Southern Cook Islands

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Cook Islands Tourism
Photo provided by Cook Islands Tourism
Aitutaki featuring tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Aitutaki featuring tropical scenes as well as an individual male
Aitutaki which includes performance art and night scenes
Aitutaki which includes a pool and night scenes

Where to stay in Southern Cook Islands

Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
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
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
Rarotonga featuring a waterfall and a pond

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Cook Island Christian Church.

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 Cook Island Christian Church while you're exploring the area.

Avarua
Default Image

Tapere of Vaimaanga

Travellers like the museums in Tapere of Vaimaanga, and Wigmore's Waterfall is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Tapere of Vaimaanga
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is HK$1,139 per night from 1 May to 2 May
HK$1,139
HK$1,325 total
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"This was a near perfect trip. The hotel itself is comfortable but not fancy, perfect for a relaxed island break. Being able to swim in the ocean, snorkel immediately outside the resort on the marine reserve/coral, make use of the pool etc so easily makes it a great base. The facilities are good, ..."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is HK$786 per night from 25 May to 26 May
HK$786
HK$924 total
includes taxes & fees
25 May - 26 May
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"Lovely break here. Staff were excellent and very helpful. Great location and peaceful stay. Will be back again"

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
The price is HK$1,516 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
HK$1,516
HK$1,743 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
8/10 Very Good! (422 reviews)
"Everything was wonderful staff were so friendly and warm. I felt cared for and every need was met. Food was awesome at yhe breakfast. Resort activities wrre great, kids were catered for well. Will definately be going back."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
See all 373 properties in Southern Cook Islands
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.
The Cooks Oasis
The Cooks Oasis
3 out of 5
Main Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Black Rock and Rarotonga ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews)
"A bit tired. Shower door fell off. Now being refurbished. Lovely manager."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

The Cooks Oasis
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road, Atupa, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
"Here for a week with my 2 daughters and grandson, we had a 2 bedroom villa which was spacious and well presented both inside and out, well equiped kitchen ( if you wanted to cook) Amazinglycomfortable beds and the pool was directly outside our villa. Sane was very helpful and organised our car hire ..."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
4 out of 5
Avarua, PO Box 790 , Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Matutu Brewing Company ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"Great having the option of free shuttle between the villas and the Pacific Resort to make getting to town easier without a car. They were very responsive and helpful. Villa had an amazing view and everything needed inside."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
See all properties in Southern Cook Islands
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.

Popular places to visit

Muri Beach showing tropical scenes

Muri Beach

Stretch out comfortably on the bone-white beach while watching the sunrise over Rarotonga’s popular lagoon.

Muri Beach
Aro\'a Beach showing a beach as well as an individual male

Aroa Beach

Leave the bustle of the modern world behind and lounge on stretches of powdery white sand with the transparent Pacific Ocean at your fingertips.

Aroa Beach
Muri Lagoon

Muri Lagoon

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Muri Lagoon during your travels in Rarotonga. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its seafood restaurants.

Muri Lagoon
Te Vara Nui Village as well as a large group of people

Te Vara Nui Village

Join an interactive experience to appreciate the authentic educational and entertaining story of Cook Islands’ culture.

Te Vara Nui Village
Aitutaki featuring general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Ootu Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Ootu Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Aitutaki. You can seek out the snorkelling spots and cycling trails in this relaxing area.

Ootu Beach
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary which includes tropical scenes and a beach

Tikioki Marine Sanctuary

Swim with multi-colored fish or spend hours on a stretch of powdery white beach at one of Rarotonga's best coastal spots. Dive around nearby shipwrecks.

Tikioki Marine Sanctuary
Photo by Melinda Herndon

Mangaia

Muri Beach showing tropical scenes

Rarotonga

Aitutaki which includes general coastal views and tropical scenes

Aitutaki

One Foot Island Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Tekopua