Eating out is not cheap in Rarotonga, at least not by New Zealand standards. Much of the fare is fairly ordinary but gourmet dining can be found at the Flame Tree in Muri, the Portofino in Tupapa and the Tumunu in Arorangi. The hotels also offer extensive menus and usually a traditional island feast or 'umu kai' with accompanying dancing and drumming. The 'umu kai' is cooked in an earth oven by radiant heat from hot stones. The lagoon is a focal point of interest for visitors to Rarotonga.
Coral is razor sharp and any cut can quickly become badly infected.
That said, the lagoon is safe and a delight for snorkellers. In recent years overfishing caused a decline in the fish and shellfish population. This has been addressed successfully by the imposition of 'raui' or bans in various parts of the lagoon. They can be identified by boundary poles decorated with coconut fronds stuck into the lagoon. Between the poles it is strictly forbidden to take any fish, coral or shells.