets
A great place to mooch around for local crafts. Of course food and entertainment are also a very big part of the market atmosphere. Just remember things kick off at the markets fairly early.
Rarotonga boasts an impressive selection of food and dining out options from cafes offering great cafe style food, local fish 'n chips lagoon side to more fine dining experiences. You will find a selection of both local and international cuisine. Most restaurants are licensed with a good selection of beers, wines and spirits. There are also some BYO options too.
To save you the hassle we have noted most of the restaurants, cafes and takeaway options (in alphabetical order) with location and phone numbers...feel free to ask us for recommendations
Aro'a Beachside Inn...Sunset BBQ's on the beach at Shipwreck Hut...Sunset BBQ's with local entertainers (selected days) and daily pub meals...ph: 22166
Blue Note Café, open 7 days breakfast, lunch and now open selected days for dinner located by the round-a-bout in Avarua…café style food…...Ph: 23236
Café Salsa, breakfast, lunch and open selected days for dinner [next to CITC main store, Avarua]…Ph: 22215
Club Bana, Located in downtown Avarua at the historic Banana Court, Open 7 days serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and fully licensed
Deli-licious, Located at Muri Beach...open 7 days - 7am to 7pm for breakfasts, coffee and deli style food.
FBI, for fresh fish and fish ‘n chips eat there or take away, open Monday-Saturday located in Avarua just down from Cook's Corner…Ph: 25488
Kikau Hut, dinner only and open Monday-Saturday located in Arorangi, Western side of the island…Ph: 26860 BYO wine & licensed
Maire Nui Cafe and Gardens, Titikaveka...Open for breakfast or lunch, Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm and Saturday 12pm - 4pm...Ph: 22796
Mango mama's market cafe, Located downtown Avarua right opposite Cook's Corner Bus Terminal...Open 7am Monday - Saturday...Ph: 20284
Ocean's beachside restaurant and bar, Located at Crown Beach Resort on the Western side of the Island...they also have an Island night and Seafood night...Ph: 23953
Paw Paw Patch Restaurant & Bar, breakfast and dinner and open 7 days [Moana Sands Resort, Titikaveka]…Ph: 27189/54379
Portofino Restaurant, lunch and dinner located just outside of Avarua...Ph: 26480
Sails Restaurant and Bar, open lunch and dinner located beachside, Muri Beach…Ph: 27349
Saltwater Café, open for breakfast and lunch Sunday-Thursday located in Turoa at the halfway mark…Ph: 20020
Sandals Restaurant, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days located beachside at The Pacific Resort, Muri Beach…Ph: 20427
Raviz Indian restaurant, open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday located right in Avarua on the corner by Budget…Ph: 22279 BYO wine and licensed
Tamarind House, breakfast, lunch and dinner located beachside just outside Avarua…Ph: 26486
The Café, breakfast to late afternoons, open Monday-Saturday (closes a little earlier on Saturdays) NOW located in the Beachcomber complex…for some of the best coffee on the island... Ph: 21283
The Flame Tree, dinner only located in Muri...Ph: 25123
The Flying Boat Takeaways…eat there or take away located seaside at The Rarotonga Game Fishing Club, Tupapa…Ph: 22230, one of the best for fish and chips in Rarotonga
The Point Restaurant & Bar, breakfast, lunch, dinner, 7 days located at the new Muri Beach Club Hotel at Muri Beach…Ph: 23000
Trader Jacks Restaurant and Bar, lunch and dinner, nearly always open with regular live entertainment located right on the water downtown Avarua…Ph: 26464
Tuoro, dinner only on Saturday and Sunday located at Black Rock Villas on the Western side of the island…Ph: 21233 BYO wine and licensed
Vaima Restaurant & Bar, dinner only, open 6 nights, closed Wednesday located main road, Vaimaanga, just down from Wigmores, transport available…Ph: 26123
Windjammer Restaurant, dinner only, 6 days, closed Tuesday located at Crown Beach Resort in Arorangi on the western side…Ph: 23950
Whatever Bar and Grill, Great food, Cold drinks and Hot service...open for lunch and dinner, 11am til late, Monday - Saturday... located upstairs and around the back, opposite the Empire Cinema in Avarua, our recommendation for a good steak or Whatever…Ph: 22299
Yellow Hibiscus restaurant and Bar, located at Palm Grove...serving breakfast and dinner daily, Ph: 20002
Banana Court
The BC has a long history. Its most popular nights are Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Wednesday night brings in a young local R n B flavored crew while Friday night has a more grass roots feel crowd. Tuesday night is live acoustic music in the Garden Bar, which by the way opens at 11am. The BC is open from Monday - Saturday.
