SEE & DO - RAROTONGA
The Island is Yours
Things to Do in Rarotonga - Activities & Experiences
Your Island, Your Adventure.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, venture into the lagoon or soak up local culture and cuisine, Rarotonga activities offer couples something to savour at every turn and with Serenity Villas on the sunset coast, you're perfectly placed for all of it.
AT SERENITY VILLAS
Humpback Whales -
From our Viewing Platforms
Jul - Oct
PEAK SEASON
From July to October, humpback whales pass through the waters directly in front of Serenity. No boat required. No tour booked. Simply be here at the right time of the year and in the right place to be sitting.
Lagoon Activities
01
Glass Bottom Boat
Perfect for those who want to see the lagoon's spectaular marine life without getting wet. Glass bottom boat tours operate daily and offer a window into Rarotonga's vibrant underwater world.
02
Deep Sea Fishing
Rarotonga's deep offshore waters are home to marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna. Charter a fishing boat for a half or full day - experienced local skippers know exactly where the fish are.
03
Kayaking
Take a leisurely paddle with our kayaks to check out the tropical fish directly out in
front of Serenity.
04
Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddle boarding on Rarotonga's flat, sheltered lagoon is a wonderfully peaceful way to explore the coastline. Early mornings are especially magical.
05
Black Rock
One of Rarotonga's most iconic snorkelling spots, just 5 minutes walk from Serenity - Black Rock offers calm, crystal- clear waters teeming with colourful fish and coral. Pack a mask and fins and explore at your leisure.
06
Scuba Diving
Discover a thriving underwater world of coral gardens, sea turtles and tropical fish. Rarotonga has excellent dive sites for all levels, with professional operators.
07
Raro Reef Sub
Be captivated and charmed by the Cook Islands only semi-submersible tour. Soak in the amazing island views from the observation deck, or venture below deck and see incredible sea life, coral, and a century-old shipwreck.
08
Turtle Tours
Rarotonga's lagoon is home to resident sea turtles often spotted while snorkelling or on guided marine encounters. An experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests of all ages.
Local Experiences
09
Scooter Hire
The classic Rarotonga experience. Hire a scooter and follow the 32km ring road at your own pace - stopping for photos, fresh coconuts, and spontaneous lagoon dips whenever the mood takes you.
10
Bike Rides
Cycle around the island under your own steam or on an e-bike. Spend a while sipping a cocktail at one or more places along the way, or substitute with snorkel stops at different beaches.
11
Golf
The Rarotonga Golf Club offers a scenic nine-hole course surrounded by lush tropical mountains - one of the most beautiful and relaxed golf experiences in the Pacific. Clubs and carts are for hire.
12
Mini Golf
For a relaxed afternoon or light-hearted evening activity. Rarotonga's mini golf offers fun for all ages. A great option for couples. It's an easy way to enjoy a little friendly competition.
13
Progressive Dinner
The Progressive Dinner is a unique Rarotonga experience where you visit three local homes, enjoying a different course at each stop, accompanied by a small string band for authentic island music and atmosphere.
14
Island Night
Don't miss an Island Night - a spectacular evening of traditional Cook Islands dance, drumming and fire performance. Colourful, energetic and deeply moving, it's a window into the soul of Cook Islands.
15
Tropical Gardens
Rarotonga is home to beautiful tropical gardens and botanical collections - perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll. The island's horticultural diversity is remarkable.
16
Markets
The famous Punangui Nui Market on Saturday morning in town is a highlight of any Rarotonga visit. Fresh local food, craft stalls, live music and the warmth of Cook Islands hospitality.
ECO EXPERIENCES
Travel with Intention. Explore Rarotonga
the Right Way.
We've curated a selection of island experiences that reflect what we believe in: locally owned and environmentally conscious.
From mountain treks and organic garden visits to cultural evenings and conservation centres — these are the experiences that leave you knowing Rarotonga a little better, and leave the island a little better for your having been here.
CULTURAL &
EDUCATIONAL
Connect with 600+ years of living Cook Islands history and culture
ADVENTURE & MOUNTAIN
Guided treks through Rarotonga's rugged interior with local experts
NATURE & CONSERVATION
Learn from the people actively protecting Rarotonga's natural world
E-BIKES &
ECO TRAILS
Explore backroads, plantations, maraes, and coast at your own pace
EVENTS
Annual Events
You won't want to miss these
APRIL
Te Mire Ura Traditional Dance Festival
April is one of Rarotonga's most vibrant months — staying at Serenity in April puts you steps from the sunset coast with one of the Pacific's most spectacular dance festivals on your doorstep.
June
Kite Surfing Competition
Serenity Villas makes the perfect base for a day trip across the island to catch the kite surfing competition — then return to your own private stretch of the sunset coast to unwind at your own pace
JuL/Aug
Te Maeva Nui Cultural Festival
Te Maeva Nui is the heart of the Cook Islands calendar — a stay at Serenity during July or August gives you a quiet, private base to return to after each day of music, dance, and celebration
NOV
Te Mire Tiare (Floral) Festival
&
Vaka Eiva Outrigger Canoeing
Staying at Serenity in November means you're perfected placed to experience both the floral festival and the outrigger canoe racing - two of the island's most memorable weeks, back to back.