This part of the beach is well away from the main action, but you can easily walk along the beach to activities on the water and inland. Go in for an economical 10-ride pass, which should accommodate most weeklong stays. Maire Nui Gardens is located on the South side of the island, and encompasses 7 acres of colourful and. I have read that on the east coast the temp. Started in 1996 by Hinano Macquarie, Maire Nui Gardens has evolved from what was originally swampland, into a tropical oasis loved by both visitors and locals alike. October/November is a great time to visit Rarotonga. 00 per day for backpacking Rarotonga to stay on the safe side. Could anyone be more specific as to where the BEST of the foregoing (other than sunsets) are to. Let’s start with the two most affordable and family-friendly villas with a private pool on Rarotonga. Our Cafe currently operates from Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, my husband and I are planning a trip to Rarotonga in August and I am a little confused on what the best side of the island is. For budget travelers, Rarotonga offers a couple of hostels, but camping is not possible on any of the Cook Islands. . Captain Tama’s and Koka are the two main ones. #6 – Take a Snorkel trip at Muri Beach, Rarotonga 2. Answer 21 of 40: Hello, My husband and I will be visiting Rarotonga for 12 nights in October. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Flights to Rarotonga Rarotonga Restaurants Things to Do in. We don't want to be too removed. Which hotels are the best ones to stay at in Rarotonga? Ocean Escape Resort & Spa , The Passage Villas , and Muri Beach Hideaway - Adults Only are some of the popular hotels. Answer 11 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. from 7. 5 years ago. Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe. Everything was amazing. Which restaurants are open over Christmas and NYE, and the festive season? Mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases in the Cook Islands. However when were had 6 of us on Raro in early 2020 ( Pre-Covid) we stayed just down the beach at Natura Beach pool villa 2. Flight to Aitutaki with Air Rarotonga: Make sure you get a window seat for this 30-minute flight! Stay 3-6 nights on Aitutaki: For a longer stay on Aitutaki, I suggest switching hotels from one side of the. Located the Western side of Rarotonga, Black Rock is a local favourite for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling and. From $216 per night. I have read that on the east coast the temp. The majority of travelers stay on Rarotonga (affectionately nicknamed Raro), the largest of the Cook Islands, which itself is still really small: it takes less than an hour to drive around the island's perimeter road! Competitions are held at the national auditorium in Avarua. Rarotonga. Love sunsets but also love snorkelling and swimming. Below are the best hotels, resorts, and places to stay in Poipu based on guest reviews: Best Luxury Resort: Koloa Landing Resort – 9. North side of Rarotonga - Near the airport (located in the NW area) there is a fairly wide lagoon providing good snorkeling, swimming and reef fishing. Set the right tone for a tranquil tropical getaway by staying at an adults-only resort in the Cook Islands. And there are many options for hiring a stand-up paddle board or kayak to explore one of. Vaka Rua is set right over the golden sand facing the lagoon, Rainbow Villas, MM Batch South Side, Rarotonga's Fishing Lodge - GT's, Te Moana Nui Villa 3: More places to stay in Rarotonga. Hi jamzey49. 1. Yes, the sunsets are obviously good on the west side, but it's not good for swimming, just ok for snorkelling. Arorangi. Tuoro Tapas Bar: Always fantastic for lunch! - See 471 traveler reviews, 222 candid photos, and great deals for Rarotonga, Cook Islands, at Tripadvisor. 8. Lots of wonderful fish to see - make sure you take snorkel gear. Little. The district that runs down the western side of Rarotonga, incidentally between our other two whale watching spots of Black Rock and Aroa Beach, is known as Arorangi. Aroa Beach (Aro’a Beach) This beach has it all: sunsets, long stretches of white sand and spectacular snorkelling. There are plenty of great options, at all price points, around the island. Table of Contents: The Best Rarotonga Resorts for Families. Maire Nui Gardens is located on the South side of the island, and encompasses 7 acres of colourful and unique plants, walkways, rock formations, bridges, water features, lily ponds, compost stations. Sunset Resort. Best place to stay in Rarotonga 5 replies; There IS a Rainy Season 29 replies; Car or scooter hire on Rarotonga 20. My dilemma is. Over on this side of the island, the reef breaks far from the coast, creating a large and calm lagoon. Cons: Located far from many of Key West’s top attractions, lacks the charm of the Old Town. Rarotonga is only small so if you hire a car you can have the best of both worlds and travel to other beaches depending on the weather. Use SPF 50+ or 30+ sunscreen and consider SPF. Costing $5 to enter the