McRae Cottages Rarotonga - Cook Islands

Welcome - Kia Orana

Take a swim in the Lagoon Welcome to Rarotonga - gateway to the the Cook Islands.

Situated in the South Pacific Region, with Tonga and Samoa to the West, and Tahiti to the East the Cook Islands are the heart of Tropical Polynesia. The Cooks (as affectionately known by the locals) are made up of 15 islands spread across two million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean.

Rarotonga, with 67 square kilometres of mountains and coastal regions, is the largest of the islands and surrounded by a magnificent reef with clear turquoise water. With an International airport to the North, Rarotonga is the perfect base to explore the Cooks or just take a relaxing break.

What to do...

  • Explore the shops, cafe's, waterfront markets (operate most days), galleries and handicraft in the capital, Avarua (don't forget to check out the black pearls).
  • Watersports including; surfing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and diving.
  • Take a Quad Bike Adventure Tour through the lush tropical rain forest.
  • Take the island bus (around the 32km ring road) around the coast of the island. Or, hire a car, motorbike or quad bike.
  • Explore the Takitumu Nature Reserve with its abundant plant and bird life.
  • Go on a Whale watching tours - available from July to September.
  • Take a trip to one of the outer islands.
  • Or, just relax under a Palm tree on one of the many secluded sandy beaches.
Relax under a Palm Tree

Don't Forget...

The Cook Island are on the other side of the International Date Line. So, if travelling from New Zealand you will arrive before you leave (well, not really but they are almost a day behind). Don't get your dates mixed up when booking flights or accommodation.

The Cook Islands have their own currency but the $NZ is widely accepted and the prefered option whilst travelling.

Driving in the Cooks is on the left hand side of the road. However, drivers of all vehicles are required to have a current Cook Islands Drivers Licence. This is available from the Police Station in Avarua for a nominal fee of around NZ$10 on presentation of your current licence.