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Top Experiences For Visitors

Muri Beach

Muri Beach is one of the top beaches in Rarotonga. If you're booking flights to Rarotonga for the picturesque white sand and turquoise water, you'll want to spend a few hours on this stretch of shoreline. You can snorkel from the beach, and you'll come across various tropical fish species. Once you've worked up an appetite, there are nearby restaurants serving up delicious local and international cuisine.

Te Vara Nui Village

At the Te Vara Nui Village, you can learn about the history of the Cook Islands and traditional island. Once your flight lands at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), you can ask your hotel to book you on a two-hour tour of the village. Most packages will include transport to and from your accommodation, and you can also opt to stay for dinner in the village.

Te Rua Manga Hike

For avid hikers booking return flights to Rarotonga, the Te Rua Manga trail deserves a spot on your itinerary. It will take you along the north coast of the island and up to the Te Rua Manga pinnacle rock. The trail then continues down the south coast and winds past the beautiful Wigmore's Waterfall. If you're buying an airfare to Rarotonga in the wet season, the falls will be at their best!

Aroa Marine Reserve

Located on the west coast, the Aroa Marine Reserve is an excellent day trip from Rarotonga. You can spend the entire day snorkelling past parrotfish, angelfish, and Moorish idols! With motorised boats not allowed by the reserve, it’s the perfect spot for families with small children in the Cook Islands thanks to flights to Rarotonga. Be sure to stay here for sunset! You'll have one of the best views from the reserve's beach.

Maire Nui Gardens

If you want a break from lazy days at the beach, head to the Maire Nui Gardens. The seven-acre property is home to beautiful tropical flowers, lily ponds and dozens of palm trees. Entrance to the gardens is by donation making it one of the cheapest things to do for budget travellers buying cheap flights to Rarotonga.

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rarotonga all depends on what you want to get out of your holiday. For picture-perfect weather without a rain cloud in the sky, book your flights to Rarotonga in the dry season. From May to October, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as kitesurfing, hiking, and snorkelling.

You'll also be around for some of the biggest annual events on the Cook Islands. From 26 July to 5 August, you can attend the Te Maeva Nui Cultural Festival. It's the largest celebration on the Cook Islands and is a great way to soak up the local culture. However, you'll want to keep in mind that the event's popularity may drive up prices for an airfare to Rarotonga, as well as hotel rates.

For nature lovers searching for flights to Rarotonga, plan your trip between July and October. It's whale season for the Cook Islands, and you'll increase your chances of seeing these gentle giants from the shore as they swim past the reefs. December to March is the rainy season for the Cook Islands. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid booking tickets to Rarotonga over this period. The rains are short and heavy, and afterwards, you'll have a few hours of sunshine.

It also happens to be one of the best times of year to visit if you're looking for cheap flights to Rarotonga. Airlines may drop their prices to make up for the lull in travellers, and you can have an easier time finding fantastic hotel and resort deals.

Packing Tips

• Don't overpack: You'll likely going to spend most of your time outside. When packing for your flights to Rarotonga, keep your suitcase light by only bringing the essentials. You may only need a few bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts and something more ‘formal’ like sundress and a button-down shirt to wear in town as beachwear will not be appropriate.
   
• Outdoor equipment: If you're buying flights to Rarotonga for the excellent snorkelling and diving conditions, make room in your luggage for your own equipment. It will save you money on rentals, and you won't have to struggle with a snorkel mask that doesn't properly fit your face.
   
• Miscellaneous items: Bring along an underwater or waterproof camera. The ocean water around Rarotonga is crystal clear, and you'll be able to see marine life without having to venture too far from the shore. Other things to pack for your trip include mosquito repellent and sunscreen. It's a good idea to buy these items before your flights to Rarotonga land at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) as they may cost more on the island.