Rarotonga Beaches PicturesRarotonga's main road near Muri beach, with the lagoon just visible to the left and the main peak lurking out of shot on the right. Click to see more Rarotonga Beaches Pictures.South Pacific beaches photos and information: Pacific Beaches | Moorea | Bora Bora | Tahiti | Fiji | Pacific Map
Rarotonga
is a quieter, better value, English-speaking version
of a French Polynesian island, 900 kms west of Tahiti and ringed by
a partially broken coral reef. The
Cook Islands, fifteen of them in two groups [north
and south, with Rarotonga and its exquisite sibling Aitutaki in the
southern group], were mapped in 1773 by Captain Cook and are about
halfway between Tahiti and Fiji, sharing a lot of ancestry, customs
and habits with French Polynesia, though they are less developed and
the people are - as a consequence? - more relaxed and friendly than
their eastern cousins. Rarotonga,
like many other Pacific islands, is dominated by riotously green peaks
with a simple, 20 mile [32km] two-way ring road [see picture above] between the rocky
outcrop known as 'The Needle' and the beaches. The island doesn't
even have one set of traffic lights. Rarotonga's
best beaches: guide books recommend Muri and Black
Rock beaches but the Bugcrew's viewing suggested that Aroa
on the south coast was best, with soft tan sand, an attractive palm
fringe, some not very lively coral but some colourful fish and plenty
of elbow room.
Culturally
there's a limited amount going on in Rarotonga. Taking in a Polynesian
dance show in the capital Avarua - however touristy it may seem - is a must, and reputedly
more sensual and suggestive than those in French Polynesia. Locals
attend the shows too and show great appreciation. April sees the Dancer of the Year competition
while November is Floral Festival month. Activities:
obviously snorkelling, though the lagoon is quite shallow and not
as colourful as, for example, Moorea or Aitutaki. Scuba diving outside
the reef is low price, high quality; fishing is excellent, and golf
or hiking possible, though not spectacular. Some
Cook Island downsides: Visas: A 31 days visa is available on arrival to just about anyone owning a passport and a return flight ticket. Best months: May, June, September, October. The South Pacific lies in the tropics so all islands are warm and humid year round. The dry season is climatically best, May to October, with less humidity, cloud cover, rain, wind, rough seas and seaweed on beaches. However, July and August get very crowded with visitors, especially Australians and Kiwis escaping winter back home. Other Pacific Ocean destinations: Easter Island | Hawaii | New Zealand | Australia | Best Beaches Rarotonga Beach Pictures © Loader |
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