The Ultimate Rarotonga Honeymoon Guide, Cook Islands

If you’re considering the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands for your honeymoon, then look no further than this complete Rarotonga honeymoon guide.

The South Pacific island of Rarotonga is one of our favorite destinations in the entire world, and yet the island somehow is relatively unknown to American travelers. It’s also an incredibly underrated destination for couples seeking romance. You won’t want to miss out on this hidden gem option for your honeymoon!

From where to stay on a Rarotonga honeymoon to things to do on a Rarotonga honeymoon, here is everything you need to know about planing a romantic trip to Rarotonga.

Where is Rarotonga located?

The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean due south of Hawaii, between French Polynesia and Fiji. They are a self-governing island chain that is affiliated with the country of New Zealand.

Rarotonga is the largest island in the Cook Islands. It is home to the majority of the country’s population as well as its capital city Avarua and international airport. It’s also part of the Cook’s Southern Group, which is more accessible than islands in its remote Northern Group.

Rarotonga is approximately 12 hours from the west coast of the USA. Keep reading for how to get to Rarotonga from the US and other countries.

How to Get to Rarotonga

Rarotonga is a very popular holiday destination for New Zealanders and Australians, although it is lesser known to American tourists. However, with new routes recently opened from the United States to Rarotonga, that may change in coming years.

All international flights to the Cook Islands will land in Rarotonga at the Rarotonga International Airport.

When to Visit Rarotonga

When is the best time to visit for your Rarotonga honeymoon? Rarotonga generally experiences a pleasant climate year round. Average highs typically fall in the high 70s to low 80s, and the average lows in the high 60s and low 70s.

Dry season falls during the winter months, April to November. Rainy season occurs during the summer season, November to March. High season for tourism typically runs July to August, during Australia and New Zealand’s winter holidays.

Why Plan a Rarotonga Honeymoon?

If you are looking for a laid back and private honeymoon in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Rarotonga is for you.

This remote paradise features incredible beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, delicious local food, and warm and welcoming people with a vibrant culture. Compared to its sister island Aitutaki, Rarotonga offers more to see and do and is perfect for more active travelers who want to explore.

The Cook Islands are very also very accessible for western tourists. English is the official language and the currency is New Zealand Dollars.

Plus, it is surprisingly affordable in comparison to other remote South Pacific destinations – especially for Americans, who enjoy an excellent conversion rate of USD to NZD.

Overall, Rarotonga is the perfect choice for honeymooners who seek more local and cultural experiences. With a law that buildings cannot be built higher than the tallest coconut tree, you won’t find mass tourism, big brand corporate hotel chains, or high rise buildings here.

The flip side? Don’t expect a top-of-the-line Four Seasons or St. Regis experience here at local Cook Islands hotels and resorts. Instead embrace the Rarotongan experience and stay at one of their amazing locally owned resorts, boutique hotels, or villas.

The Best Rarotonga Honeymoon Resorts

Rarotonga offers accommodations for a range of budgets and styles. All of the hotels and resorts on Rarotonga are locally owned, so you won’t find any high rises or name brands. Honeymooners will have amazing options ranging from villas to boutique hotels to local 4* and 5* resorts. Here are some of our pick for the best honeymoon resorts in Rarotonga.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga – While one of the larger resorts in Rarotonga, The Pacific Resort is still incredibly intimate at just 64 rooms, suites, and villas. The resort is located on the stunning Muri Lagoon, which is one of the best beach areas to stay in. This lush and tropical resort features a pool, an on-site restaurant, beach bar, an Avis car rental pick up center, as well as access to an off-site spa.

Rumours Luxury Villas – This award winning property is home to three private beachfront villas on Muri Lagoon. Each villa features two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a private tropical courtyard with waterfall features and swimming pool. Choose from a beachside villa to save on the budget or splurge on the Platinum Villa. Guests also receive a discount at the highly rated Waterfall Day Spa.

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa – Another fantastic option for seclusion and privacy, Te Manava offers 13 self-contained luxury villas with one, two, or three-bedroom villa options. Each villa features a gourmet kitchen and private pool, and there is even a spa on-site. It’s a fantastic option for a private honeymoon or even for groups celebrating a destination wedding. Plus, Te Manava has a prime location right on Muri Lagoon.

