THE 5 BEST Cheap Hotels in Rarotonga 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor. Pacific Resort Rarotonga: Best staff, best accomodation. Types of rooms and prices range from. Ancient Hawaiian history and culture, including petroglyphs believed to represent the heavens, stands side-by-side with ultra modern full-service resorts. . The south of Rarotonga is home to the best beaches on the island, with deep lagoons perfect for snorkelling and non-motorised watersports. Rarotonga fish and chip shop. 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. Go Snorkelling at Aroa Beach. For breakfast, grab one of the outdoor tables at The Lucky Rooster (formerly Cafe Salsa) and do a bit of people watching. You'll pay around $252 if you choose to stay in a 4-star hotel tonight, while a 5-star hotel in Rarotonga will cost around $451, on average (based on Booking. Across the street from the prettiest, Cook Island Christian Churc h in Rarotonga is the museum and library. . . Taupo camping grounds. Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe. The Top Adults-Only Accommodations in the Cook Islands. Yes, the sunsets are obviously good on the west side, but it's not good for swimming, just ok for snorkelling. Pacific Resort Aitutaki undeniably claims to be a ‘calm and tranquil oasis’ and we think it sums up their Aitutaki resort perfectly. Castaway Resort Rarotonga. We have heard that the western side is less windy! We are more mature - 2 couples 60+. One of the larger Rarotonga properties, it still feels private and low-key thanks to meandering paths through lush tropical gardens. The studios and suites at Resort Sunset are nestled among tropical gardens. The east side and Muri Lagoon is a hub for watersports, the west side offers the best sunsets and places to eat, the north side is close to Rarotonga’s main shops and services, while th e south side is the most tranquil side and features the best snorkelling spots. 1. . Muri Beach Club Hotel. Nature & Wildlife Areas. 7. Deck space for Rarotonga to the Northern Group – NZ$450 per person return. A private room for one person costs 35-40 NZD, while a double private room is about 40-55 NZD. We are undecided where to stay. 2. Day 5 - Swimming with turtles. Our Cafe currently operates from Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. Answer 1 of 4: I'm not sure I'm spelling "Aitutaki" correctly, but in January my fiancee and I will be honeymooning in Rarotonga. Also we have young kids so keen to stay near a beach that is safe for them. 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. 8. 2. It’s hard to go wrong on the Cook Islands, no matter where you stay. Stay at Rarotonga Backpackers. Black Rock Beach, Rarotonga. 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. 3. Tropical Sands – The Best Budget Holiday Homes on Rarotonga for Couples Scattered among picturesque tropical gardens yet footsteps away from Matavera Beach, Tropical Sands offers a small selection of holiday homes on Rarotonga for small groups. The latter is a working harbor with a charming Colonial-era ambiance. What areas are best to stay? We have a bungalow booked. For some of the best resorts along with amazing sunsets and whale watching, the west coast, Arorangi , is the best side of Rarotonga. The Edgewater Resort & Spa. What areas are best to stay? We have a bungalow booked. 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. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Accommodation Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Holiday Rentals Rarotonga. To help you choose a suitable stay, browse through this list of the best long-term rentals in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. 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. The Little Polynesian has three-night stays including transfers, daily breakfast, use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. 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 west of. These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. Whatever your ideal South Pacific holiday consists of, it becomes reality in our islands, with. If you prefer smaller hotels and resorts, there are multiple properties that cater for families. 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. Hotel in Muri, Rarotonga. Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand16 contributions. THE 10 BEST Hotels in Rarotonga 2023. Black Rock Beach. My dilemma is. Boasting 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, Iro Luxury Retreat offers luxury accommodation in Rarotonga, 10 km from Muri. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, I have been doing some research about where to stay in rarotonga and I am a bit confused. Show more. Pool . See hotel recommendations below. 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. 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. Let’s start with the two most affordable and family-friendly villas with a private pool on Rarotonga. Go in for an economical 10-ride pass, which should accommodate most weeklong stays. The best snorkelling around Rarotonga truly is alongside the Rarotongan/Sanctuary resorts. 