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Rarotonga Travel Guide
Rarotonga is the main island in the Cook Islands and where almost 90% of tourists spend their entire holiday. Rarotonga has lush tropical mountains, pretty coastal scenes, sandy beaches and a very slow pace of life. The island takes just 45 minutes to go around by bus. However, the most popular way to travel is by moped and for just NZ$55 for four day moped hire, most tourists give it a go.
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.
Muri Beach (East Rarotonga)
Muri Beach is Rarotonga's most picturesque and popular tourist area and sits on the east coast. Muri's main attraction is the tranquil sandy bottom lagoon which is excellent for swimming, its lovely sweeping beach and four uninhabited islets within the lagoon. This is the place to go for water activities (sailing, kayaking, wind-surfing and even kite-surfing) and there's a beach bar and restaurant at the Sailing Club to sip beers and watch people. The only drawback (apart from lack of seclusion) is the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon and, being on the east side of the island, the sun disappears late afternoon.
Sokala Villas is a collection of single storey and split level villas, some with private pools, at the northern end of Muri Beach. With simple pine furnishings and four poster beds, large decks with lagoon views and a dazzling lagoon directly infront, Sokala is a popular spot for Honeymooners looking for intimate living.
Muri Beach Club is located on a fantastic section of Muri Beach with a clear lagoon out front and fabulous views of the offshore motu. This is a modern contemporary style resort aimed exclusively at couples with a no child policy of 18yrs or under.
Pacific Resort Rarotonga is set in beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and boasts a prime location on Muri Beach. This medium size resort is undoubtedly the most relaxed and down-to-earth fully serviced resort in the Cook Islands. Facilities and services include restaurant and bar, fresh water swimming pool, scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkelling and other water activities.
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. Complimentary kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Muri Beachcomber is in a prime location on the beachfront in the heart of Muri Beach yet offers a serene atmosphere in beautifully landscaped gardens. This beachfront property offers excellent value for money with friendly staff and is close to restaurants and activities.
Muri Beach Hideaway is a delightful small property owned by a local Cook Islander who lives on property. There are nine individually styled deluxe bungalows located in the heart of Muri Beach overlooking the beachfront with bungalows set in beautifully landscaped gardens and beside the swimming pool.
King's Beach Villas is locted 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.
Aroko Bungalows is situated on the waterfront of Muri Lagoon in the south east of Rarotonga (no beach front). There are 11 self-contained serviced bungalows overlooking two uninhabited islands which can be reached by wading, kayaking or swimming across the lagoon. The bungalows are less than 10-minutes stroll along the road to the white sands of Muri Beach and its restaurants.
Tiana's Beach Villas is situated in a quiet stretch of sand on the south side of Muri Beach. The bungalows and beachfront studio units are found down a small track 100 yards off the main road and offer excellent privacy. This is a great spot with gorgeous beachfront and ideal for those travelling on a budget or looking for a great value holiday.
Varas Backpackers Rarotonga is the livliest Cook Islands backpacker hostel with a great location between in popular Muri. With budget style accommodation mostly set in the hills overlooking Muri Lagoon, this is a great place to meet fellow travellers, relax on the beachfront, snorkel in the lagoon and explore the island.
It's easy to wade (or kayak) across to the uninhabited islets at both low and high tide and spend a day relaxing on the quiet beach and looking back towards the mountains of Rarotonga. Snorkelling in the lagoon is good only for marine life - there's no coral here and the lagoon is only waist deep in most places which makes it easy for beginners. Muri Beach has the highest concentration of accommodation on Rarotonga from a small 65-room resort to lots of self-catering bungalows. There's several independent restaurants and take-aways in the Muri Area. Climb the hill opposite Pacific Resort for excellent views of the lagoon and islets.
On the north end of Muri opposite Motutapu islet is Avana Passage where the Cook Island Maoris departed in double hull catamarans to colonize New Zealand. The passage here is a the best and most reliable surfing spot in the Cook Islands and allows entry for protected anchorage for yachts and motor boats. Inland from Avana is the extremely the attractive and peaceful Turangi Valley. A dirt track leads almost 3 miles inland into the heart of Rarotonga and makes for excellent walking past small plantations and lush tropical forest. There's a lovely church a mile or so north of Muri which is built from limestone blocks and makes a good choice for a Sunday Church service.
