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

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
Arorangi showing general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing

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
Titikaveka showing 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 featuring a cascade 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 featuring 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 P10,459 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P10,459
P12,028 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
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! (1,006 reviews)
"It was a very nice hotel. On the beach. Very relaxing. Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
The price is P12,928 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P12,928
P14,868 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (442 reviews)
"Beautiful place great stay. Loved it"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P7,829 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P7,829
P9,003 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
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! (1,002 reviews)
"We like that it was adults only. Great location and the staff were very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
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.
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
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
3.5 out of 5
Aroko Drive, Hillside, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
"Nice clean villa, had everything you needed."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
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! (63 reviews)
"Large well appointed bungalows with pools and fabulous ocean views."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
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
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
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
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
Photo by JamesThomsen

Palmerston Island