Trader Jacks
This bar/restaurant is situated harbourside in Avarua. Trader Jacks again is a very old Rarotonga watering hole and is a popular venue with a mixed crowd. Great location makes for near perfect day and night out at this bar.Friday nights a must!
Whatever Bar & Grill
It's all in the name at this bar, which is a great start to any great night out. A mixed party crowd doing "whatever". This is one of the most popular bars with visitors' and locals. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights are busy up here. It is open Monday - Saturday.
RSA (Returned Servicemen Association|)
Commonly called the RAZA by the locals, it is located across the road from our airport and takes off every Monday night between 10pm and midnight. Popular night with both young locals and visitors, it features loud music, no air conditioning and cheap drinks. All the ingredients for a sweaty party night out. Open Monday - Saturday. As weith any RSA, NO hats allowed
Staircase Restaurant and Bar
Situated in the heart of Avarua, Staircase is the most popular dance spot on Thursday and Friday nights after 10pm. Staircase features indoor/outdoor flow with large dance space and a balcony with a beautiful view of the ocean. One of the best value Island Nights in Raro...Open Wednesday - Saturday.
Rehab
Across the bridge from Trader Jacks and just before the Whatever Bar.
Awesome club PA guarantee's banging sounds from Raros hottest Djs and international visitors. Top nights are Wednesday - Saturday.
Fishing Club
Mature crowd who love many a good drink. Play pool with some of tyhe best in Raro...Lots of local music played here. The Fishing Club has character and regulars to match. Cheap drinks and has great and an ever popular fish and chip boat out the back...sit beside the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the catch of the day
Roadhouse
A relatively new comer to Raro. Lots of local artwork around the bar and most of the staff wear fluorescent vests. Spacious with outdoor seating area, the Roadhouse pulls in a good local, come and join in the party.
Tips
Please check restaurants/cafes for opening days and times as not all are open 7 days a week and the days vary.
We also recommend you book for dinner, if possible.
A number of the bars offer happy hour drinks.
Check out the hotels/bars on the Western side of the island for “sunset drinks”.
A number of beachside resorts do a BBQ night and the costs for this are usually around NZ$25.00 per person. There is usually a sign out advertising these or check the daily paper - The Cook Island News for details.
Following world trends, Rarotonga is no exception and now offers a good range of health and beauty options!
Take a break from the stress of beach life and indulge in some pampering
BELT Hair, Nails and Beauty now located next to the airport offers all the name says...a modern salon and worthy of a visit if you need a hair cut while you are here, massage, facial or simply a bit of pampering...they are open 6 days a week (not Sundays).
Your Beauty and Spa is one on our list worth visiting. It is located at Crown Beach Resort on the western side of the island. There is a wide choice of therapies including waxing, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and therapeutic massages. Day Spa packages are also available. There is also spa pool. Ask for Andi she will look after you
A number of the resorts also offer health, beauty and massage treatments for him and her.
The Edgewater Resort and Spa, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, The Muri Beach Club Hotel, The Pacific Resort (massage only), South Pacific Massage next door to Moana Sands Beachfront Resort has a trained masseuse.
For those of you who cannot do without your gym fix - Fitness Cook Islands located beside Kid's 'n Action, opposite the airport is our recommendation. The gym offers modern facilities and a variety of classes. Healthy Living on the roadside of this building complex has someone specialising in massage and reflexology, also offering sports and nutrition supplements, smoothies etc...
Just opened at the Muri Beach Club Hotel is Paradise Beauty & Spa offering a wide range of body and facial treatments. Current opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm and Saturday 10am - 3pm.
Located on the back road in Atupa,. Phone 21666
Open 12-4.30pm every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays. Sunday open 12-4pm.
Admission is free, however donations are gratefully accepted.
To avoid disappointment, it does pay to check that they are open. This is an excellent family outing
The Cook Islands has a busy annual schedule of events from culture to sports to island celebrations, both local and international.
We have noted below just a few of the events that are held in Rarotonga each year. For a full calendar of events for all the islands check with Cook Islands Tourism.
Some upcoming events in Rarotonga for 2007
Watch this space for the local events for 2007!
It will pay to confirm these dates with Cook Island Tourism.