For a tropical island with a circumference of just 32km across, Rarotonga boasts over 70 restaurants, bar and nightspots. Concentrated in the capital town of Avarua on the north side of the island, this impressive party scene kicks off on Friday nights – the local 'big night out' – where the nightspots are open until 2am instead of the midnight closure on other days.
If you're unsure where to go, want to hit up a few locations for a pub crawl or are looking for some drinking buddies, consider taking the popular Going Troppo Night Life Tour with local operators Raro Tours. For NZ$35 per adult, the customised 'fun bus' will pick you up from your accommodation, show you the nightlife and deposit you back home after a night of revellery. The party gets started on the 35-seat converted bus with wide, open windows, wooded parallel seating, blaring sounds and flashing lights. The friendly guide will break the ice between you and your 34 new party friends with some games before you hit the town. With the fun atmosphere and guided six-hour tour running from 6pm to 1am, the Going Troppo excursion is a popular choice for pre-wedding parties and hens and stag dos.
The tour also includes a complimentary Going Troppo cocktail and stubby holder as you check out the most happening nightclubs, pubs and bar in Avarua for a taste of after-hours island life. It's touted as the safest way to see Rarotonga by night for a hassle-free clubbing experience with a designated driver who'll drop you home when you're all partied out.
The Going Troppo Night Life Tour can be booked online through Raro Tours (www.rarotours.co.ck). Other nights are also available for private group bookings on request.