museum, this makes a great first day stop so you can learn more about the history of the island. Apr 2023. What are some of the best resorts for stays in Rarotonga? Lagoon Breeze Villas , Pacific Resort Rarotonga , and Magic Reef Bungalows are some of our most popular resorts in. These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. View Hotel. On the western side of Rarotonga, Manuia Beach Resort captures some of the most breathtaking sunsets from its beachfront suites and acclaimed On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant. 9 Fabulous 326 reviews. It has been said that the water, snorkeling, and fish watching are better on the Western side of the island, and I suppose the sunsets are better too. Free parking . Arorangi – The Best Resorts for Whale Watching on Rarotonga. Koka Lagoon Cruises. Hi all, just curious as to where exactly the sun sets in raro i know its the west side but is that north west, south west or just west. 14. Religious Sites. This is only one of two backpacker hostels I know on the island, and it’s the better one. Our Cafe currently operates from Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. THE 5 BEST Cheap Hotels in Rarotonga 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor. Answer 1 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. 7. Have an Awesome Night at the Highland Paradise Cultural Show. On sunset side of the island and only. Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga. I have heard that the. The back-packer hostels are decent places for single travellers to Rarotonga. Both cruise through Muri Lagoon before stopping for food and entertainment at. Cabin space for Rarotonga to the. Mid-Range to Budget Accommodation in Arorangi District, Rarotonga. Started in 1996 by Hinano Macquarie, Maire Nui Gardens has evolved from what was originally swampland, into a tropical oasis loved by both visitors and locals alike. Whatever your ideal South Pacific holiday consists of, it becomes reality in our islands, with. Other places to spot whales from include The Edgewater Resort, Aroa Beach, Avarua Harbour and the Game Fishing Club. drops 4-5 degrees after 5pm and it gets windy. Rehab is the club of choice on the weekend if you really want to let your hair down. We are very active and want to hike, bike, swim, and explore the island. Currency: New Zealand Dollar, ATMs are available around the island. . 1. The Moorea Island Beach Hotel will likely run you about $200 per night, but we’ve found deals for less than $150 per night. See the ‘best beaches in Rarotonga’ section for more info. Here are some of our favorite places to stay in all price points. Things to Know When Backpacking Rarotonga. Looking for advice on best accomodation that is not massively expensive for a couple. A perfect location on the island. Thanks in advance!Answer 21 of 40: Hello, My husband and I will be visiting Rarotonga for 12 nights in October. We have 8 self catering villas nestled within tropical gardens. We are in Rarotonga for 4 days then off to mooch around in Aitutaki. Service. What advice can you. If you only do one activity while you’re in Rarotonga, this is the one to splurge on. Drinking a cocktail at Nautilus Resort. 7 mi from Avarua in Rarotonga. Lovely pool and beautiful surrounds. . Answer 1 of 10: First time travellers to Rarotonga. Rarotonga. Take the Roosevelt Island Tram. We are undecided where to stay. Go Scuba Diving with Pacific Divers. My dilemma is. The same rules above apply to staying at a budget place as they do for a luxury stay anywhere on the island. 9 Fabulous 323 reviews. Walking out the depth of your kneecap brings visions of colorful fish poking in and out of blue, orange and yellow corals. Owned by a couple of artists, the three units and their gardens with a pavilion have creative touches. Naming the best beach in Rarotonga would be impossible, but you can pick the best one for you depending on the type of trip you have in mind. To book, phone Spacifica Travel, 1800 800 722. Located near The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium on the South-Western part of the island, this beach is great for snorkelling as well as sunbathing. com prices). 1. Rarotonga Hotels and Places to Stay. Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe. We also have deals for flights, and Rarotonga car. Adult only unless you book the entire place. Enter dates to see prices. Beachfront rooms have stunning views over the lagoon and off-shore islands. Also we have young kids so keen to stay near a beach that is safe for them. Package purchases must include a round-trip flight and a hotel stay purchased together on the same transaction for the same length of stay. This is not the case with the west coast. Pacific Resort Aitutaki undeniably claims to be a ‘calm and tranquil oasis’ and we think it sums up their Aitutaki resort perfectly. 