Title: Visit Southern Cook Islands: Best of Southern Cook Islands Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.com

[Hotels in Southern Cook Islands](https://expedia.com/Southern-Cook-Islands-Hotels.d3000423530.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Southern Cook Islands](https://expedia.com/Southern-Cook-Islands-Vacation-Rentals.d3000423530.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Southern Cook Islands](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Southern-Cook-Islands.d3000423530.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Southern Cook Islands](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Southern-Cook-Islands.d3000423530.Car-Rental-Guide)[Southern Cook Islands Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Southern-Cook-Islands.d3000423530.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# 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! ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055270/a3591153-fc5c-46d6-8024-9df525bb505d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![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!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055270/3d43468b-ddb2-453a-8f30-bc69a93bf622.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055270/31ac935f-bb97-4dc5-b628-2c474f4c6db9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055267/b3d8c044-9acb-4202-97e4-ed5b8b6c6013.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Little polynesian beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/319627223638213736/1f0788e8-7ec6-428f-b6ea-4239f37676a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Southern Cook Islands

Where to stay

Things to do

### 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975856248/1178ea06-2961-4485-a120-4e415f84947c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Muri

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

[](https://expedia.com/Muri.dx553248635975438227)

![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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055267/b3d8c044-9acb-4202-97e4-ed5b8b6c6013.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Takitumu District

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

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Takitumu-District.dx553248635975856248)

![Arorangi showing general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055265/0d66cf3a-caff-4aac-a8e5-b238d83b97ef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Arorangi.dx6055265)

![Titikaveka showing tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055269/ff5eef36-9be9-4923-90be-55d3376fffdc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Tapere-Of-Titikaveka.dx6055269)

![#LifeAtExpedia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055262/3097b48c-047e-4352-bc60-b71f571c0232.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Takuvaine Tapere

 While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Arai-Te-Tonga. 

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Takuvaine-Tapere.dx553248635975750017)

![Oasis inside forest te rua manga trek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000382788/adcec6ce-943e-4ee3-97db-3752c7111ddd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Tapere of Vaimaanga

 Travelers like the museums in Tapere of Vaimaanga, and Wigmore's Waterfall is a top attraction you might want to visit. 

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Tapere-Of-Vaimaanga.dx3000382788)

[See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Southern-Cook-Islands.dx3000423530.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP.Dest.Neighborhoods)

- Southern Cook Islands Hotel Deals
- Vacation Rentals in Southern Cook Islands

![The Edgewater Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1590000/1583400/1583329/31088fbe_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

Avarua Rarotonga 

$131 nightly

$152 total

Mar 18 - Mar 19

Total with taxes and 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)

Ocean view but uncomfortable couch and beds had no bed heads so pillows slipped away. Decor was aged. Staff were friendly though. I thought overpriced for the state of the unit.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F18%2F2026&endDate=3%2F19%2F2026&selected=1583329&PinnedHotelID=1583329&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3000423530)

![The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/810000/801800/801791/436380de_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi Rarotonga 

$166 nightly

$191 total

Mar 17 - Mar 18

Total with taxes and fees

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! (525 reviews)

Our check in started off a bit rocky, and so I expressed that on Expedia. Within about 2 hours of our check in we received a call from Mama Loa. She asked if she could meet with me to discuss.We agreed to meet with her and she was very attentive took notes and said she would share the information ...

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F17%2F2026&endDate=3%2F18%2F2026&selected=801791&PinnedHotelID=801791&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3000423530)

![Club Raro Resort – Adults Only](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2440000/2434100/2434054/b8d2a3f9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

Ara Tapu Rarotonga 

$115 nightly

$132 total

Apr 3 - Apr 4

Total with taxes and 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 ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

.

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=4%2F3%2F2026&endDate=4%2F4%2F2026&selected=2434054&PinnedHotelID=2434054&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3000423530)

[See all 386 properties in Southern Cook Islands](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=3%2F17%2F2026&endDate=3%2F18%2F2026&regionId=3000423530)

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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19820000/19812700/19812663/d5a8a277_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Kia Orana Villas and Spa

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 ...

9.6/10 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

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Hotels-Kia-Orana-Villas-And-Spa.h19812663.Hotel-Information)

![Ocean Escape Resort&Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/46000000/45040000/45032000/45031996/7ef87a52_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ocean Escape Resort&Spa

1 Ara Tapu, Turangi Village Rarotonga Rarotonga

Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Avana Harbour are located ...