South Rarotonga
The south coast is the quietest stretch on Rarotonga and has lovely beaches and stunning mountain views. There are several tracks inland including the walk to Popoara Waterfall which continues through the rainforest past The Needle and crossing Rarotonga to Avarua Town. The village of Titikaveka has a prominent white church and there's a lovely botanical garden and cafe. The beach along Titikaveka is excellent and stretches for almost 2 miles. There are several lovely small collections of beach bungalows here. Just past Takitumu is the best snorkelling lagoon in the Cook Islands.
Little Polynesian is a modern boutique resort with beautifully appointed bungalows, contemporary restaurant and pool. This small luxury hideaway overlooks a gorgeous white sandy swimming beach with excellent snorkelling offshore and kayaks to explore the lagoon. The no child policy ensures absolute privacy making it the ideal place for honeymoons and romantic breaks.
Seachange Villas features eight luxuriously appointed villas straddling the south coast road of Rarotonga, each with full kitchens including a dishwasher, separate air-conditioned bedrooms, large living areas and are fully serviced daily except Sundays. Kayaks, snorkelling gear & VIP transfers all included in rate.
Located on the south side of the island, Rarotonga Beach Bungalows is a small, intimate property with 3 beachfront and 2 lagoon view self-contained bungalows, each with a tropical garden shower. This boutique-style, Polynesian designed accommodation sits adjacent to a marine protected area with great snorkelling. Mature palms and pure white sand separate the units to add local, simple beauty.
Moana Sands Hotel is a small beachfront hotel overlooking the peaceful white sands of South Rarotonga. Hotel rooms are over three floors, with deluxe studio rooms being extremnely spacious and with small kitchenette. All rooms have balconies and overlook the beach. The lagoon has good swimming, excellent snorkelling and kayaks are available for guest use. Small restaurant on site.
Whitesands Villas features three fully quipped split level villas overlooking a beautifully secluded white sandy beach with good swimming and excellent snorkelling in the lagoon. This peaceful retreat is the ideal choice for holidaymakers looking to do their own thing (no on-site manager) or to sit and relax on a peaceful beach.
Palm Grove Rarotonga is set in the enchanting area of Vaima, on the quiet south coast of Rarotonga, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of one of the best locations in the Cook Islands. Twelve spacious garden bungalows set amongst hibiscus and tipani flowers on the mountain side of the coastal road are complemented with eight beachfront bungalows.
Rau's Guesthouse is located on the south coast of Rarotonga, on the beach side of the main coastal road - it's a 30 second stroll across the road to a seclude white sandy beach which you can walk along for miles. Rau's Guesthouse offers great value for money for budget travellers and backpackers and is very close to Palm Grove restaurant and a supermarket.
Aroa Beach
The South West corner of Rarotonga has the delightful Aroa Beach. This is a great swimming lagoon with fine white sand and benefits from all day sun as well as sunsets and sunrises. The mounatins here are particularly attractive and there are nice walks on the inland road.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort is the second largest resort of the Cook Islands and is set on Aroa Beach on the south western tip of Rarotonga. This colourful resort offers rooms in two-storey hotel blocks and staggered bungalow units facing the beach. Guests of the Resort can enjoy all-day sun, all-tide safe swimming, snorkelling in protected Marine Reserve.
Lagoon Lodges offers affordable self catering and serviced bungalows in a pleasant garden setting across the road from a quiet beach making this a great choice for families and couples seeking an affordable base
Aroa Inn is located on a beautiful white sand beach on the quiet south-west shore of Rarotonga with good swimming, snorkelling and kayaking at all tides. The eight Beachside Units and three Oceanview Units are set in landscaped gardens in both single and double story accommodations all with lagoon views from their deck areas. All units are self contained with kitchens.
