Rarotonga: Nightlife Bar Tour with Hotel Pickup & Souvenirs

Summary

Rarotonga bars music & laughter on a rolling green party bus

You’ll hop between Rarotonga’s best bars by party bus with locals and travelers, starting with a welcome drink at The Hula Bar and picking up snacks along the way. Expect music, laughter, souvenirs (that glowing glass is fun), and safe transfers back to your hotel — plus those little moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left the island.

What’s the experience like?

The night started with the big green Going Troppo bus pulling up outside our place — you really can’t miss it, all lit up and humming with music. Our guide, Mereana, waved us in like we were old friends. I’d never done a nightlife tour in Rarotonga before and honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. The seats were comfy enough and the windows wide open to the soft island air. There’s something about that warm breeze mixed with distant ocean salt that just settles you right away.

First stop was The Hula Bar. Everyone got these flower Ei tags (I still have mine somewhere) and a glowing LED wine glass or stubbie holder — I picked the wine glass because why not? My first cocktail tasted like pineapple and something else I couldn’t quite place, but it went down easy while we all tried to remember each other’s names. Mereana told us stories about how some of these bars have been around since her parents’ days. She laughed when someone tried out a bit of Cook Islands Māori — pretty sure none of us nailed it but she didn’t mind.

The music on the bus was loud but not too much — just enough for a few people to start dancing in their seats between stops. At Vaianas Bar there were snacks (some kind of crispy taro chips?) and more drinks, plus this moment where everyone sang along to an old pop song I hadn’t heard in years. I caught one of the bartenders grinning at our group — maybe used to tourists making fools of themselves by midnight. We hit three or four bars total; honestly after the third my sense of timing got fuzzy but in a good way.

We ended at a spot right near the water, lights shimmering off the lagoon. Some folks stayed till closing but I bailed early — just felt right walking back under those heavy stars. Still think about that silly LED glass lighting up my bag on the ride home. If you’re looking for a safe way to see Rarotonga nightlife without worrying about rides or getting lost, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rarotonga nightlife bar tour

• Pick up from accommodation
• Arrive at The Hula Bar
• Receive souvenir Ei id and LED glass
• Enjoy complimentary beer or cocktail
• Visit Vaianas Bar for drinks and snacks
• Visit 3 to 4 bars for 20-30 minutes each
• Last bar visit until closing time
• Travel between bars on Going Troppo buses
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Rarotonga nightlife tour last?

The Going Troppo Nightlife Tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this bar tour?

Yes, return transfers from your accommodation are included.

What is included in the price?

You get pickup/drop-off, one welcome cocktail or beer, snacks mid-tour, a souvenir Ei tag, and an LED wine glass or stubbie holder.

How many bars do we visit on this Rarotonga nightlife tour?

You’ll visit three to four bars during the evening.

Can I drink alcohol on the bus?

No, drinking alcohol or smoking is not allowed on the bus itself.

What days does this nightlife tour operate?

The tour runs on Wednesday and Friday nights only.

Is there an age limit for joining?

The minimum age is 18 years old for this bar tour.

Do I need cash for drinks at each bar?

Cash is preferred at most bars visited during the tour.

What’s included

Your night includes door-to-door hotel pickup and return transfers anywhere on Rarotonga, one welcome cocktail or beer at The Hula Bar, light snacks partway through the evening, a souvenir flower Ei ID tag you’ll probably keep as a memento, plus your choice of an LED multicolour wine glass or stubbie holder before heading back after last call.