671. Captain Tamas runs tours of the lagoon ($89) and is the highest rated tour company on the island. Best place to stay in Rarotonga 5 replies; There IS a Rainy Season 29 replies; Car or scooter hire on Rarotonga 20 replies; Taking food into Raro. Rarotonga’s best beaches are on the southern side of the island, starting from Muri Beach in the east to Aroa Beach in the west. I have read that on the east coast the temp. Answer 1 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. Located near The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium on the South-Western part of the island, this beach is great for snorkelling as well as sunbathing. Due east of Kahului and situated along the northern coast of Maui is the eclectic town of Paia. Most all the beaches a great for something or another. . #5 of 24 hotels in Rarotonga. 158 posts. 2023. Answer 1 of 8: Does anyone know which hotel in Raro allow one night stay or at the most 2 nights? We only have 6 nights total :Either 5 in Aitutaki and one in Raro or 4 in Aitutakui and 2 in Raro We had Palm Grove in mind but their minimum is 3. As Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, you might want to dive deeper into the subject of “where to stay” in A Guide on the Best Side of Rarotonga to Stay. BT scooter rentals are located across the road from the entrance to Waterline. Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe. Rarotonga. In Muri lagoon, there's a handful of motu (small islands) easily reached by kayak, but you should paddle for Koromiri, which has one of the best beaches in Rarotonga. Children under 2 years old are free. Muri, Rarotonga. Distance from. Most visitors can stay in the Cook Islands for up to 31 days; although, New Zealand citizens can stay for up to 90 days. Visa: Automatically obtained on arrival for 31 days. Black Rock Beach. Go Snorkelling at Aroa Beach. Maire Nui Gardens is located on the South side of the island, and encompasses 7 acres of colourful and. 6 km from the villa, while Albertos is 12 km away. drops 4-5 degrees after 5pm and it gets windy. Best place to stay in Rarotonga 5 replies; There IS a Rainy Season 29 replies; Car or scooter hire on Rarotonga 20 replies;Where to stay on Rarotonga. Black Rock Beach, Rarotonga. ; SOUTH: Capital Cagliari with the pretty and unspoiled Costa Rei to its east and some of Sardinia’s nicest beach resorts to its west. Castaway Resort. #3 of 47 villas in Rarotonga. Cook Island Travel tips. com and holiday homes and I'm trying to narrow it down. Experience a Rarotonga “Island Night”. But you don't want to miss the best chances of whale spotting - again the western side for that since the reef is close to the island there but still allows for some water activities. The location is perfect as there are restaurants nearby, Muri Night Markets, beaches are clean and. What is the best side of Rarotonga to stay on? Rarotonga’s north coast is closest to the airport and the capital, Avarua, where you’ll find shops, museums and outdoor markets. With the potential for limited shade in the mornings in Muri and afternoon in Arorangi / Black Rock areas, you must protect yourself from the sun’s rays. With this being your first time I think a split of 6 nights at Rarotonga and 4 at Aitutaki would perhaps be better for you. And the restaurant serve you right on the beach, which is perfect to enjoy the sun and relax. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Guest House Rarotonga Holiday Homes Rarotonga Holiday Packages. #7 of 24 hotels in Rarotonga. Licenced restaurant onsite, and a pool-side bar. recommend going early to check-in and drop your bags and then leavego across the road to Vaianas. We realize this is the winter season. Matavera, Rarotonga. . My dilemma is. Rarotonga. 3 grocery stores, numerous licenced restaurants, coffee shops, rental vehicles, tours and attractions. Muri Lagoon offers something truly unique, with its picture-perfect beaches and beautiful lagoon and reefs. Visas and entry. Rarotonga, Southern Cook Islands . . Day 1 - Exploring Muri Lagoon. 1. The best time to visit Rarotonga is throughout October and November. . Rarotonga. Choose your preferred destination airport. Avarua is quite a cute South Pacific settlement, small enough yet with all the amenities for a comfortable and easy-going life. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Holiday Rentals Rarotonga Packages Flights to. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Accommodation Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Holiday Rentals Rarotonga. Review. The sun sets on the west side of the island, making Arorangi the place to be during golden hour. Mouring Fish Cafe. There are BlueSky Teleshops in Avarua and Muri Beach in Rarotonga and on Aitutaki island as well that all offer internet access and sell prepaid wi-fi access which can be used at hotspots around the islands. Villa. When I say best I mean nicest swimming beaches, least windy, most sheltered, best sunsets. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Holiday Rentals Flights to Rarotonga. 20. For beaches and watersports, the best side of the island of Rarotonga to stay on is Muri Beach (east coast) or Titikaveka (southeast coast). Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) 359. Use SPF 50+ or 30+ sunscreen and consider. Mouring Fish Cafe. Paia, the coolest place to stay in Maui. We visited in the 1990s multiple times. The weather is starting to warm up at this time of the year and anywhere on the south of the island will give you a pleasant cooling breeze. We love the space the facilities and the safety of the pool for kids. Which side of Rarotonga has the best beaches? The south and west coast of Rarotonga have the most beautiful beaches, with many secluded and less-visited beach areas. Now $149 (Was $̶1̶7̶3̶) on Tripadvisor: Aro'a Beachside Resort, Arorangi. Choose between the garden suites which include a living area and furnished patio or the beachfront suites overlooking the lagoon. THE 5 BEST Rarotonga Clean Hotels. 1,503 Reviews . Re: Help planning 9 day trip to Rarotonga, with side trip. 2 Reviews . Share. South Pacific ; Cook Islands ; Southern Cook Islands ; Rarotonga ;. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Vacation Rentals Flights to Rarotonga Tuoro Tapas Bar; Things to Do in Rarotonga Rarotonga. Explore the Less-Known Backroad and. The south of Rarotonga is home to the best beaches on the island, with deep lagoons perfect for snorkelling and non-motorised watersports. Answer 1 of 5: My husband and I will be on Rarotonga for 1 week in Feb 07 on our way to Christchurch . By Alexia Santamaria. Find various hotels in Rarotonga including both cheap discount hostels &inns from USD 111 in suburb area and luxury 5-star hotels in central downtown, most with free cancelation. Can someone explain the differences. Sunset Quay Rarotonga is located in Arorangi Village, 15 minutes’ drive from Avarua. Which side is preferable for this time of year? Rarotonga. 5. The hotels that I liked on the West (Sunset, Sunhaven. Approximately 1. UPSCALE: Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Windward Pointe. An unforgettable luxury experience awaits at the design-orientated Aitutaki Escape, consisting of blissfully private one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. I see people like Muri for the swimming,, Titikaveka for the breeze and quiet and Arorangi for the wider range of dining and hotels and sunsets. Muri Night Market. . Cleanliness. Located in Rarotonga, a few steps from Turangi Beach, Ocean Escape Resort & Spa provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a private beach area and barbecue facilities. com $$$ The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium sits right on Aroa Beach, which is where the Aroa Marine. What areas are best to stay? We have a bungalow booked. What areas are best to stay? We have a bungalow booked. Save. " It was such a relaxing stay, though a bit on the pricey side,. 8/10 Good! (318 reviews) "Really loved the outdoor facilities for children and the amazing menu for both adults and children. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium. This is not the case with the west coast. . #18 of 24 hotels in Rarotonga. a freshly baked jam donut from lbv in rarotonga. Amazing hotel, staff was really nice and helpful. October is a delightful time of year to visit Raro. This 64-room boutique resort offers a range of spacious suites. We prefer beach front, white sand beaches with a good standard of accommodation. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Holiday Rentals Flights to Rarotonga. Like Sunhaven and Murivai beach in the west. . . For budget travelers, Rarotonga offers a couple of hostels, but camping is not possible on any of the Cook Islands. There are other areas around the island, which have better snorkeling, but as suggested by Lacey02, hire a car and ten minutes west you will find Tikioki Marine Reserve and ten minutes to the. I have heard that the. Book Makayla Palms Villas, Titikaveka on Tripadvisor: See 440 traveler reviews, 360 candid photos, and great deals for Makayla Palms Villas, ranked #2 of 12 specialty lodging in Titikaveka and rated 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The Edgewater Resort & Spa. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Vacation Rentals Rarotonga Vacation PackagesAnswer 1 of 6: Hi, my husband and I are planning a trip to Rarotonga in August and I am a little confused on what the best side of the island is. and Marine Reserve, (Rarotongan) and Marine Reserve, (Rarotongan) Here is a teaser of some of Rarotonga’s best beaches. This is a beautiful experience, especially in the spring when the island is bursting with cherry blossoms. " It’s located on the western side of Rarotonga,. We went there three days in a row. The latter is a working harbor with a charming Colonial-era ambiance. Just park up opposite fruits of Rarotonga and take the plunge into the waters. Rutaki, Rarotonga. But you don't want to miss the best chances of whale spotting - again the western side for that since the reef is close to the island there but still allows for some water activities. For places to stay in Rarotonga serving highly-rated breakfasts, try Kia Orana Villas and Spa, Lagoon Breeze Villas, and Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Select dates and complete search for nightly totals inclusive of taxes and fees. #4 of 24 hotels in Rarotonga. Sipping coconut milk while bargaining for handmade jewelry and swaying your hips to live music—just another Saturday morning in Rarotonga. We realize this is the winter season. The SE trade-winds (April to October) affect the southern and eastern parts of the island, including Muri, Tikioki, and Titikaveka and to a lesser extent Vaimaanga through to Aroa. Top beaches to explore Muri Beach, Rarotonga Located on the South-Eastern side of Rarotonga, this beach is a hub for water activities, including: Sea scooter safari tours,. 