Puaikura Reef Lodge is an excellent value motel style accommodation with studio rooms and suites arranged around a pool in landscaped gardens. With a decent secluded beach across the road and tropical mountains to explore behind the property, Puaikura makes an affordable base with self catering accommodation.
West Rarotonga
The West coast of Rarotonga is one long stretch of sandy beach backed mostly by ironwood trees and plenty of small resorts and self catering bungalows. This stretch of coastline stops at Black Rock in the north, opposite the 9-hole public Rarotongan Golf Course. Black Rock is an excellent swimming and snorkelling spot and is a good place to spot humpback whales when they visit the island between June and October. There are six good independent restaurants which all within walking distance of each other. Being leeward side of the island, it is also protected from the prevailing winds. Tropical sunsets are a definite plus.
Crown Beach Resort is an intimate boutique resort located on the sunset side of the island with 21 luxurious self contained and fully air conditioned villas. Crown Beach offers a Spa & Massage complex, fine dining at the Windjammer Restaurant, relaxed dining at the Beachside Restaurant & an onsite Dive Centre.
Manuia Beach Hotel is located alongside a white sandy beach on the west coast of Rarotonga with 24 Polynesian style thatched bungalows, six of which are absolute beachfront. Peaceful and tranquil the hotel offers a romantic getaway ( no guests under the age of 12 years). Hotel facilities include its own sand floored restaurant and bar right on the beach.
Raina Lagoon Villas is a delightful secluded spot with six hand crafted open plan villas in a small garden setting, four of which are absolute beachfront. Sitting adjacent to Manuia Beach Hotel, the lagoon views are stunning and guests can wander along the beach to several excellent restaurants.
Castaway Beach Villas is a collection of studio units and bungalows in a long narrow property on the west coast of Rarotonga in the heart of Arorangi Village. The motel style complex features a pool, restaurant and attractive beach but limited swimming.
The Sunset Resort Rarotonga has 35 spacious self-catering apartments situated either on the Beachfront overlooking the lagoon and sunsets or beside the swimming pools amid lush tropical gardens. The apartments are all within walking distance of seven restaurants offering a wide variety of local and international cuisine.
The Edgewater Resort Rarotonga is the largest resort in the Cook Islands with 250 guestrooms and suites. The resort is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens, swaying palms and bordered by a white sand beach and sparkling blue lagoon. Located on the west side of Rarotonga, Edgewater offers plenty of amenities, activities and 24-hr service with amazing sunsets across the lagoon.
Sunhaven Beach Bungalows is a small private property nestled amongst mature tropical palms at the waters edge on the western side of Rarotonga. The no children policy ensures peace and quiet and there's a fresh water pool. Complimentary use of kayaks and snorkel.
Avarau Town, North Rarotonga
Avarua Town on the north coast, minutes from the international airport, is the administration centre of the Cook Islands. Most people end up in town for a shopping trip or part of a bus trip around and it's a nice place to spend a few hours, especially on Saturday morning when the open air market takes place. You'll find everything from brightly coloured sarongs (wrap around dresses), to flower garlands, fresh fish and tropical fruits.The town is very small though with only a few supermarkets, two banks both with ATM machines, several restaurants / cafes, internet booths and several goodboutique shops specialising in the sale of black pearls and fine handicrafts. There are a few budet places to stay but without a beach it's not a great option.
The coast along Avarua Town is rocky but a passage through the reef makes it ideal as a harbour for fishing boats and yachts (yachting season May-Sep). There are a few part-sandy beaches to the east of Avarua Town but swimming is restrictive. The mountains are stunning viewed from the main road and you'll find some ancient stone foundations (marae) on the inland road, as well as several dirt tracks leading into valleys. The coastline here is rugged, with mostly pebble beaches, and like Avarua, there is no place to swim.
Club Raro Resort is conveniently located only 5mins from the main town of Avarua. An intimate and friendly resort offering 55 air-conditioned rooms including 15 Lagoonfront Rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A great place to enjoy a cooling dip and refreshing cocktail especially with the popular swim up pool bar.
