Rarotonga Reflections – Our 2026 Anniversary Adventure in the Pacific

Some people only celebrate the “big” milestones — the birthdays ending in zero, the anniversaries ending in five. I’ve never subscribed to that. Life is too short not to celebrate everything. So when our wedding anniversary rolled around in May 2026, I took it as the perfect excuse to revisit a place I hadn’t seen in far too long: beautiful, sun‑kissed Rarotonga.

And honestly… I’m so glad I did.

Why Rarotonga? Because It’s Effortless Paradise

Rarotonga remains one of the most beloved destinations for New Zealand travellers — and for good reason. It’s close to home, uses New Zealand currency, and shares cultural threads with Māori heritage. Yet it still feels wonderfully different, with its own rhythm, its own flavour, and its own unmistakable island charm.

In my work as a Travel Broker, I often see people firmly in one camp: Team Fiji or Team Raro. Fiji is bigger, with more resorts and more variety. But Rarotonga has something Fiji doesn’t — intimacy, simplicity, and a sense of being wrapped in island life the moment you arrive.

And with the rising demand for adults‑only escapes, Raro’s boutique resorts are becoming more popular than ever.

Getting There: A Premium Start to the Holiday

We flew Air New Zealand in Premium Economy — and if you’ve never tried it, it’s worth every cent. On a short flight, the upgrade is minimal when booked early, but the comfort difference is huge.

Highlights:

• Preferred check‑in
• Better inflight service
• More space
• First off the aircraft (which means your holiday starts sooner)

On the return journey, we were treated to Air New Zealand’s newly refurbished aircraft, which made the experience even better.

Getting Around: Rent a Car and Explore Freely

If you’ve never been to Rarotonga, it’s hard to imagine just how compact it is. You can drive around the entire island in under an hour — and you’ll probably do it more than once.

We rented a car, and I highly recommend it unless you plan to stay entirely within your resort. It’s cost‑effective, convenient, and gives you the freedom to explore beaches, cafés, markets, and hidden gems at your own pace.

Just remember: you’ll need a credit card, not a debit card, which catches many travellers out.

Where We Stayed: Ocean Views & Island Vibes

Finding our resort was easy — you can’t really get lost in Raro. Parking was free (first come, first served), and we chose an Ocean View room. Best decision ever.

Not only did we get stunning views, but we also avoided the constant music around the pool area. A lively group of older guests had claimed that space as their daily hangout, happily rotating between sun loungers and the bar. It was entertaining… but not exactly peaceful.

Breakfast at the resort was simple and tropical — fresh fruit, pastries, and the option to upgrade to hot dishes. We mostly stuck to the basics, except on market mornings.

Room service pizza? Basic. But sometimes basic is exactly what you need after a long day exploring.

Eating Around the Island: A Delicious Adventure

Rarotonga has some fantastic local eateries, and we made the most of them.

Our favourites:

• Vaiana’s on the beach — incredible burgers, toes in the sand, and a surprise fire show
• Falafel House — fresh, flavourful, and perfect for a casual lunch
• Tamarind House — our final-night treat, and absolutely worth pre-booking

Tamarind House is one of Raro’s most popular dining spots, so reservations are essential. The atmosphere, the food, the service — it was the perfect way to end our trip.

What We Did: Waterfalls, Beaches, Cruises & Massages

Like most visitors, we circled the island multiple times, each loop revealing something new. We visited the waterfall, wandered along quiet beaches, and soaked up the relaxed island pace.

Popular activities — and ones I regularly recommend to clients — include:

• Lagoon cruises
• 4WD tours
• Cultural shows
• Snorkelling trips
• Spa treatments

Since it was our anniversary, we treated ourselves to a couples massage. These book out quickly, so plan ahead.

The markets were another highlight — full of local food, handmade crafts, and the most divine breakfast crepes. We visited on a rainy morning, so an umbrella was essential.

The One Thing You Must Try: Wigmores Real Fruit Ice Cream

Without question, the top attraction of our entire trip was Wigmores Real Fruit Ice Cream.

Specifically: The pineapple flavour.

It was enormous, refreshing, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s funny how the simplest things often become the most treasured memories of a holiday.

Aitutaki: The One That Got Away

I tried to book a day trip to Aitutaki — one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world — but left it too late. It’s extremely popular and sells out fast.

Next time, it’s at the top of my list.

Would I Go Back? Absolutely.

Rarotonga is easy, welcoming, and endlessly relaxing. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone wanting a simple, beautiful escape without long travel times or complicated logistics.

It doesn’t have Fiji’s “Bula!” culture — instead, it has its own gentle sparkle. A quieter charm. A slower heartbeat.

And that’s exactly what makes it magical.