Livinia Nixon forgets the rush in Rarotonga
Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, is a South Pacific haven where life operates exclusively on “island time”. Forget the rush - here you won’t find any traffic lights, fast food, or buildings that dare to tower over a coconut tree. Livinia Nixon found the most relaxing way to explore the island.
Location:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Cost:
Tik-e Bikes www.tik-etours.com Full day e-bike hire starts at $40 per person
Maire Nui Gardens www.mairenuigardens.comEntry costs $8 per person. Open daily 9am - 5pm
Nautilus Resort www.nautilusresortrarotonga.comRooms start at $990 per night including breakfast & water sports equipment
Muri Night Market www.instagram.com/_murinightmarketOpen Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sundays from 5pm
For more travel inspiration visit www.cookislands.travel
Correct at 13.06.26
Highlights:
The Cook Islands are situated northeast of New Zealand, and the main island of Rarotonga is perfect for slow, deliberate exploration. Livinia says there is so much to see, you could happily spend your whole holiday there.
The most relaxing way to truly appreciate the island’s beauty is on two wheels. Rarotonga is just 32 kilometres around and circled by a single coast road. With an e-bike, you can take it as easy as you like, enjoying a nice peaceful ride, and if you come across a beautiful beach, you can just pull over and have a snorkel in the crystal clear water!
Rarotonga offers more than just stunning coastline and beaches though. Taking a turn off the coastal loop Livinia discovered the Maire Nui Gardens, a three-hectare tropical garden oasis. Completely family-run using sustainable gardening methods, the former farming land has been transformed into a green sanctuary providing a much-loved retreat for both visitors and locals.
For those who like to wake up steps from the water, Livinia suggests the luxurious Nautilus Resort, a great base for your island adventure. This very special retreat opens right onto the Muri Lagoon and boasts just 17 private villas, each featuring its own private plunge pool, a truly next-level experience.
No island escape is complete without tasting the local flavours, and on Rarotonga, food serves as a “love language” that brings everyone together. Just a short stroll from the resort is the Muri Night Market, open four nights a week and serving up a feast of local flavours. It’s a colourful, popular spot to experience the authentic taste of the island, especially the fresh seafood.
Rarotonga is a destination that perfectly combines pristine beaches, stunning lagoons and a warm welcoming culture. With an unspoiled, laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why it is earning its reputation as a uniquely relaxing place to holiday.
