Two major sporting festivals, weekly markets and the practical details that help visitors plan around them.
Published and checked 26 October 2026
Both draw people to specific parts of the island, so allow extra time for transport and book anything essential before the day.
The official listing gives 5 November, 8am–8pm at BCI Stadium and describes a three-day tournament with open men's, open women's and junior divisions. Visitors are welcome to watch.
Check: the full multi-day timetable and entry arrangements before travelling to the stadium.
Official event page ↗The 20th-anniversary outrigger canoe festival brings racing and community activity to Avarua Harbour, with junior events listed for Muri Lagoon. The published programme includes iron races, singles, sprints, marathons and Round Raro relays.
Check: the programme is explicitly marked as draft and subject to change.
Official programme ↗The current official page lists the opening date and describes three days of competition, but it does not publish a complete session-by-session timetable. Treat 5 November as the verified anchor, then check the official page or organiser's channel for later match times. If there is one team or division you particularly want to see, do not rely on an assumed schedule.
BCI Stadium is in the Nikao area, west of central Avarua. Check the island map, decide your return transport before the final match and allow for heavier traffic near the venue.
Pack sun protection, water and a light rain layer. Confirm entry, food and payment arrangements rather than assuming every vendor accepts cards.
Most of the published programme centres on Avarua Wharf or Harbour. Junior sprint and marathon days are listed for Muri Lagoon. That makes Avarua useful for harbour activity and Muri useful for the junior lagoon events, but Rarotonga is compact enough to attend from any coast if transport is planned.
Ocean conditions and competitor numbers can affect a paddling programme. Use the dates to shape your trip, but keep the surrounding day flexible and check the official schedule again on the island.
Away from the major festivals, visitors can build evenings around recurring island experiences. Current Tourism information lists Muri Night Market on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5pm until sold out, while Saturday morning is the main Punanga Nui Market session in Avarua. Island-night schedules vary by venue, so check the current programme before booking dinner elsewhere.
Reserve accommodation, inter-island flights, a must-do lagoon cruise and any special dinner that would be disappointing to miss. Leave ordinary beach time and self-guided island exploring flexible around the weather and event programme. During Vaka Eiva, harbour-side activity can be busy; during the Sevens, plan around stadium traffic rather than trying to schedule several fixed appointments back-to-back.
Choose your base, save activities and keep one or two flexible days around the events.
Open the free Holiday PlannerYour accommodation area matters more when events finish after ordinary daytime plans.
Transport guide