Relax on Raro time
The Cook Islands are part of a group sprawled across the South Pacific covering an area the size of Western Europe. That's a lot of paradise. A holiday in Rarotonga means you can slip into 'island time' and just be. A quick, easy introduction to the place can be had by catching the local bus, which circumnavigates the island in under an hour. Avarua is the main town, port and yacht hub on Rarotonga and the capital of the Cook Islands.
Wish You Were Here?
Snorkelling, diving and swimming are the king activities here and Muri Beach and its lagoon give you the chance to enjoy all three. For a showcase of Maori and Polynesian culture, traditional food and dancing, visit the Cook Islands Cultural Village; it's about 7 kilometres from Avarua. There are only 2 roads on Rarotonga: a coast road and a ring road about 500 metres further inland. You can get fresh reef fish daily in Avarua, collect wild-growing passionfruit and guava and if you're staying on the western side of the island, bask in glorious sunsets after the day's adventure.
Tangaroa Statue