Accommodation Options in the Cook Islands

Rarotonga

Despite being the largest of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is still only 20 miles in circumference and very easy to get around. Those wanting to go exploring can trek across the island or take a 4WD safari through the mountains and rainforests. Keen horse riders will enjoy the riding trails through the plantations with a chance to take a dip at one of the waterfalls. Surrounded by a coral reef it has over 30 dive sites where you can explore the canyons, pinnacles, wrecks and caverns as well as the Avaavaroa Passage with its spectacular sand dunes and resident rays. Fish life is varied and includes Hawksbill and Green turtles, White Tip and Grey Reef Sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Moray, Giant Clams and the myriad of reef fish and invertebrates you'd expect to see on a coral reef.

Pacific Divers - NEW

Established 15 years ago and currently operated by Steve Lyon and Jaime Short, Pacific Divers offers a comprehensive and enjoyable diving service catering for all levels. Steve has a background in Marine Science, both in New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Pacific Divers offers a morning two tank dive everyday.

Magic Reef Bungalows

The newly built Magic Reef Bungalows offers eight self catering studio style bungalows; all have ocean views and sleep up to two people but can allow for a double foldout bed in each bungalow that can cater for an extra two people. Children over 12 years old are welcome. All bungalows are air- conditioned and have a king size bed, flat screen TV & DVD. The kitchen is fully self catered with a stove top, fridge, coffee & tea making facilities. The bathroom is separate from the lavatory. Please note the bathroom is an outdoor bathroom with a shower and bathtub. All bungalows have a balcony facing towards the water to sit and enjoy the evening sunsets. The property has a swimming pool in the shape of a ship and is a great spot to sit and relax. There is no on site restaurant, but plenty are close by.

Little Polynesian

Set on an unspoiled beach, the ten absolute Beachfront and four Garden thatched Bungalows ooze with Polynesian charm. The Beachfront bungalows have a covered sundeck and gazebo with daybeds, and from your king sized bed you have an unobstructed view of the azure lagoon, and are only a few steps away from the waters edge. Inside, the rooms are enhanced with tropical decor, soft inviting fabrics, and exotic customised Polynesian art. The bathroom comes complete with an outdoor shower and spa bath to bathe under the stars. Each 'Are' also offers air conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobes, mini-bar, private safe, LCD television, DVD player, tea & coffee making facilities and telephone. The lagoon offers excellent swimming and snorkelling. Complimentary kayaks are provided for guests' use and there is also a saltwater infinity swimming pool. For lunch and dinner, the hotel's cafe-style restaurant, which looks out across the ocean, serves mouth-watering cuisine.

Rarotongan Beach Bungalows

Rarotonga Beach Bungalows face a wide, ocean washed, white sand beach where the turquoise lagoon boasts one of the island's safest swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking areas. Situated right in front of a "Raui" zone, where the entry to the lagoon is in a marine protected wildlife area where tropical reef fish abound. Each of the five large, individual bungalows is a free standing "ngutu'are" (home away from home) with kitchenette. Conceptualised and built in the island style, each unit is elevated off the ground to allow cool breezes to circulate under the tile floor. To capture the Polynesian flavour, the exterior roofs are lined with coconut thatch, the ceilings decorated with island cloth, and the interior walls covered with split, woven bamboo. The mood and "mana" (feeling) of the interior decor strives to capture the local, native charm of yesteryear. White sand, Areca palms and rock gardens surround the private bungalows. Many activities are available such as snorkelling, nature walks, jeep safaris and guided lagoon or island tours. A convenience shop and a small tea salon are within walking distance from the accommodation. There is complimentary use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, sun lounges, laundry facilities, guest library and various table games in the lounge, email access during morning office hours and romantic strolls along the unspoilt beach.

Aitutaki

A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, which is less than an hour's flight from Rarotonga. The breathtaking allure of its crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday. 15 small islets and a main volcanic island encircled almost completely by a coral reef make up one of the largest and most beautiful lagoons in the world. Aitutaki's lagoon is often described as the most beautiful in the South Pacific, its marine life quite different to that of Rarotonga as the water temperatures are a few degrees warmer throughout the year. The best diving is to be found outside the reef with its many drop offs, walls and caves. Not only will you see a plethora of tropical fish but you may also get the chance to swim with whales in season and sharks that feed in the area.

Tamanu Beach Hotel

Tamanu Beach Hotel offers 24 bungalows set around two courtyards of landscaped gardens, each with its own swimming pool and overlooking the beach and lagoon. All bungalows are of similar interior design featuring mahogany floors and thatched roofs. The hotel fronts a white sand beach and partial swimming lagoon .There's a restaurant, bar and moped hire on site. Tamanu Beach is family operated and offers guests a truly unique experience with a wonderful blend of tradition, culture, superb beach location and friendly Cook Islands hospitality.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

With a total of 28 bungalows, suites and villas, this is a boutique resort bringing back the gracious days of a by-gone era through Polynesian architecture, expansive verandahs, colonial furnishings, fine food and wine and natural island hospitality. A boutique beachfront property only steps from the 650 metre beach and the waters edge of Aitutaki Lagoon. The hotel is set in eight hectares of tropical gardens and there is a small Spa offering an array of relaxing treatments, as well as a fabulous freshwater horizon swimming pool, gift shop and pearl shop. As well as diving there are a host of activities available and canoes, kayaks and snorkelling gear are provided for guests' use. Rapae Restaurant offers the best of South Pacific cuisine with amazing views over Aitutaki lagoon and Black Rock Cafe Beachfront bar is a relaxing setting to enjoy cocktails at sunset.

Mangaia & Aitu

The southernmost islands, such as Mangaia, offer an even more laidback and traditional lifestyle with almost no development.

Mangaia Extension

The southernmost and the second largest of the Cook Islands, Mangaia has stunning scenery with many caves that are well worth exploring with their stalactites and stalagmites. Within days you will feel part of the community and have made many friends. There are various tours carried out on the island including a variety of cave tours, a 4WD cross-island tour, special interest tours, and beach and inland picnic tours

Aitu Extension

Atiu is a small volcanic island surrounded by a raised coral limestone reef called a makatea. It is known as the island of birds and legends and is home to exotic birds, such as the Tavake, White Capped Noddy, the Great Frigate and the Brown Bobby.