Little Polynesian – This romantic boutique beachfront resort features a picture-perfect pool set on a bright blue stretch of Titikaveka Beach, which is a popular snorkeling site. This luxe resort features eight beachfront villas and four garden studios, as well as on-site restaurant and bar. We found Little Polynesian to be incredibly romantic and aimed towards couples.

Nautilus Resort – This barefoot luxury boutique resort is set on a stretch of the beautiful Muri Lagoon. The Nautilus Resort features seventeen villas nestled among lush tropical gardens, each with its own private saltwater plunge pool. Choose from a garden or beachfront one bedroom villa, or a two or three bedroom villa. Enjoy a large pool, on-site restaurant, and spa as well as kitchenettes or full kitchens in the villas.

MOTU Beachfront Art Villas – This stylish new boutique resort offers 10 self contained villas surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Choose between garden studio villas, lagoon view villas, or expansive beachfront villas. Each villa contains a kitchenette and the resort also offers a pool. Plus it’s located on top beach Titikaveka Beach for great snorkeling right outside your doorstep.

How to Get Around Rarotonga

We highly recommend that you rent a car in Rarotonga as you will want to leave your hotel and explore the island’s many beaches, sights, and restaurants.

It’s very easy to drive in Rarotonga. There is one main road that loops around the island, which takes about an hour to drive the circumference. There are no traffic lights and only two roundabouts, and the speed limit ranges from 18 – 30mph.

The easiest way to get your rental car upon arrival is to book in advance and arrange an airport pick up. We reserved a car through Rarocars, which cost us just $212.19 USD for 5 days.

Upon our arrival, the car was waiting at the airport rental car parking lot for us with the keys in the ignition. We were able to grab our car and head into the Raro Cars office in town to complete the paperwork. Now if that’s not island style, I don’t know what is!

Where to Eat in Rarotonga

From aesthetic brunches to local favorites to romantic restaurants, Rarotonga has restaurants for every kind of honeymooner. There are so many amazing places to dine at, we couldn’t even get them all on this list! Here are some of our favorite recommendations that couples will enjoy.

Beluga – For breakfast or brunch, do not miss this trendy little spot right off the main road. Enjoy seriously delicious coffee and hearty dishes on their outdoor patio or head inside to their very aesthetic indoor cafe area.

On The Beach Bar & Restaurant – As its name suggests, this restaurants has an incredible beachfront location that you just can’t beat. Located at the Manuia Beach Resort, OTB offers toes-in-the-sand dining, a relaxed and family-friendly environment, live music, and an incredible sunset views.

The Lazy Trout – The Lazy Trout is a hidden gem in downtown Avarua serving all-day alfresco breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is set next to a pool and features views of the mountain as well as a beautiful tropical garden setting. Their coffees and waffle dishes are divine!

Nautilus Resort Restaurant – Located at the Nautilus Resort, this stylish yet casual beachfront restaurant and bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features garden to table food. Choose from the casual beachside dining on the patio with views of Muri Lagoon, or opt for a fine dining experience in the main dining area.

Little Polynesian Restaurant – The small restaurant located at the Little Polynesian Resort is an incredibly romantic option for dinner as well as a great poolside lunch spot. Enjoy an intimate meal poolside with views of Titikaveka Beach and its bright blue lagoon. Note, reservations are essential due to its small capacity.

Tamarind House and Ukulele Bar – A favorite with both locals and visitors, Tamarind House is set in an old renovated colonial home surrounded by a beautiful garden, with five different dining areas to choose from. Enjoy an ocean view for a special lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars at Tamarind House.

Sandals Restaurant & Barefoot Bar – Sandals Restaurant is located at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Surrounded by a lush pond filled with lilies and plant life, the atmosphere here is incredibly tropical and romantic. Don’t miss heading next door to the Barefoot Bar for a sunset cocktail overlooking Muri Lagoon and this perfect photo op spot in front of the restaurant.

Antipodes – This incredible restaurant is perched high on a cliff overlooking the Black Rock area. Enjoy organic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with incredible views of the lagoon. We recommend booking a reservation for dinner around sunset to make the most of the view.

