Southern Cook Islands

Travel 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

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

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

Muri
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
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 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
#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
Oasis inside forest te rua manga trek

Tapere of Vaimaanga

Travelers 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 P8,244 per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
P8,244
P9,481 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Love the place!

Reviewed on Feb 4, 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
Book a 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (511 reviews)
Beach front location with great snorkeling and great buffet breakfast. Need more people to support water activities like the Vaka where you have to pull it back up from the beach. Also if providing Vaka lessons, I would recommend having an experience person on board when taking it out first ...

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

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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 P6,927 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
P6,927
P7,965 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great staff good position

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
See all 378 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.
Kia Orana Villas and Spa

Kia Orana Villas and Spa

4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road Rarotonga
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 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 Nov 18, 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Tropical Sands

Tropical Sands

3 out of 5
Muri Village (4 minutes away) Rarotonga
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and WiFi (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Avana Harbour ...
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 Dec 31, 2025

Tropical Sands
Te Manava Luxury Villas

Te Manava Luxury Villas

4 out of 5
Avarua Rarotonga
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Matutu Brewing Company ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Could not imagine anything on Rarotonga coming close to being as luxury as these villas. Amazing floor plans, high quality finishes, exquisitely maintained, friendliest most helpful staff possible, and gorgeous views of the water.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Te Manava Luxury 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
Sunrise at Cape Tourville, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, Shutterstock ID 439005910, Purchase Order: -

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
Rarotonga featuring interior views

Cook Islands Library and Museum

Through art and literature, learn about the history and traditions of the Cook Islands in a library and museum run by friendly local residents.

Cook Islands Library and Museum
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
Palmerston Island is another of those very hard to reach places. A delivery ship stops by once or twice a year and some cruising yachts visit. The population was 52 when we visited in 2010. Everyone's last name is Marsters, all descendants of William Marsters who moved to the deserted island in the 1800's with his 3 wives.

Palmerston Island