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

Arorangi showing general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing

Arorangi

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

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

Arorangi
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
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 showing tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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 ₩202,697 per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
₩202,697
₩233,102 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! (1,006 reviews)
The room was very good. The staff were friendly and helpful. It was nice that they replaced the towels every day. It was great that we could use the towels off site. Service and the food was very good.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 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! (507 reviews)
Phenomenal staff phenomenal resort!

Reviewed on Jan 25, 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 ₩169,739 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
₩169,739
₩195,200 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)
STAFF were #1, absolutely excellent staff, so welcoming, friendly and hardworking, plenty of entertainment and great breaky. Pool and swim up bar were really awesome. All amenities especially the A/C was just spot on. We have stayed 4-5 times, but we have never seen so many intoxicated guests with ...

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
See all 381 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
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! (70 reviews)
Ana provided outstanding service. Thank you!

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Te Manava Luxury Villas
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
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
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
Aro\'a Beach which includes a sandy 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
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 which includes 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
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

Cities near Southern Cook Islands

Muri Beach which includes tropical scenes

Rarotonga

Aitutaki showing general coastal views and tropical scenes

Aitutaki

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

Palm-thatched and quaint cottages that give you a front row seat to watch and hear the waves crash against the protective coral reef that creates a wonderful tidal pool to snorkel.

Inave Tapere