Rarotonga

Rarotonga, the largest and most populous of the Cook Islands, is a lush, mountainous volcanic island of great beauty and charm, the hub of the nation. Small enough to circle by car in an hour on its single coastal road, it is ringed by white-sand beaches and a clear turquoise lagoon, ideal for swimming and snorkelling, especially at the beautiful Muri Lagoon. At its heart rise jagged, jungle-clad volcanic peaks, crossed by the adventurous Cross-Island Track past the landmark spire of Te Rua Manga, the Needle. Relaxed, friendly and unspoilt by mass tourism, it blends beach, mountain and warm Polynesian culture.

History

The earliest evidence of people in the southern Cook Islands dates from around AD 1000, and tradition tells of settlers in the 9th century and of Tangi'ia Nui from Tahiti and Karika from Samoa around 1250; an early ariki, Toi, is said to have built the Ara Metua, the paved road around the island, and basalt for adzes was brought from the Austral Islands, Samoa and the Marquesas. In New Zealand Māori tradition Kupe visited the island and the great migration canoes passed through on their way to Aotearoa. Fletcher Christian sighted it from the Bounty in 1789, Philip Goodenough and William Wentworth made the first recorded European landing in 1814, and on 25 July 1823 the evangelist Papeiha came ashore from John Williams's ship; by 1830 the island was Christian, whalers and traders called from 1830 to 1850, the ariki banned land sales to Europeans in 1845, and after their petition Rarotonga became a British protectorate in 1888 and part of New Zealand in 1901 (Wikipedia, Rarotonga).

What's there

• The beaches and lagoon - the white sand and turquoise Muri Lagoon.
• The Cross-Island Track - the hike past the Needle spire.
• The coastal road - the easy circuit of the small island.
• The snorkelling - the lagoon reefs and marine life.

When to go

April to November, the drier, cooler season, for the best weather, calmest seas and best hiking conditions; the wet season from December to March is hotter and more humid with a cyclone risk. The island is easily explored year-round, and its lagoon, beaches and mountain trails are all within a short drive.

Things to know

Rarotonga is small and low-key, without the resorts, nightlife or wealth of attractions of larger destinations, which is precisely its unspoilt charm, so it suits those seeking relaxed beach-and-nature island life rather than buzz; the lagoon is shallow and better for snorkelling than deep swimming in places. As a beautiful, friendly and easygoing volcanic island of beaches, mountains and warm Polynesian culture, though, Rarotonga is a delightful and welcoming Pacific paradise.

Nearby

The stunning lagoon of Aitutaki is a short flight away.

Key facts