10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)

Ocean view. Had the place to ourselves as its low season the staff were so good and the resort was stunning!

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Hotels-Ocean-Escape-Resort.h45031996.Hotel-Information)

![Tropical Sands](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5390000/5388600/5388600/8c8885c2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Tropical Sands

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! (127 reviews)

I would not recommend staying here unless you enjoy being treated like an unwanted house guest. We were made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome multiple times by the two owners. Also, the villa was not clean (mould in kitchen draws and on utensils, dead insects on bed frame, dirty floor). To top ...

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga-Hotels-Tropical-Sands.h5388600.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Southern Cook Islands](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=3000423530&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

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.

## Check Southern Cook Islands hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=2026-03-16&endDate=2026-03-17)[Mar 16 - Mar 17](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=2026-03-16&endDate=2026-03-17)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=2026-03-17&endDate=2026-03-18)[Mar 17 - Mar 18](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=2026-03-17&endDate=2026-03-18)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=3%2F20%2F2026&endDate=3%2F22%2F2026)[Mar 20 - Mar 22](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=3%2F20%2F2026&endDate=3%2F22%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3000423530&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Muri Beach which includes tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055267/2a662e9a-fcb0-4422-924d-ae96403bf801.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Muri Beach

Stretch out comfortably on the bone-white beach while watching the sunrise over Rarotonga’s popular lagoon.

[](https://expedia.com/Muri-Beach-Muri.d6055267.Vacation-Attraction)

![Sunrise at Cape Tourville, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, Shutterstock ID 439005910, Purchase Order: -](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532611404/ed7788f5-79e7-418f-8bad-24f64fde8e9e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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. 

[](https://expedia.com/Muri-Lagoon-Rarotonga.d553248621532611404.Vacation-Attraction)

![Aro\'a Beach which includes a sandy beach as well as an individual male](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142568/aace02c5-a329-4887-8b3c-8f38072990ba.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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.

[](https://expedia.com/Aroa-Beach-Arorangi.d6142568.Vacation-Attraction)

![Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127390/f015973f-482b-49a9-82cd-0ef3610282f3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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.

[](https://expedia.com/Tikioki-Marine-Sanctuary-Tapere-of-Titikaveka.d6127390.Vacation-Attraction)

![Akitua Island featuring a sandy beach and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6356218/8a4ce3e3-58ee-4cb9-84e9-2f72978411f7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Akitua Island

Relax in a luxury bungalow on a remote islet where a blue lagoon and an untouched reef teeming with tropical fish are close and convenient.

[](https://expedia.com/Akitua-Island-Aitutaki.d6356218.Vacation-Attraction)

![Rarotonga which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6101154/d511a9e2-028a-421c-95a8-dfe69dfcb646.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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.

[](https://expedia.com/Cook-Islands-Library-And-Museum-Takuvaine-Tapere.d6101154.Vacation-Attraction)

## Cities near Southern Cook Islands

![Atiu which includes rocky coastline as well as a family](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922901434/ecfe6b42-f992-4422-bcb9-396e05e30be3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Atiu

![Gorgeous Mangaia sunset near Babe’s Place. Cook Islands.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2284/c76d01b9-1667-41ee-b94f-b5523b1fa253.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Mangaia

![Ngatangiia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6046161/7c1bf207-7931-4d04-9f48-220a6f467e2f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Ngatangiia

![Muri Beach which includes tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055267/2a662e9a-fcb0-4422-924d-ae96403bf801.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Rarotonga

- Cities near Southern Cook Islands

[Atiu](https://expedia.com/Atiu.dx332)[Mangaia](https://expedia.com/Mangaia.dx2284)[Mauke](https://expedia.com/Mauke.dx2454)[Ngatangiia](https://expedia.com/Ngatangiia.dx6046161)[Rarotonga](https://expedia.com/Rarotonga.dx6055262)[Aitutaki](https://expedia.com/Aitutaki.dx6055270)[Arutanga](https://expedia.com/Arutanga.dx6055272)[Tekopua](https://expedia.com/Tekopua.dx6199153)[Oneroa](https://expedia.com/Oneroa.dx3000002051)[Amuri](https://expedia.com/Amuri.dx3000002054)[Palmerston Island](https://expedia.com/Palmerston-Island.dx3000423527)

![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg)

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