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. 8. Watch talented dancers adorned in traditional costumes at one of the island’s cultural shows, otherwise known as “island nights”. Will be travelling in Dec/Jan. Visas and entry. It’s a tight operation run by a solid team and is right on one. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Flights to Rarotonga Rarotonga Restaurants Things to Do in. Hi, Does anyone know the best resort on the west coast (sunset side) of Rarotonga. Best place to stay in Rarotonga " Great room with everything you need and we were lucky enough to get a lovely ocean view. I have read that on the east coast the temp. drops 4-5 degrees after 5pm and it gets windy. Aitutaki is the second most visited island in the Cook Islands, and the only other spot with a wide variety of accommodation options. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Accommodation Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Holiday Rentals Rarotonga Holiday Packages Rarotonga Flights Rarotonga. From the overwater bungalows over the azure Aitutaki. Rarotonga. Use SPF 50+ or 30+ sunscreen and consider. Re: Help planning 9 day trip to Rarotonga, with side trip. There is a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom in each unit. drops 4-5 degrees after 5pm and it gets windy. 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. It also avoids the peak holiday seasons allowing for a much more relaxing escape. Best place to stay in Rarotonga. The beaches are still pretty, but there’s more coral in the water and you can’t swim at low tide. Best place to stay in Rarotonga. There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation in Rarotonga. #15 of 24 hotels in Rarotonga. Answer 11 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. Avana Passage north of Muri Beach. This 64-room boutique resort offers a range of spacious suites. Waikato camping grounds. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and. There are several hotels with great reviews; we were tempted by Sanctuary Rarotonga (£205), Magic Reef Bungalows (£181) and Sunset Resort (£165). Below are the best hotels, resorts, and places to stay in Poipu based on guest reviews: Best Luxury Resort: Koloa Landing Resort – 9. 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. Rarotonga’s newest oceanfront resort is also the island’s only place to stay with its own mini-coral reef in the swimming pool. And Aroa Beach Side Bungalows because I know the owners. The north coast of Rarotonga is the best part of the island for proximity to the airport and the capital, Avarua. Will be on Rarotonga. Rarotonga Hotel Deals: Find great deals from hundreds of websites, and book the right hotel using Tripadvisor's 78,583 reviews of Rarotonga hotels. Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga. We enjoy relaxing, swimming, snorkelling, walking. Castaway Resort. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Vacation Rentals Flights to Rarotonga Rarotonga Restaurants Things to Do in Rarotonga Rarotonga. Mouring Fish Cafe. enjoying these incredible views on our vaka cruise. Pacific Resort Aitutaki. 140 reviews. Re: Sheltered Vs Windy. Titikaveka is a much quieter area than Muri, the lagoon in this area isn't as effected by pollution to the extent that Muri is. Snorkeling at Titikaveka Beach is one of the best things to do in Rarotonga and is honestly one of my personal favorites as well. Budget: Rarotonga Backpackers– 4 different locations on the. But the east around Muri has the beautiful motus. Panther: Look to Costco for some remarkable bargains that include airfare from LAX to Raro and Aitutaki, if you are interested in splitting your time in the Cooks. The western side provides the best sunsets, and is generally more sheltered compared with the east and south sides of the island. Rarotonga Hotels and Places to Stay. Maire Nui Gardens is located on the South side of the island, and encompasses 7 acres of colourful and. Best place to stay in Rarotonga. 11 Apr, 2023 06:00 AM 5 mins to read. The average daily high temperature only varies about three degrees - the difference between 28°C in January and 25°C in. 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 island to the other, so you can get the best of both worlds. My dilemma is that there are many beautiful resorts on the east side such as Sea change villas and Reflections on rarotonga. . We are very active and want to hike, bike, swim, and explore the island. com prices). The same rules above apply to staying at a budget place as they do for a luxury stay anywhere on the island. 4. "We had a wonderful holiday in Rarotonga. Alternatively, you can visit the motu on. Discover jaw-dropping coconut crabs, astonishing stonefish, stunning aquarium fish, inspiring natural history, cinema and so much more in this unique Cook Island Marine and Wildlife Centre. We have stayed on the west coast in Arorangi during October and whilst we did enjoy the lovely sunsets we did find it very warm, particularly without. Sunset Resort is a larger sized resort situated in the NW corner of the island, with nicely presented grounds and accommodation. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Accommodation Rarotonga Bed and BreakfastAnd The Waterline because I know the owners. View. Rarotonga. What side of the island is best for low-key rental properties (less than $250 a night) . Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Vacation Rentals Rarotonga Vacation. and Marine Reserve, (Rarotongan) and Marine Reserve, (Rarotongan) Here is a teaser of some of Rarotonga’s best beaches. 9 Fabulous 326 reviews. Answer 21 of 33: We, (couple late 40's) are planning a trip to Rarotonga for 7-10 nights. This beautiful beachfront property includes stunning views of the sea and mountains. Te Etu Villas. On average, it costs $149 per night to book a 3-star hotel in Rarotonga for tonight. Best lagoon in Rarotonga. Rarotonga. We want to be on a. Muri Lagoon offers something truly unique, with its picture-perfect beaches and beautiful lagoon and reefs. a freshly baked jam donut from lbv in rarotonga. Like Sunhaven and Murivai beach in the west. The best time to visit Rarotonga is throughout October and November. . Very different from Rarotonga, Aitutaki is an atoll with one large island (although smaller than Rarotonga) and several small “motu” (islets) encircling a glorious lagoon. com What to Do on Rarotonga Koromiri has the best secluded beach. Set the right tone for a tranquil tropical getaway by staying at an adults-only resort in the Cook Islands. Specialty coffee for breakfast NZ$ 5, better take your beach towels and umbrellas to the reception upon checkout, otherwise you will be charged. BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock. Rarotonga Honeymoon Resorts. Island in Aitutaki Lagoon. A short flight from New Zealand, the 15 main islands of the Cook Islands are spread over 850,000 square miles in the South Pacific Ocean. drops 4-5 degrees after 5pm and it gets windy. Please note: While the gardens are Open 7 Days a week. PO Box 121, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. this portion of titikaveka beach is located outside the popular charlies cafe and is another great swimming spot. 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,. All styles of accommodation can be found at the main beachfront complex on the western side of Rarotonga. Muri Lagoon. Little. Sunset Resort is a larger sized resort situated in the NW corner of the island, with nicely presented grounds and accommodation. 5 years ago. I have read that on the east coast the temp. #18 of 24 hotels in Rarotonga. Answer 1 of 11: Hello- We are trying to put trip together for the end of May. Day 4 - Aitutaki. Rarotonga Tourism Rarotonga Hotels Rarotonga Bed and Breakfast Rarotonga Vacation Rentals Flights to Rarotonga Rarotonga Restaurants Things to Do in Rarotonga Rarotonga Travel Forum Rarotonga Photos Rarotonga MapAnswer 21 of 40: Hello, My husband and I will be visiting Rarotonga for 12 nights in October. Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa is the ultimate in luxury set a little farther south on the Muri Beach. As you move eastward, the lagoon narrows dramatically, until the reef is essentially up against the shoreline, resulting in rougher waters, unswimmable in parts due to corl heads with somewhat. Sunset Quay Rarotonga is located in Arorangi Village, 15 minutes’ drive from Avarua. . We heard that the east side can be cool and windy, and the west side more protected. Answer 11 of 19: We are travelling to Rarotonga in March/April next year. 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. Families traveling in Rarotonga enjoyed their stay at the following honeymoon resorts: Little Polynesian Resort -. Unfortunate that the Sanctuary adults only resort can't deliver what you require for accommodation. Save. Thanks in advance! Rarotonga. The back-packer hostels are decent places for single travellers to Rarotonga. Location. Walking Tour Of Avarua. 6 nights in a Beachside room including tropical breakfast. Rarotonga. Book a villa with two or three bedrooms, complete with full kitchen and laundry facilities and plenty of space for everyone. Answer 11 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. Manuia is a lovely resort with a beautiful pool and great restaurant. When I say best I mean nicest swimming beaches, least windy, most sheltered, best sunsets. I was considering the Pacific Resort but then realized that it may be very windy on that end in the winter. My dilemma is. 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. Serenity Villas offer four very spacious, well appointed villas featuring all the modern comforts of home to make for an easy self service stay. I have been doing some research about where to stay in rarotonga and I am a bit confused. Though just be aware that even 5-star resorts in Rarotonga don’t actually look too great so adjust your expectations accordingly. Approximately 1. Maire Nui Gardens is located on the South side of the island, and encompasses 7 acres of colourful and unique plants. #1 of 6 hotels in Avarua. 