Southern Cook Islands

Travel Guide

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

Where to stay in Southern Cook Islands

Arorangi showing kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

Arorangi is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

Arorangi
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
Muri Beach which includes general coastal views

Muri

If you're spending some time in Muri, Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets are top sights worth seeing.

Muri
Titikaveka which includes tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Muri Beach and Tikioki Marine Sanctuary while in the area.

Tapere of Titikaveka
Rarotonga which includes 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 harbor and mountains

Avarua

Beaches, snorkeling, and bars are some highlights of Avarua. Make a stop by Cook Islands Library and Museum or Cook Island Christian Church while you're exploring.

Avarua
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P11,043 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P11,043
P12,700 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
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)
"Our son was celebrating his 17th birthday during our short stay and just by letting the staff know this and asking what they may be able to do to help make it special we were very surprised and very pleased to find our villa decorated with a happy birthday message on the bed and a beautifully presented ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P7,302 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P7,302
P8,398 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved it as very easy to walk around due to being smaller than other resorts. Food was fantastic and the staff were lovely."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Islander Hotel

The Islander Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga
The price is P8,602 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P8,602
P9,892 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (476 reviews)
"What a fantastic stay we had. We absolutely loved our time here, and a huge part of that was due to Bhara and overall staff membes, who made our experience truly amazing. We would love to come back! ​The food options were amazing and affordable, with a great variety to choose from. The functions ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

The Islander Hotel
See all 367 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.
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 Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Very spacious and well appointed villa with master bedroom upstairs and the other two at ground level. Appreciated the complimentary shuttle to and from sister property Pacific Hotel Resort that we used in some capacity every day. Lovely staff at both locations, too numerous to mention."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
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! (90 reviews)
Quiet location.
"Good managing from the staff. The property is well mantained."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Red Hibiscus Villas

Red Hibiscus Villas

3 out of 5
Puka Uenga Rd, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star villa in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Everything you need
"Really good value. Everything was new or great condition. The kitchen has an air fryer and electric frying pan. The pool is very nice but as we were so close to Black Rock we mostly swam at the beach. The information provided by the hosts prior to our arrival was very useful. Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Red Hibiscus Villas
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 which includes 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 featuring a sandy beach as well as a couple

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. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Muri Lagoon
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring 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
Aitutaki showing general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Ootu Beach

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

Ootu Beach
One Foot Island Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes as well as a small group of people

One Foot Island Beach

Escape from the modern world to a tropical beach that has been identified as one of the best in Australasia.

One Foot Island Beach
Photo by JamesThomsen

Palmerston Island