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The best area to stay in Papao is along the west coast, particularly around Mahana Park, for convenient access to amenities and activities.


This stretch of Papao's coastline is well-developed with a good selection of quality resorts and dining options. It offers beautiful views of the lagoon and is known for its calm waters, superb for swimming and water sports. The area around Mahana Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a public beach and picnic facilities.


Couples often find this area ideal due to the selection of luxurious resorts that cater to romantic getaways. Many accommodations here offer overwater bungalows and private beach access, superb for a secluded and relaxing escape. The sunsets over the lagoon from this side of the island are particularly stunning.


For families, staying near Mahana Park provides easy access to a public beach with gentle waves, suitable for children.

The best time to go to Papao is during the dry season, which runs from May to October, as this period offers the most consistently pleasant weather for a relaxing holiday.


During these months, you can expect warm temperatures, typically around 26-28°C, with less humidity and a gentle breeze. This makes it ideal for enjoying the beaches, water sports, and outdoor excursions without the interruption of heavy rainfall. The calmer sea conditions are also great for snorkelling, diving, and boat trips.


Even during the dry season, occasional brief showers can occur, but they usually pass quickly, leaving clear skies. This period generally sees more sunshine, providing excellent conditions for photography and spending extended time outdoors.


For those looking to avoid the peak tourist crowds and potentially find better value on accommodations, the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October can be particularly appealing. You'll still enjoy fantastic weather but with fewer visitors.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Papao.

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Papao hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Prices for hotels in Papao often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$116 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.