The Waterline Restaurant & Beach Bar – This local favorite bar and restaurant offers beachfront dining in a romantic yet casual atmosphere. This is an incredible location for a sunset cocktail and dinner so make sure to book in advance reservation as it gets busy.

Romantic Things to Do In Rarotonga

Rarotonga has so many different activities available for every type of traveler! From its relaxing at its incredible beaches to exploring its natural sights, here are some of our top picks for romantic activities in Rarotonga.

Beach Hopping – Rarotonga has so many beautiful beaches! Rent some snorkeling gear and go beach hopping around the island. You’ll find incredible snorkeling at Titikaveka Beach, a calm lagoon perfect for kayaking and SUP at the famed Muri Lagoon, and incredible sunsets from the look out point at Black Rock Beach (pictured).

Lagoon Cruise – Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruises and the Koka Lagoon Cruise both offer glass-bottom boat cruises on Muri Lagoon. Couples and families alike will enjoy snorkeling, live entertainment, and a BBQ lunch on a small private motu in the middle of the lagoon.

Aitutaki Day Tour – If you don’t plan on spending any of your honeymoon nights on the sister island of Aitutaki, then the Aitutaki Day Tour it is an absolute MUST. This package from Air Rarotonga and the Vaka Cruise is aimed at visitors who are not staying overnight in Aitutaki. You will be flown on an hour flight to Aitutaki where you will enjoy an incredible 6-hour snorkeling and island hopping cruise aboard a traditional Vaka boat before being flown back to Rarotonga.

Turtle Tour – Avid snorkelers won’t want to miss an opportunity to see turtles up close and personal with a turtle snorkeling tour. Check out the turtle tour packages offered by popular operators Cook Islands Turtle Tours and Snorkel Cook Islands. And On the Water even offers sea scooter turtle adventures!

Wigmore’s Waterfall – Take a (bumpy) drive up the mountain or an extended hike to check out Wigmore’s Waterfall. During wet season this is a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Note however that during dry season, the waterfall is nearly empty of water and more like a trickle, as in the photo above. But it was still cool to go check out.

Attend an Island Night – Island Night is a beloved traditional around the island and many resorts and cultural centers host them on a weekly basis. Similar to a Hawaiian luau, Island Nights typically pair delicious food with incredible traditional Polynesian entertainment. Click here for an excellent guide to Rarotonga Island Nights from the tourism bureau.

Maire Nui Gardens – Strolling through the seven acre Mairie Nui Botanical Gardens is a must-do. Maire Nui’s spectacular gardens are a nature lovers paradise with an impressive array of tropical plants and flowers to enjoy. Don’t miss a stop at the Maire Nui Cafe after for coffee or lunch as well.

Rarotonga Wedding Packages

Interested in hosting a wedding in paradise? There are many resorts and venues that offer popular wedding packages in Rarotonga for a stress free celebration.

Maire Nui Gardens – The Maire Nui Gardens is an incredibly romantic location for a wedding and welcomes luxury weddings and private events. Reach out to the staff for further information about hosting your wedding here.

Antipodes – With Antipodes Restaurant’s wedding package, arrangements can be made for a local-style beachfront wedding with transportation for guests back to the restaurant for the reception after.

Te Vara Nui – Host your reception at the Te Vara Nui Village cultural center and treat your guests to a private or semi-private overwater island night show! Te Vara Nui can also organize the ceremony portion for you as well.

Nautilus Resort – Nautilus Resort can host weddings for their guests ranging from elopements to 150 guests. Customizable packages are available starting from $2650 NSD / $1533 USD and there is also an option to host your wedding on a private motu in the lagoon.

What to Pack for Your Rarotonga Honeymoon

Packing for a Rarotonga honeymoon in the Cook Islands is easy. Overally, Rarotonga is a casual and laid back island. You don’t need to get overly dressy and you don’t need a ton of outfits. This is a flat sandal, sneaker, and flip flop type of island. Think barefoot luxury!

However, since it is your honeymoon and a special occasion, make sure you pack some luxe white bikinis, dresses, and pajamas. We highly recommend at least one nice dress for a special dinner, like a private dinner under the stars!

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