2. This is not the case with the west coast. Muri beach seems to be the consensus, but wondering if there are some other good (potentially less expensive) alternatives. The experience of staying at the Nikao Beach Bungalows can only be described as excellent. . Any ideas on best places to stay with them? Where To Stay In Rarotonga. The best things to see and do in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Approximately 1. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, I have been doing some research about where to stay in rarotonga and I am a bit confused. Arorangi, Rarotonga. Traffic causes parking to be very difficult. For one of the top Rarotonga 5-star resorts, look no further than Te Vakaroa Villas with this beachfront luxury resort on Muri Beach. staff is so friendly and helpful and assisted with all of our reservations as well as renting e-bikes for our weeklong stay. Warm water Our warm waters range from 23°C to 28°C, making them inviting all year round. Most visitors can stay in the Cook Islands for up to 31 days; although, New Zealand citizens can stay for up to 90 days. Which restaurants are open over Christmas and NYE, and the festive season? Mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases in the Cook Islands. . Mid-Range to Budget Accommodation in. Everything was amazing. Snorkel At Titikaveka Beach. Watch talented dancers adorned in traditional costumes at one of the island’s cultural shows, otherwise known as “island nights”. Sunset Resort is located just 3. Love sunsets but also love snorkelling and swimming. 49 reviews. Aim for a budget of NZ$90 (US$63) per day upwards for a backpacker stay on the islands, staying in dorms, taking local buses and cooking meals at your hostel. It has a separate living room with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. But the east around Muri has the beautiful motus. Rarotonga has changed. Travel shots are taken at all times of year. Or go with an organised hiking tour with Bruce, for transport and guidance. i'll be staying a week on both raro and aitutaki on east side and want to spend last three days on raro on. Chuck. Answer 11 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. com and holiday homes and I'm. Cook Islands Church. Muri Beach Club Hotel, an adults only oasis from 18years and over is ideally located on the beachfront at Muri Lagoon. . Rarotonga’s newest oceanfront resort is also the island’s only place to stay with its own mini-coral reef in the swimming pool. 11 Apr, 2023 06:00 AM 5 mins to read. Antipodes – The Best Fine Dining on Rarotonga. For entry to the Cook Islands, visitors need a valid passport with at least six months remaining on it and an exit ticket. Boasting 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, Iro Luxury Retreat offers luxury accommodation in Rarotonga, 10 km from Muri. Show prices. What to pack for snorkeling in. Our Cafe currently operates from Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. 4. Boat Trips. Snorkelling gear and use of kayaks and paddleboards. Language: English is widely spoken, but technically the official language is Cook. . Location. For an October stay I prefer to stay in either the Vaimaanga or Titikaveka area. . 5. Visas and entry. The back-packer hostels are decent places for single travellers to Rarotonga. Nice, appointed rooms right on the beach front with a peaceful atmosphere. Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa is the ultimate in luxury set a little farther south on the Muri Beach Lagoon. Walking Tour Of Avarua. 6 casual shirts (tees and/or singlets) 1 button down shirt (for going out) 2 pairs of shorts (one pair of chino shorts and one pair of sports shorts) 1 pair of pants/chinos (for going out) 1 light sweatshirt. Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of. The very best side is on the west - there are several places you can enjoy the sunset. Everywhere around Rarotonga is tidal. It’s a tight operation run by a solid team and is right on one of the best spots right on Arorangi Beach – possibly the best place on the entire island to watch the sunset. into a tropical oasis loved by both visitors and locals alike. Save. 2. 1. Here are six of our. Show more. Arorangi School Passage in between Black Rock and Aro’a beaches. Snorkeling at Titikaveka Beach is one of the best things to do in Rarotonga and is honestly one of my personal favorites as well. 6 Night Package from $2,889 per person.