Days 1 and 2: Use your first day to make a relaxed circuit of Rarotonga, then spend the second day returning to the places that stood out. Car hire in Rarotonga makes this easy because the island is only about 32 km around, so there is no need to rush through every stop on your first drive. Black Rock, Nikao Beach, Avana Lookout, Muri Beach and Tikioki Beach can all form part of your initial route. On day two, use your Rarotonga car rental to concentrate on Muri and the south-eastern coastline, leaving plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling or simply staying by the lagoon.

Day 3: Head towards the western and southern sides of the island and make a day of shorter beach stops. Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve and Black Rock are both among the water locations highlighted by Cook Islands Tourism, making them useful additions to a self-drive day focused on the coast. When deciding on the best car to hire, choose something with enough room for your passengers, towels, snorkelling gear and anything else you expect to carry. There is little benefit in rushing when the main advantage of having your own transport is being able to stop whenever you like.

Day 4: Give yourself time for Avarua, shopping and local food rather than another full sightseeing circuit. If your fourth day happens to be a Saturday, Punanga Nui Market is at its liveliest in the morning, with produce, cooked food, crafts and entertainment available before midday. Vehicle hire also makes it easy to explore the island’s roadside stalls and shops beyond the main town instead of keeping your day limited to one area.

Day 5: Keep the final day flexible and return to whichever part of Rarotonga you enjoyed most. You might spend another morning at the lagoon, revisit a favourite beach or finish the afternoon around Black Rock, which Cook Islands Tourism recommends as a scenic sunset location. For travellers considering different Rarotonga rentals, this is where having a vehicle for several days becomes especially useful because you can revisit places without reorganising the rest of your holiday. Five days gives you enough time to explore widely while still enjoying the slower pace that makes Rarotonga special.