Arorangi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Arorangi featuring food
As the sun sets, relax on Rarotonga’s coast next to the clear waters of an azure lagoon. Enjoy exploring the wonders of the Cook Islands.

The district of Arorangi on Rarotonga’s western coast makes a great base to explore the Cook Islands. Stay in a waterfront bungalow, doze on white sandy beaches, discover magnificent marine life, lounge in funky cafés and learn about Polynesian heritage and culture.

The western coast of Rarotonga is protected from the southeast trade winds and is known for its sunsets over the sea. Amble barefoot along the shore and look westward as the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and red. Watch the moon rise in the sky before you settle into a beach bar for a cocktail and a platter of fresh seafood.

Rarotonga is a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs that teem with marine life. Snorkel or swim in Arorangi’s lagoon or Aroa Beach in the southwest. Visit Black Rock in the north, where legend says Maori spirits ascended to the afterlife. North of Black Rock is the marine reserve. Look for humpback whales here between June and October.

The center of Rarotonga is mountainous and covered in thick jungle. Explore the attractions around the circumference and then trek across the island with a local guide.

The Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market, known for its black pearls, and the Beachcomber Pearl Market and Gallery with Polynesian arts and crafts are great places to pick up a memento of the Cook Islands. Visit the Tinomana Village at the Highland Paradise Cultural Centre, which has brilliant views of the western and southern coasts. Along the main road is the Cook Islands’ first missionary-built village, with the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church. Wander through the small cemetery in the front garden and sit in a Sunday morning church service.

Located in western Rarotonga, Arorangi is a 5-minute drive from the international airport. Navigate compact Arorangi easily by car, scooter or bicycle. A local bus trip around the island takes 45 minutes.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Arorangi Hotel Deals

Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only
Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Aroa Beach & Marine Reserve, Rarotonga
The price is NZ$220 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$220
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a private beach. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (369 reviews)
"Clean and convenient"

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2024

Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only
The Edgewater Resort and Spa
The Edgewater Resort and Spa
3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is NZ$257 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$257
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The breakfast there was no hot meals buffet from our last stay. Would be nice to have that included in your breakfast menu"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

The Edgewater Resort and 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 NZ$280 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$280
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (340 reviews)
"The property could do with a freshen up in the rooms but overall, it's a great little place to base yourself."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Crown Beach Resort & Spa
Crown Beach Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
Rarotonga Ring-Road, Arorangi, Sunset Coast Rarotonga, Rarotonga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$522 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$522
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a private beach, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (154 reviews)
"Quiet, clean and tidy. Thanks."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Crown Beach Resort & Spa
Castaway Resort
Castaway Resort
3 out of 5
Arorangi, Main Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (186 reviews)
"Everyone at this place is amazing, friendly! Defos going back there. Mentality maata Castaway whanau!!!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Castaway Resort
Sunset Resort
Sunset Resort
3.5 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (210 reviews)
"We three ladies had a lovely peaceful stay at Sunset Resort. Our 2 bedroom suite was spacious, clean and well-equipped, with great air-con. Two pools, always sparkling clean, and wow what a stunning beach/lagoon area (plenty of sun-loungers scattered amongst the palm trees). Convenient location for ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Sunset Resort
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Arorangi

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Tapere of Rutaki

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Beaches, snorkelling and restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Tapere of Rutaki. Make a stop by Aroa Beach while you're exploring.

Tapere of Rutaki
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Tapere of Vaimaanga

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

Tapere of Vaimaanga
Rarotonga featuring a waterfall 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 showing a bay or harbour and mountains

Avarua

4/5(114 area reviews)

Beaches, snorkelling and bars are just a few things travellers enjoy about Avarua. Check out Punanga Nui Market or Cook Islands Library and Museum while you're exploring the area.

Avarua
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

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

Takitumu District
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Turangi Tapere

While Turangi Tapere isn't home to many top sights, Muri Beach and Te Vara Nui Village are some notable places to visit nearby.

Turangi Tapere


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