Cook Islands Family Holidays

Despite being a laid back beach destination, Cook Islands family holidays offer a safe holiday environment for younger kids with great swimming lagoons, slightly cooler weather than the prickly heat of Fiji and Vanuatu, and just enough things to do to keep them busy and you stress free. Whilst there are a couple of resorts offering all day kids clubs and all inclusive meal packages, probably the best idea in the Cook Islands is to rent a holiday house or stay in one of the villas operated by one of the smaller accommodations and make use of its relaxing and spacious living, cooking your own meals at will, lighting the BBQ and sampling a few of the independent restaurants for a night out.

Holiday Homes - Do your own Thing

Rarotonga Holiday Homes

NZ$ 190 - 390 per coupl

Rarotonga Holiday homes is a collection of privately owned houses around Rarotonga for tourist rent. These houses are in prime locations and offer spacious living at affordable prices. All properties are owned by locals living on the island and can offer servicing if required. Minimum stay 3 nights.

Manea Beach Villas, Rarotonga

NZ$ 200 - 440 per couple

Manea Beach is a collection of eight self contained bungalows and fully appointed villas situated on the north end of popular Muri Beach. Manea Beach is walking distance to several excellent restaurants and small shops and 150 metres from the road ensuring a noise-free stay. Complementary kayaks and snorkelling gear.

Great Value Family Holiday Ideas

Lagoon Breeze Villas, Rarotonga

NZ$ 230 - 350 per couple

Set across the road from the beach in a pretty garden setting, Lagoon Breeze Bungalows has energetic managers ensuring you're to feel at home. With a nice pool, reasonable snorkelling in the lagoon, good value bungalows and spacious 2- and 3- bedroom villas, this is a great option for families.

Puaikura Reef Lodge, Rarotonga

NZ$ 185 - 215 per couple

Puaikura Reef Lodge is an excellent value motel style accommodation with self catering rooms arranged around a pool in landscaped gardens. With a decent beach across the road and tropical mountains to explore behind the property, Puaikura makes an affordable base.

Cooks Oasis, Rarotonga

NZ$ 160 per couple

The Cooks Oasis Holiday villas offer great affordability with cosy bungalow unit set amongst lush gardens and set back from the beach which is accessed along a short pathways. The self catering units are just 10 minutes drive to the town centre of Avarua and walking distance to several good restaurants.

Large Resorts & Kids Clubs

Rarotongan Beach Resort

NZ$ 385 - 825 per couple

The Rarotongan Beach Resort is the 2nd largest hotel in the Cook Islands. This colourful resort offers rooms in two-storey hotel blocks and staggered bungalow units facing Aroa Beach. Guests of the Resort can enjoy all-day sun, all-tide safe swimming and snorkelling in a protected Marine Reserve.

Edgewater Resort, Rarotonga

NZ$ 260 - 560 per couple

The Edgewater Resort is the largest hotel in the Cook Islands with 250 guest rooms and suites. The resort is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens bordered by a white sand beach. The Edgewater offers plenty of activities including tennis courts, night entertainment and 24-hr service.

Pacific Resort, Rarotonga

NZ$ 400 - 720 per couple

Pacific Resort is set in landscaped tropical gardens and boasts a prime location on Muri Beach. This medium size hotel is undoubtedly the most relaxed and down-to-earth fully serviced accommodation in the Cook Islands. Facilities include restaurant and bar, swimming pool and water activities.

Intimate Family Holidays

Moana Beachfront Villas, Rarotonga

NZ$ 700 per couple

Moana Beachfront Villas offer modern units with elegant furnishings and fully equipped kitchens directly on the quiet sands of Southern Rarotonga. Great snorkelling, a gorgeous beach and a tranquil outlook make this a great spot for relaxing in comfort Close to supermarket and two great restaurants.

Palm Grove, Rarotonga

NZ$ 125 - 165 per couple

Paradise Inn Rarotonga is located right on the waters edge of a reef-walking beach just five minutes walk into downtown Avarua. This is a great affordable base to enjoy the quaint Avarua Town with its bars, restaurants and shops, and to enjoy lovely sea and mountain views with walking access to some excellent hikes.

Aitutaki Lagoon with the Family

For something a little different, and if you don't mind carting the kids off to an outer island which is going to cost a bit more, then Aitutaki offers a great holiday for a few days cruising around the lagoon, visiting uninhabited islands and snorkelling amongst a myriad of tropical reef fish.

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, Aitutaki

NZ$ 710 - 1,395 per couple

Located on a small motu off Ootu Point., this upmarket resort features a lovely beachside restaurant, beautiful overwater bungalows and lots of coconut palms. The beachfront is exquisite and there's a turquoise lagoon protected by a sand spit that makes the ideal spot to sunbath and swim.

Aretai Beach Villas, Aitutaki

NZ$ 265 - 365 per couple

Aroa Inn is located on a stunning fine white sand beach on the quiet south-west shore of Rarotonga with good swimming, snorkelling and kayaking at all tides. All ten self catering units are set in landscaped gardens with lagoon views from private sundecks.

Inano Beach Bungalows, Aitutaki

NZ$ 130 - 170 per couple

King's Beach Villas is located at the Southern end of Muri Beach along a quiet yet picturesque stretch of white sand, facing the island of Taokaa. With just two duplex cottages and self catering facilities, this is a good choice for budget travellers looking for comfortable yet simple living.