Considering a holiday for Christmas in Rarotonga? Are there any reasons not to?!
Since our kids were born, we have loved any opportunities for focusing on family time and ‘doing’; as opposed to emphasising a focus on ‘stuff’.
We find it harder and harder at Christmas time in New Zealand. The growing pressures of society becoming ever more and more about presents. It’s everywhere! It’s hard to escape from consumerism at normal times of year. But it’s near impossible at Christmas.
So we made the decision to enjoy a first family Christmas away from home when our kids were young. At that time, Rarotonga was a new destination for all of us. Santa even brought tropical fruit and coconuts this year!
- Update: This was our first Christmas in Rarotonga. We’ve since done Christmas in Rarotonga three times more!
Rarotonga at a Glance
The Cook Islands is a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. Rarotonga is the largest of the 15 islands and serves as the vibrant heart of the country.
- Area: 67.39 km2 (with a maximum length of 11km).
- Population: Approximately 17,500.
- Language: English and Cook Islands Māori.
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Wondering about Moving to Rarotonga? We’ve done it twice! Read about it here.
Festive Highlights: Christmas in Rarotonga
1. Punanga Nui Market
The local markets are the soul of the island. Expect a riot of color, handicrafts, fresh tropical fruits, and live music.
- When to go: While open Monday–Friday (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM), Saturday is the big day. From 7:00 AM to noon, the market is in full swing with a live cultural show on the main stage. It’s the perfect place to find unique island Christmas gifts.
2. Swimming and Snorkeling
The best way to see the island is to drive the coastal loop and stop at the many signposted beaches.
- Muri Lagoon: The most famous spot on the east side. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for hiring paddleboards or enjoying a family picnic.
- Sunset Side: If you stay on the western side, the Christmas sunsets are world-class.
- Note: Some beaches are private property, so always look for public access signs.
3. Hiking “The Needle” (Te Rua Manga)
For an active Christmas, take on the island’s most famous trek. It climbs to 413m at the base of the iconic rock pinnacle.
At the time we didn’t do this walk with the kids as the top of the track it is quite rugged and overgrown in parts. But they were only two and four back then. Since then we’ve done the hike to The Needle with kids several times!
- Pro-Tip: Walk from South to North. You’ll finish at Wigmore’s Waterfall, where you can cool off before catching the island bus back to town.
- Safety: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water; parts of the track can be rugged and overgrown.
4. Te Vara Nui Cultural Village
A must-do evening experience. This over-water night show features stunning dancing, drumming, and fire performances. It includes a massive Rarotongan-style buffet that is perfect for a festive celebration. Be sure to book well in advance for the holiday season!
5. Nighttime Hermit Crab Hunting
A favourite for families! This warrants a special spot on our highlights from a first Christmas in Rarotonga 😀
Grab a torch at sunset and head to the beach. The kids will spend hours searching the sand for hermit crabs—a simple, joyful island tradition.
We were staying right on the beach and every evening as the sun went down, the kids loved taking torches out and hunting for hermit crabs in the sand with Granny!
Important: Christmas in Rarotonga “Shutdown”
Christmas in Rarotonga is a deeply respected public holiday. Here is what you need to prepare for:
- Everything Closes: On Christmas Day (and often Boxing Day or the following Sunday), the entire island shuts down. Shops, restaurants, and tour companies will be closed.
- Stock Up: Ensure you have enough food and essentials at your rental before the 25th.
- Alcohol Restrictions: You cannot purchase alcohol on public holidays in Rarotonga. Plan your beverage runs accordingly!
Accommodation: Christmas in Rarotonga
If you are planning a trip over the festive season and want to rent a house in Rarotonga—or at least find a home-away-from-home that doesn’t feel like a crowded resort—we can’t recommend Rarotonga Backpackers enough.
We absolutely loved our Christmas stay here. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want to be right on the water without breaking the bank.
Why We Loved It: Rarotonga Backpackers
- Personal Touch: The manager, Paul, went out of his way to welcome us and ensure our holiday was special.
- Beachfront Living: You are steps away from the sand. There is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of the Pacific Ocean on Christmas morning.
- Flexibility: They offer a range of options depending on your needs:
- Self-contained Beachfront Apartments: Perfect for families or couples wanting privacy.
- Private Rooms: Great for a budget-friendly middle ground.
- Dorm-style Accommodation: Ideal for solo travelers.
The “DIY” Christmas Advantage
One of the biggest benefits of staying here was having our own kitchen facilities. As we mentioned, Christmas in Rarotonga sees everything on the island close for the public holidays, so being able to cater for ourselves and cook a festive meal at home was a lifesaver. It gave us the freedom to enjoy the day at our own pace, right on the beach.
Read More from the Cook Islands
- A Reef Walk In Rarotonga With Ariimoana.
- Raemaru Mountain: The Easiest Climb In Rarotonga?
- The Needle: Rarotonga’s Famous Cross Island Walk.
- 20 AWESOME Things To Do In Rarotonga With Kids.
- Renting A Car In Rarotonga.
- How To Get Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.
Have we convinced you to consider Christmas to Rarotonga?!
Leave a comment below or let us know if you have any questions about Christmas in the beautiful Rarotonga!
Links For Your Travels in Pacific & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel anywhere in the world!