3. To book, phone Spacifica Travel, 1800 800 722. Most all the beaches a great for something or another. This is a beautiful experience, especially in the spring when the island is bursting with cherry blossoms. Rarotonga. . Enter dates to see prices. The west side of Rarotonga is generally the best place to go for whale sightings. The west side of Rarotonga is best for sunsets, and it’s often calmer than the windy southeast. Arorangi beach is a beautiful spot to relax and offers some of the best sunsets on the island. Only seven villas furnished with elegance and indulgence in mind cater to the honeymooner or other discerning adults. Our List of the Best Things to Do in Rarotonga. 671. Answer 11 of 12: Hi, I have been doing some research about where to stay in rarotonga and I am a bit confused. The south of Rarotonga is home to the best beaches on the island, with deep lagoons perfect for snorkelling and non-motorised watersports. 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. 25% Off Book Now Stay from 1Oct2023- 30Apr2024! Visit hotel website . Answer 1 of 3: Hi, what is the best side of the island to stay in June, July, or August? I have heard that Muri is windy in winter, and not very sunny?. We visited in the 1990s multiple times. View Hotel. Show prices. Anna and Rob are fabulous hosts and have lots of helpful hints so you get the best from your stay. 2023. Where to Stay. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium. 5h • Aircraft: Airbus 321neo • Meals: dinner, snack Depart. Manea Beach Villas. For beaches and watersports, the best side of the island of Rarotonga to stay on is Muri Beach (east coast) or Titikaveka (southeast coast). Answer 11 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. . ; EAST: Family fun and lagoon beaches south of Olbia. Pacific Resort Rarotonga. The latter is a working harbor with a charming Colonial-era ambiance. I was just wondering if anyone had been there before that prefered a certain end (east side or west side) or a certain villiage (100, 200, 300, 600 or 700) that could help us for our. Muri Night Market. PERFECT FOR FAMILIES. My dilemma is. Palm Grove. I have read that on the east coast the temp. Cooks Bay Villas are perfect and have been our favourite place to stay for many, many years. Upgrade your flight to include a meal, drinks and in-flight entertainment. drops 4-5 degrees after 5pm and it gets windy. Most people do it as a day trip, but we strongly recommend at least two or three nights to get the real Aitutaki experience. Rarotonga, Cook. Where is the best part of Rarotonga to stay? The north coast of Rarotonga is the best part of the island for proximity to the airport and the capital, Avarua. and Marine Reserve, (Rarotongan) and Marine Reserve, (Rarotongan) Here is a teaser of some of Rarotonga’s best beaches. Our Cafe currently operates from Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. . Free parking . Arutanga. Edited: 1. What advice can you. The plane departs from Rarotonga domestic Airport at 8am each day. Some excellent snorkeling around that area and headed back up the eastern side a bit (basically south from the place known as Fruits of Rarotonga). Rarotonga. In this area, check out Motu Art Villas - simply stunning, and also Little Polynesian Resort, which has one of the best restaurants on Rarotonga. . . Travel shots are taken at all times of year. Titikaveka is obviously closer to Muri than Vaimaanga but in my opinion and experience there is certainly a marked difference between Titikaveka and Muri. gather one side of island has good/nice beaches and other side doesn't? Got good flights CHC/Raro return. Relax by the pool with a cocktail, soak up the sun, rejuvenate your soul and indulge in. Its spacious, self-catering studios and suites either boast a beachfront location, or overlook the 2 outdoor swimming pools. About. 1. A part of the Cook Islands culture that has survived through the ages is the energetic dancing of the island’s warriors and princesses. A neat little spot to stay on the western side of Raro. The sun sets on the west side of the island, making Arorangi the place to be during golden hour. Watch talented dancers adorned in traditional costumes at one of the island’s cultural shows, otherwise known as “island nights”. Family-Friendly: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – 9. " 9. Located on the western side of Rarotonga, Aroa Beach (or Aro’a Beach) gets the most sun throughout the day and typically has calm and clear waters. Aitutaki Seaside Lodges is located in Amuri, 5 minutes' drive from Aitutaki Airport. Rarotonga Hotels and Places to Stay. About Rarotonga. 6. 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. Pros: Can be cheaper than staying in the Old Town, beach lovers can pick a hotel near Smathers Beach, one of the best beaches in Key West. Take your pick! © CookIslandsPocketGuide. Kia Orana, Rarotonga is a popular island holiday destination for Kiwis and has an impressive tourism infrastructure for an island of its size. Costing $5 to enter the museum, this makes a great first day stop so you can learn more about the history of the island. Re: Best place for a family. " It was such a relaxing stay, though a bit on the pricey side,. We were there last month and snorkeled at a few spots and thought the Fruits of Rarotonga definitely the best, bigger fish and huge clams. Aroa Beach is a 15-minute walk, and Rarotonga International Airport is a 10-minute drive away. 7. Rarotonga Airport gets crowded when there is a departure. 