The best time to visit Rarotonga is throughout October and November. This is during the dry season, when the weather is hot (but tolerable) and not too wet. It also avoids the peak holiday seasons allowing for a much more relaxing escape. Plus, accommodation in Rarotonga is cheaper during this time.

Thereof How many days do you need in Rarotonga? I recommend spending seven to 10 nights in the Cook Islands. What is this? I spent a week there — three days on Rarotonga; four on Aitutaki — and found it to be the perfect amount of time.

What is the coldest month in Rarotonga?

Quick Climate Info
Hottest Month February (80 °F avg)
Coldest Month August (72 °F avg)
Wettest Month January (4.37″ avg)
Windiest Month September (9 mph avg)

Similarly, How long does it take to walk around Rarotonga?

Rarotonga has a circumference of just 32 kilometres, meaning you can walk around the island in half a day. It has an intimate, laid back feel, and nothing is too much of a problem.

Is Rarotonga or Aitutaki better?

Rarotonga has nice beaches, but they’re nothing on Aitutaki. Whilst most are white sand, most are a little pebbly and you need to wear flip flops / sea shoes as there are lots of rocks and coral around. Lovely, but not paradisiacal. Aitutaki on the other hand, is immense.

Is Cook Islands better than Fiji? Cook Islands is more low key, smaller resorts and even the opportunity of fantastic self catering. The beaches are spectacular – better than the Fijian ones in my opinion especially in the Titikaveka area of Rarotonga and the Aitutaki lagoon is spectacular.

How do you get around Aitutaki?

On foot: Travelers who are in moderate to good shape will find that walking is one of the best methods of getting around Aitutaki. Visitors can walk along the roads of Aitutaki but may find it safer and more scenically interesting to make their way around the island via the waterfront.

Are there mosquitoes in Rarotonga? The mosquito fauna of Rarotonga

Four species were identified in the adult and larval collections: Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus Say, Culex (Culex) annulirostris Skuse, Aedes (Stego- myia) aegypti (Linnaeus), and Aedes (Stegomyia) polynesiensis Marks.

What is the best month to visit the Cook Islands?

The best time to visit the Cook Islands is between April and November, during the driest months, when temperatures are warm but still pleasant when you’re exploring. The climate in the islands is tropical and generally agreeable, with steady humidity levels and temperatures between 24°C and 30°C.

Is Rarotonga volcano active? The Cook Islands are the result of volcanic activity and coralgrowth in the centre of the South Pacific Basin. The islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro and Aitutaki are the emergent peaks of extinct volcanoes.

What should I pack for Rarotonga? Full Rarotonga Packing List

  • 6 casual shirts (tees and/or singlets)
  • 1 button down shirt (for going out)
  • 2 pairs of shorts (one pair of chino shorts and one sports shorts)
  • 1 pair of pants/chinos (for going out)
  • 1 light sweatshirt.
  • Packable raincoat.
  • Pyjamas.
  • Swimwear.

Is there sharks in Rarotonga? Rarely you see little sharks in Rarotonga’s shallow lagoon. But there are Whitetip sharks, Blacktip sharks, and Grey reef sharks in the passages and open ocean areas of Rarotonga. And also, Hammerhead sharks, Tiger sharks, Bull sharks, and Oceanic white sharks.

Can you get a boat from Rarotonga to Aitutaki?

There is no ferry between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, so this won’t be an option during your visit.

Is Raro expensive?

Rarotonga is quite often cheaper than Aitutaki so if you’re on a budget, it’s safe to stay in this island. Depending on your spending habits and lifestyle, a safe manageable pocket money would be $100 – $150 NZ dollars per day. You can of course bring more than this!

Which is better Bora Bora or Maldives? Couples that want to feel more civilization, and society, will prefer Bora Bora, whereas couples who enjoy feeling totally ‘off the map’ and like they have an island to themselves, will love the Maldives. The main takeaway: Bora Bora resorts will feel more resort-ey and much bigger than the resorts in the Maldives.

Are there sharks in Rarotonga? There are not only sharks in Rarotonga, but in the entire Cook Islands. Penrhyn in particular, an atoll in the Northern Group, is famous for its abundance of sharks, which has given it the nickname Shark Island.

What is the cheapest Pacific island to visit?

Vanuatu is the cheapest Pacific Island destination for those who don’t want to stray too far! Not wanting to stray too far? Vanuatu is great for its proximity to home and boasts affordable accommodation among the South Pacific Island destinations.

Can you cycle around Rarotonga? Cycling is a great way to experience the freedom of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga is only 32km around which is perfect for grabbing a bike or e-bike to discover your way. If you’re staying on any of our sister islands, cycling is also a great way to get around and explore.

How do you get around Rarotonga?

It is very easy to get around the island using public transport. There are two buses that circle the island of Rarotonga; Clockwise and Anti-clockwise. The buses will stop anywhere along the main road. All you have to do is smile and wave them down.

How long does it take to drive around Rarotonga? Driving is pretty straightforward, taking about 45 to 50 minutes to drive around Rarotonga with only one main road circling the island, two roundabouts and absolutely no traffic lights!

Why is Rarotonga a day behind NZ?

During summer (in NZ and the Cook Islands) Rarotonga is only one hour ahead of NZ, due to daylight savings. North bound flights from Auckland take about 3.5 hours. Possibly less due to optimum windflow.

Does Rarotonga have sharks? There are not only sharks in Rarotonga, but in the entire Cook Islands. Penrhyn in particular, an atoll in the Northern Group, is famous for its abundance of sharks, which has given it the nickname Shark Island.

Is dengue fever in Rarotonga?

No deaths have been attributed to dengue. The majority of cases have been found in Rarotonga, however single cases have also been identified in Aitutaki and Mauke. Officials have carried out island-wide clean-up operations and awareness campaigns on both islands.

Does Rarotonga have Zika virus? Cook Islands has a history of previous Zika Virus transmission. There is currently no evidence of an ongoing Zika Virus outbreak.

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