Rarotonga Activities?

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gbwelly

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Topic # 240420 7-Sep-2018 09:42

We are off to Rarotonga soon. We have explained to the 12 year old that it's a relaxation holiday, but I'd still like to have a couple of activities up my sleeve in case everyone gets to the point of having enough of lazing around, reading and swimming.

Can anyone attest to any particular activities they would recommend?

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Reply # 2085359 7-Sep-2018 09:42

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Reply # 2085365 7-Sep-2018 09:50

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Snorkelling / diving are obvious I guess. Saturday is Market Day in Avarua and worth a visit. 12 is probably a bit young for a scooter, even by Cook Island standards, but an e-bike hire and explore might be fun.

frankv

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Reply # 2085389 7-Sep-2018 10:04

Things I did do and enjoyed:

Hire a car for a day or a half-day and take a drive. Especially, drive around bits of the inner road (not the outer, sealed road) and some of the inland roads.

Wander around the back streets of Avarua.

Glass-bottom boat cruise, although a bit touristy.

Quad-bike ride was fine, but 12 might be a bit young.

Dinner/concert at resort thing near the Rarotongan resort (don't recall the name, Google it). Very touristy.

Ride on the bus.

Things I didn't do, but you might like:

Learn to kite-surf and paddleboard on the lagoon.

Fishing & whale-watching (in season) boat trip.

Trip to Aitutaki (a bit pricey).

Hiking.

Sight-seeing flight.

nzkc

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Reply # 2085392 7-Sep-2018 10:09

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Disclaimer: I was there over 10yrs ago now (really should get back)

We did the cross island hike. I think that was actually a highlight for me on the holiday. Not too strenuous though you do need to be fully mobile and able to hike a wee bit. I'd happily take my 9yr old...maybe not the 6yr old.

Someone mentioned Aitutaki. That place is stunning! Its not really a place to do active things though. We were there on our honeymoon and did a couple of nights here. Its worth going to to see the lagoon. Snorkellng is great. We grabbed one of the smaller operators (recommended by the hotel) and that made it all more informal and fun. You could do it as a day trip (flights allowing) but thats gonna be pricey to be honest. Its a lovely place and one of those "everyone should see it once" places.

Update: This was the walk - do recommend it. http://www.pastreks.com/pas-cross-island-trek-walk-rarotonga.htm

kiwi_64

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Reply # 2085394 7-Sep-2018 10:12

We did a snorkling trip that included a stop to feed stingrays and watch shark feeding ...

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Reply # 2085402 7-Sep-2018 10:18

Perfect timing for this thread, I'm heading there in a couple of weeks - no kids though so only my wife an I to entertain.

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gbwelly

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Reply # 2085418 7-Sep-2018 10:38

Thanks guys that is great information, lots of ideas in there!

Chrisclarke

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Reply # 2085420 7-Sep-2018 10:41

We spent 9 days there three years ago. I worried the kids (then 8 and 10) would get bored but they actually complained when we dragged them away from the villa pool or snorkelling in the lagoon.

Other than the above they enjoyed:

- Muri night market (great food stalls)

- Kayaking on the lagoon

- Aitutaki day trip

- Te Vara Nui cultural tour/buffet/show

- Captain Tama's cruise

- A few island walks (they were too young to manage the cross island hike but we did some small forays into the wilderness...)

We enjoyed (but kids less so):

- Avarua Saturday morning market

UHD

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Reply # 2085529 7-Sep-2018 11:44

The hike to the island peak has a stunning view though can be arduous depending on your fitness level. You can get some pretty nice panoramic shots from up there so don't forget the camera.

CYaBro

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Reply # 2085531 7-Sep-2018 11:53

For some great food make sure you go to the Muri Night Markets at least once. :)

They are open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5-9pm.

They also usually have some entertainment going on, which is free.

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scuwp

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Reply # 2085606 7-Sep-2018 13:03

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Atutaki day trip and trip out to one foot island is a must if you can afford it. Kids also enjoyed Captain Tama's at Muri Beach. Son and I also enjoyed our first go at a diving tour in the lagoon around by the Raratongan Resort. Great adventure and good value. We did a 4x4 island tour but can't say it was that great. You can only be shown how to open a coconut so many times.

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idle

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Reply # 2085610 7-Sep-2018 13:26

We have been 5-6 times and enjoyed all the above recommendations. A son had a job there for several years so we got to know Rarotonga fairly well. The only other places to go would be Trader Jacks, down by the port, and Tamarind Restaurant, on outskirts of Avarua. Overall, It's a great place to relax and enjoy the NZ$!

hairy1

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Reply # 2085703 7-Sep-2018 15:04

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Don't forget a fish sandwich from the Moorings at Avana Harbour (Northern end of Muri). Fish is freshly caught by Captain Moko. Awesome!

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eracode

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Reply # 2085832 7-Sep-2018 18:06

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Did the cross-island tramp (years ago) as mentioned above by @nzkc - and agree it was a highlight.

Agree re Aitutaki too - fantastic - a world treasure.

Overall the Cooks are a great place - kill Fiji on many fronts.

eracode

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Reply # 2085834 7-Sep-2018 18:09

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scuwp:

Atutaki day trip and trip out to one foot island is a must if you can afford it. Kids also enjoyed Captain Tama's at Muri Beach. Son and I also enjoyed our first go at a diving tour in the lagoon around by the Raratongan Resort. Great adventure and good value. We did a 4x4 island tour but can't say it was that great. You can only be shown how to open a coconut so many times.

A day trip if you have to - but if you're a spending the money to get there it deserves at least a few days.

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