Cruises visiting Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Avarua The Cook Islands capital city has an appealing small-town vibe that invites you to explore at leisure. A must while you’re here is the Punanga Nui Market, a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, pastries, and more. While the market is at its liveliest on Saturdays, it is also open Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm. Bibliophiles will enjoy the Bounty Bookstore, located next to the post office, and the Cook Islands Library & Museum Society combines a collection of Pacific-themed books with a small museum. View the Cook Islands Christian Church, established in 1823. Or browse the city’s shops. Black pearls, ukuleles, perfumes, and tivaevae (traditional quilts) are popular souvenirs. Arorangi Located on the island’s west coast, Arorangi was the first missionary settlement on the island. Here, you’ll find a Cook Islands Christian Church dating to 1849 and a beautiful beach. Beaches & Watersports Diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other watersports are popular on Rarotonga. Muri Beach on Rarotonga’s southeast coast offers crystalline waters—ideal for viewing marine life—as well as a beautiful beach. Dazzling tropical fish are also abundant at Titikaveka Beach, on the island’s southwest coast, and the clear waters of the Aroa Marine Reserve on the island’s west coast invite swimming and snorkeling. A Muri Lagoon Cruise is available as a shore excursion from The Gauguin. Interior With its rugged volcanic peaks and lush jungle, Rarotonga’s interior is largely unpopulated—but rewards exploration with its unspoiled beauty. An off-road safari by 4X4 is available as a shore excursion from The Gauguin. Matutu Brewery In the village of Tikioki, at the southern tip of the island, not far from Muri Beach, you can find the only brewery in the Cook Islands. Tours are available daily at noon and 1pm and include a tasting of their premium-beer output.