Shopping: Shops are generally open Mon–Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat 9am to 1pm.
Scheduled Docking Location: Drifting outside of the lagoon, tender ashore. Language: Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan), English Tours are available daily at noon and 1pm and include a tasting of their premium-beer output. 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. An off-road safari by 4X4 is available as a shore excursion from The Gauguin. With its rugged volcanic peaks and lush jungle, Rarotonga’s interior is largely unpopulated-but rewards exploration with its unspoiled beauty. A Muri Lagoon Cruise is available as a shore excursion from The Gauguin. 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. Muri Beach on Rarotonga’s southeast coast offers crystalline waters-ideal for viewing marine life-as well as a beautiful beach. Here, you’ll find a Cook Islands Christian Church dating to 1849 and a beautiful beach.ĭiving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other watersports are popular on Rarotonga. Located on the island’s west coast, Arorangi was the first missionary settlement on the island. Black pearls, ukuleles, perfumes, and tivaevae (traditional quilts) are popular souvenirs. View the Cook Islands Christian Church, established in 1823. 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. While the market is at its liveliest on Saturdays, it is also open Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm. A must while you’re here is the Punanga Nui Market, a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, pastries, and more. The Cook Islands capital city has an appealing small-town vibe that invites you to explore at leisure.