Rarotonga
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Positives
- Uncrowded reef passes
- North and south swells
- Easy paddles from shore
- Outer island potential
Negatives
- Limited reef pass set-ups
- Shallow high tide reefs
- No beginner spots
- Expensive local costs
Rarotonga surf travel guide
The capital Rarotonga is volcanic with a rugged, eroded centre of peaks and ridges, surrounded by flat lowlands about 1 km wide. Since Rarotonga is the youngest island, it is physically unlike its other volcanic neighbours where erosion and periodic submersions have reduced mountains to gentle hills. Compared with other atolls, the lagoon surrounding Rarotonga is quite small, covering only 8km2 (5mi2) and is relatively shallow. The fringing reef defines the lagoon, which is broad and sandy to the south, and narrow and rocky on the north and east. Most of the reef passes are too narrow, preventing waves from wrapping properly, and explains why there is only a handful of surf spots. The waves break over shallow reef, so it’s usually safest to surf at high tide and a decent-size swell will also help the waves to break in deeper water. All the reefbreaks are easily accessible by paddling out one of the passages or directly over the reef. Devoting a few weeks here should ensure some decent and definitely uncrowded waves.
Surf spots in Rarotonga
Research the 7 surf breaks in Rarotonga and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 7 breaks in Rarotonga.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Rarotonga
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 168,760
- Population
- 17,564
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NZD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.43 NZD NZD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +682
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- English, Maori
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
All nationalities can visit the Cook Islands visa free for 31 days. It is easy to get an extension.
Getting There
Air New Zealand is the main airline offering flights to Rarotonga (RAR) with direct flights from LAX, Auckland, Fiji and Tahiti. Aloha Airlines has 1 or 2 weekly flights from Vancouver via Hawaii. Most flights arrive and depart in the early hours of the morning.
Getting Around
Rarotonga’s coastal road is 32km (20mi) long and cycling takes 2h. All drivers need a local driver’s license, available from Avarua Police Station, with your own license ($6). Motorbike License test is $3. Car hire is $28/day, while moped hire for only $30/4 days. Drive on the left.
Accommodation
Prices are high for the South Pacific. Muri Beach Resort (from $165/n/dbl), Avana Waterfront apartments (fr $330/n sleeps 4). Avarua has the Paradise Inn from $85/n/single. Tiare Village is a cheap $21/n single, near the airport. Expect $15-20 for a meal.
Activities
Rarotonga is lush and peaceful. Go to Saturday morning's Punanga-nui Market. Fishing is world-class! Visit the other Cook islands who have joined the massive Pacific Oceanscape project along with 15 island nations to create the largest protected area network on the planet!
Hazards & hassles
Watch the tides and currents in the narrow passes and surfing over shallow reef usually means reef cuts and urchins - booties essential. Most local riders are cool bodyboarders! There is no malaria but occasional outbreaks of dengue.
Handy Hints
No surf shops so bring all the gear you need. Adventure Cook Islands, near Rutaki has some limited hire equipment and advice. High tourist season is Dec to Feb.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.