What's On

Weekly Black Pearl Informative Talk 

Come listen to a fascinating talk by Manihiki pearl farmers the Kora family, who now reside in Rarotonga.  Having been pearl farmers all their lives, be enthralled with their hands-on, in-depth knowledge about these iconic and beautiful pearls synonymous to the Cook Islands.  

Weekly talks are held at the Birdcage Bar - check weekly newsletter or contact reception for details. 

Cocktail of the Day - Birdcage Bar 

"Life is better with a cocktail in the hand!" ... At just $12.50 for our special 'Cocktail of the Day' - who can refuse a delicious sundowner drink in paradise?  

The popular pool-side Birdcage Bar, complete with ‘swim-up’ bar, opens daily from mid-afternoon to early evening. 

"Happy Hour" is every hour at the Birdcage Bar - including our special 'Cocktail of the Day'.  Serving delicious cocktails along with non-alcoholic beverages, beers, wines and spirits at great prices – it is the perfect place to chill after a day exploring our little island. 

Why not sip a refreshing sundowner drink at the bar whilst mingling with other guests, relax in the swimming pool or perhaps take your drink down to the beautiful beachfront to enjoy one of Rarotonga’s stunning sunsets.

Checkout our daily specials at our popular resort 'hub' - the Birdcage Bar!  

Theme Nights at Anchorage Restaurant & Bar

The Anchorage Restaurant and Bar is situated within the Sunset Resort and is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day. 

The complimentary tropical breakfast for in-house guests is served between 7.30am - 10am and includes a range of cereals (some gluten free options), breads/toast, spreads, seasonal fruits, homemade yoghurt, juice, filtered water and selection of teas and freshly brewed filter coffee. 

Lunch is available from 11.30am – 2.30pm daily, with dinner served from 5.30pm – with last food orders taken at 8.45pm.  Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and can be served in the restaurant, poolside or at the beachfront.

The restaurant offers a la carte dining and has several weekly theme nights offering either a BBQ or a roast buffet with live entertainment.

The Anchorage Restaurant & Bar caters for all dietary needs, and offers a variety of choices for vegans and vegetarians.

Check weekly newsletter or contact reception for details. 

Transfers to Punanga Nui Market 

No trip to Rarotonga is complete without visiting our Saturday morning market!

Here is where you'll find everything you want, and more ... mix with the locals and enjoy the colourful markets while you shop for locally made souvenirs, jewellery, local produce and great food!

Our complimentary one-way transfers are available each Saturday morning for in-house guests, departing resort 8.30am & 9am (make your own way home via the Anti-clockwise bus for a short bus ride, or the Clockwise bus for a longer scenic route!). 

Return Transfers to a Local Church Service

A very popular 'must do' when visiting our island is to attend a traditional church service. Hear the spine-tingling melodic voices lift the roof as the congregation sing traditional Cook Islands praise and worship songs. 

Our complimentary return transfers for in-house guests are available to two local Arorangi village churches, departing resort 9.45am, returning approximately 11:30am. 

(Above transfers available to St Mary's Catholic Church or Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) in Arorangi).

Please note:  Guests must book with our reception team by mid-afternoon Saturday.

Book Library

Check out our small book library located in “the boat” at the Anchorage Restaurant & Bar.

Feel free to swap books in and out as you please ... and head off to find yourself a quiet possy in our extensive tropical gardens or down at the magnificent beachfront.  There's nothing like a good book and a comfortable hammock or lazy sunlounger to while away a few stress-free hours in paradise!

Exploring paradise by bus 

With a handy bus stop right outside our resort on the main road, exploring the island is easy on Rarotonga's famous Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise bus! 

Ask our reception team to help you load the 'Transport Me' App onto your phone and before you can say "Kia Orana" you'll be exploring our tropical paradise 'island style!' 

Whalewatching from the beach

Here at the Sunset Resort, you are always GUARANTEED to see a whale!

Between June to October, Rarotonga is blessed with many whales visiting our 'moana' - their oceanic playground.  Our beautiful beachfront area offers a superb vantage point to spot these majestic mammals as they pass by, delighting guests with sightings including mammas and their calves. 

A favourite pastime for many guests is to relax in a shady hammock or lounger under the palm trees or in the beachside cabana, with a refreshing drink from the Birdcage Bar ... and while away a few hours watching these incredible mammals as they pass by.  Life doesn't get much better than this!

If you are very unlucky and don't spot a whale during whale season, or if you are visiting us any other time of the year when the whales aren't here - you can ALWAYS 'spot' our big blue and grey whale at the Anchorage Restaurant & Bar!

Smoking & vaping designated areas

Whilst our resort is a non-smoking environment, we understand that some guests wish to smoke or vape.  With our valued guests' comfort in mind, we have designed three conveniently located, sheltered areas for smoking and vaping, complete with comfortable seating, which our in-house guests are most welcome to utilise. 

These areas are located at our beautiful beachfront, in the 'middle garden' (near the restaurant and reception), and at the end of the driveway. 

Visit a Local Bakery 

Needing a bakery fix during your stay?  Pop across the road and treat yourself to one of many delicious offerings ... after all, you are on holiday!  

There are many popular sweet and savoury options such as pies, muffins, quiches and cakes ... perhaps try a popular one with the locals - a 'rukau and pumpkin' pie! 

Local restaurants and cafes

Whilst we have our own on-site a la carte restaurant (which also offers theme nights thoughout the week), we understand that guests enjoy exploring different dining options during their holiday.  

Here at Sunset Resort, there is a myriad of local restaurants and cafes located nearby - such as Alberto's, Kikau Hut, Antipodes,  Edgewater Resort, Spaghetti House, On The Beach and Cococktail.  We promise you will be spoilt for choice in dining experiences when you stay with us! 

Visit the Rarotonga Brewery

Want to try a local lager or fruit cider?  Just a few minutes walk from the resort you'll find Rarotonga's only brewery.  It might be our ONLY brewery, but what a GREAT brewery it is!

Enjoy tastings served by their friendly local team, and check out their daily offers. If you're not 'into' lager, you may find yourself falling in love with one of their pawpaw, mango or passionfruit ciders!

Informative and enjoyable brewery tours are also available - please ask our helpful reception team for details. 

Game of Golf anyone?

Located just short drive away from the resort, you'll find the friendly Rarotonga Golf Club, a popular hangout for locals who always welcome visitors warmly. Why not hire some clubs and enjoy a morning hitting some balls on this scenic 9 hole course, then enjoy a coldie at the 10th!