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. . Hawke's Bay camping grounds. Over on this side of the island, the reef breaks far from the coast, creating a large and calm lagoon. The experience of staying at the Nikao Beach Bungalows can only be described as excellent. Luxury villas, resorts, hotels and holiday homes & apartments. Bask in views from the beachfront suites or save a little by choosing a suite among the tropical gardens. Muri. 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. Location and service excellent. Which side is preferable for this time of year? Rarotonga. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Cook Islands Church. Edited: 26 May 2023,. Rarotonga, Southern Cook Islands . I have read that on the east coast the temp. The south of Rarotonga is home to the best beaches on the island, with deep lagoons perfect for snorkelling and non-motorised watersports. Sunset Resort is a 3. THE 5 BEST Rarotonga Clean Hotels. into a tropical oasis loved by both visitors and locals alike. Use SPF 50+ or 30+ sunscreen and consider SPF. Taranaki camping grounds. Museum Tour. I've mainly been looking at booking. Unbeatable experience! - See 1,487 traveler reviews, 1,205 candid photos, and great deals for Pacific Resort Rarotonga at Tripadvisor. 6 km from the villa, while Albertos is 12 km away. Just park up opposite fruits of Rarotonga and take the plunge into the waters. Visa: Automatically obtained on arrival for 31 days. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, I have been doing some research about where to stay in rarotonga and I am a bit confused. 4 places sorted by traveler favorites. In Muri, again at the end of the village Kings beach villas and Tiana's beach studios sit side by side. Only 50 minutes from Rarotonga by plane, it is popular with day trippers, but we think it deserves a longer stay. If you got a dollar every time you heard a New Zealand ex-pat say the words ‘Rehab is the place’ you could stay for an extra week. We are undecided where to stay. Answer 1 of 19: My family is planning on visiting Rarotonga from May 28-June 4, 2005. The 4-bedroom villa features a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave. 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. Rutaki, Papua and Avaavaroa Passages between Aro’a Beach and Tikioki Marine Reserve. 1/10 ⭐. My dilemma is that there are many beautiful resorts on the east side such as Sea change villas and Reflections on rarotonga. Show all. This is not the case with the west coast. Captain Tama’s and Koka are the two main ones. Pacific Resort Rarotonga -. 390 reviews # 9 Best Value of 18 Rarotonga Resorts. Except the Edgewater's lagoon is more choppy at all times. . Go Scuba Diving with Pacific Divers. Our Cafe currently operates from Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. For one of the top Rarotonga 5-star resorts, look no further than Te Vakaroa Villas with this beachfront luxury resort on Muri Beach. . Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of. 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. Featuring a Nintendo Wii, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Muri Night Market. We realize this is the winter season. " Read all reviews. Though just be aware that even 5-star resorts in Rarotonga don’t actually look too great so adjust your expectations accordingly. This is not the case with the west coast. The apartment was spotless clean and equipped with everything you need to self accommodate. Kia Orana Belinda, welcome to the Rarotonga forum. If you do decide to come in July, your best bet would be to stay on the western side of the island rather than the east side, it's more sheltered from the winds. 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. . 2 kms east of Sunhaven and the Aroa Beachside is the Aroa marine reserve which has excellent swimming and snorkelling. We are undecided where to stay. This is during the dry season, when the weather is hot (but tolerable) and not too wet. We heard that the east side can be cool and windy, and the west side more protected. Could anyone be more specific as to where the BEST of the foregoing (other than sunsets) are to. Snorkeling at Muri Beach. Licenced restaurant onsite, and a pool-side bar. As you will see from reading through other posts the western side is very favorable for a winter trip as is the North. It does have a line of hotels down one side with plenty of. Rarotonga. Some approximate prices are as follows (but are subject to change): Rarotonga to one island in the Southern Group – NZ$250 per person return. Also a quick tip on how to stay connected while on the islands. The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom. From £318 per night. 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. 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. We went there three days in a row. #1 of 10 apartments in Rarotonga. We love the ocean so would love to stay somewhere where we have the option of both.