West Rarotonga Accommodation

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. Being leeward side of the island, it is also protected from the prevailing winds and tropical sunsets are a definite plus.

North-West Rarotonga

The west coast starts 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. Heading inland from here and winding up the mountains past the Rarotonga Hospital is a great place to explore by foot and take in the sweeping views over the coastline. On the northern portion of the west coast are a handful of small bungalows properties, two boutique resorts, the largest resort in the Cook Islands (The Edgewater), and six good independent restaurants which all within walking distance of each other.

Crown Beach Resort, Rarotonga

NZ$ 600 - 865 per couple

The Edgewater Resort is the largest hotel in the Cook Islands with 250 guest rooms and suites. The resort is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens bordered by a white sand beach. The Edgewater offers plenty of activities including tennis courts, night entertainment and 24-hr service.

Sunset Resort, Rarotonga

NZ$ 295 - 405 per couple

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.

Raina Lagoon Villas, Rarotonga

NZ$ 290 - 340 per couple

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.

Edgewater Resort, Rarotonga

NZ$ 260 - 570 per couple

The Edgewater Resort is the largest hotel in the Cook Islands with 250 guest rooms and suites. The resort is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens bordered by a white sand beach. The Edgewater offers plenty of activities including tennis courts, night entertainment and 24-hr service.

Cooks Oasis, Rarotonga

NZ$ 160 per couple

The Cooks Oasis Holiday villas offer great affordability with cosy bungalow unit set amongst lush gardens and set back from the beach which is accessed along a short pathways. The self-catering units are just 10 minutes drive to the town centre of Avarua and walking distance to several good restaurants.

Arorangi Village

Lying in the heart of the west coast is Arorangi Village, the largest village in Rarotonga.

Sunhaven Beach, Rarotonga

NZ$ 260 - 300 per couple

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.

Castaway Beach Villas, Rarotonga

NZ$ 195 - 225 per couple

Located in the heart of Arorangi Village, Castaway is a small and slightly cramped property offering great value rooms around a pool and self-catering bungalows closer to the beachfront. This is a good choice for those seeking value for money rather than style.

Aroa Beach and the South-West

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 mountains here are particularly attractive and there are nice walks on the inland road..

Rarotongan Beach Resort

NZ$ 385 - 825 per couple

The Rarotongan Beach Resort is the 2nd largest hotel in the Cook Islands. This colourful resort offers rooms in two-storey hotel blocks and staggered bungalow units facing Aroa Beach. Guests of the Resort can enjoy all-day sun, all-tide safe swimming and snorkelling in a protected Marine Reserve.

Aroa Beachside Inn, Rarotonga

NZ$ 265 - 365 per couple

Aroa Inn is located on a stunning fine white sand beach on the quiet south-west shore of Rarotonga with good swimming, snorkelling and kayaking at all tides. All ten self-catering units are set in landscaped gardens with lagoon views from private sundecks.

Lagoon Breeze Villas, Rarotonga

NZ$ 230 - 350 per couple

Set across the road from the beach in a pretty garden setting, Lagoon Breeze Bungalows has energetic managers ensuring you're to feel at home. With a nice pool, reasonable snorkelling in the lagoon, good value bungalows and spacious 2- and 3- bedroom villas, this is a great option for families.

Puaikura Reef Lodge, Rarotonga

NZ$ 185 - 215 per couple

Puaikura Reef Lodge is an excellent value motel style accommodation with self-catering rooms arranged around a pool in landscaped gardens. With a decent beach across the road and tropical mountains to explore behind the property, Puaikura makes an affordable base.