Southern Cook Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The most picture perfect beach I had ever seen was on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. We rode our old rented bicycles down a narrow sand road, and there was nobody around so we got the beach to ourselves!
The most picture perfect beach I had ever seen was on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. We rode our old rented bicycles down a narrow sand road, and there was nobody around so we got the beach to ourselves!
If you ask me what is my dream accommodation, it is something like this: A wooden bungalow directly on a white beach with a view to a turquoise sea lagoon. I spent a couple of unforgettable nights here, and I'm hoping to be back someday!
Aitutaki is one of the most perfect places I've ever seen. Inside the surrounding coral reefs there is a picture perfect turquoise lagoon with sand dunes rising above the water level. This is the first view of the atoll when arriving by air. Aitutaki is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands and the flight from the capital island of Rarotonga takes only 45 minutes.
If you're looking for a perfect beach in Rarotonga, head to Muri Beach to the East coast. There are a couple of sand motus in the lagoon, which you can swim or kayak to when the conditions are alright.

Where to stay in Southern Cook Islands

Arorangi featuring kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Arorangi is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

Arorangi
After husking and grilling coconuts following amazing recipes I promised I won't disclose, we wanted some rest by the lagoon to enjoy the surroundings and incredible locals

Muri

While visiting Muri, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

Muri
If you're looking for a perfect beach in Rarotonga, head to Muri Beach to the East coast. There are a couple of sand motus in the lagoon, which you can swim or kayak to when the conditions are alright.

Takitumu District

While visiting Takitumu District, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

Takitumu District
Titikaveka featuring tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

5/5(4 area reviews)

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Muri Beach and Tikioki Marine Sanctuary while you're in town.

Tapere of Titikaveka
#LifeAtExpedia

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Arai-Te-Tonga.

Takuvaine Tapere
Avarua showing a bay or harbour and mountains

Avarua

4/5(1 area review)

Beaches, snorkelling and bars are just a few things travellers enjoy about Avarua. Check out Cook Islands Library and Museum or Punanga Nui Market while you're exploring the area.

Avarua
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua Rarotonga
The price is ₹11,276 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
₹11,276
₹13,177 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
The cleaner that looked after our room was fantastic it was so lovely to come back to our room to find our bed made and fresh towels to start our day, they work really hard to make your stay comfortable, she was all ways smiling and happy to see us, the restaurant staff were all ways happy and friendly, ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi Rarotonga
The price is ₹15,019 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
₹15,019
₹17,415 total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities in ...
8/10 Very Good! (515 reviews)
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Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

3 out of 5
Ara Tapu Rarotonga
The price is ₹10,689 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
₹10,689
₹12,412 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
The room was very dated and had a terrible chemical smell inside. There is a 1 inch difference between the floor in the bedroom and the bathroom. The blackout curtains did not close all the way so our room was very bright all night long. And to top it all off there was no water in the pool, quite ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kia Orana Villas and Spa

Kia Orana Villas and Spa

4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road Rarotonga
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
Room was great. Staff was amazing and Joe was kind allowing us to have breakfast earlier thank opening time on our first morning.

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Tropical Sands

Tropical Sands

3 out of 5
Muri Village (4 minutes away) Rarotonga
Stay at this beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Avana Harbour are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (126 reviews)
We can't fault the attention and excellent service Kanoe & Rudy gave us. The room was spotless and very well equipped and the deck was huge which we found a real bonus.

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Tropical Sands
Ocean Escape Resort&Spa

Ocean Escape Resort&Spa

4 out of 5
1 Ara Tapu, Turangi Village Rarotonga Rarotonga
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Avana Harbour are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Amazing stay! Great location close to Miri beach but you will probably want to rent a car either way. The staff including Barry and Nick are all outstanding. The onsite spa also great!

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Ocean Escape Resort&Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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