YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN RAROTONGA.

Ready to make a break for the endless activities and calm waters of Cook Islands’ postcard beaches? To help you get started, we’ve handpicked our favourite resorts for families—each one offering an unforgettable holiday for visitors of all ages.

EDGEWATER RESORT & SPA

BEST FOR: KIDS KEEN FOR HEAPS OF ACTIVITIES

With a range of rooms and villas on offer, this 3 and a half-star resort fits families of all sizes! We love the range of activities on offer: Spend days at the tennis court and the pool, or grab your snorkel and hit the beach. The two on-site restaurants offer plenty of kid-friendly fare, and the hourly island bus makes it easy to explore the activities of nearby downtown Avarua.

MINOR DETAILS:

The free Coconut Kids Club is open Monday to Saturday for three sessions daily. Friendly activity coordinators keep kids ages 4 to 12 entertained with activities geared toward learning about the local culture. Think dance and drumming lessons, traditional crafts — even crab hunting! Little ones under 4 can attend with an adult. Babysitting services are available at extra cost.

PACIFIC RESORT RAROTONGA

BEST FOR: FAMILIES SEEKING A SPLASH OF THE FINER THINGS

This 4-star resort sits just steps from the calm waters of Muri Lagoon on 5.5 acres of manicured beachfront ground. With family rooms and villas on offer, the space is just right. Grab a complimentary kayak and explore the uninhabited motus (islets) just a short paddle away — or let little ones get their splash on in the kids pool. Take the family on a lagoon cruise with Koka Lagoon Cruises, who depart daily - a short walk down the beach. Everyone will love the casual fare at the on-site Barefoot Bar and Sandals Restaurant.

MINOR DETAILS:

An on-site Kids Club keeps ages 6 to 12 busy with cultural and beach-focussed activities like traditional dancing, basket weaving and more. Little ones under 6 are welcome with an adult. Babysitting services are available at extra cost. 

MURI BEACH RESORT

BEST FOR: FAMILIES WITH LITTLE FOODIES

This 3-star resort sits on the famous white sand lagoon and offers expansive villas just perfect for families. The on-site Aqua Restaurant is a cut above, offering daily blackboard specials, fresh seafood and beautifully done steaks. Just next door, the 4.5-star and award-winning Nautilus Resort tempts little foodies with delicious and exciting fare that’s still easily approachable. Work up an appetite by hitting the beach or use the nearby walking trails to tire out little legs.

MINOR DETAILS:

Muri Beach Resort offers bike hire and babysitting services at extra cost.  

LAGOON BREEZE VILLAS

BEST FOR: SELF-CATERED FAMILY HOLIDAYS

These comfortable self-catering villas are situated just across the road from their own private white sand beach on the Aroa Marine Reserve. With a full kitchen, air conditioning and an enclosed verandah for the crawling set, your villa is a home away from home. The fresh complimentary daily breakfast, happy hour pricing in informal bar and four covered barbecues bring a welcome sense of community.

MINOR DETAILS:

The freshwater swimming pool sits alongside a smaller paddling pool little ones will love. The property also features a trampoline, swings, climbing frame, balance bikes and toddler trikes. Porta cots and high chairs are available. Babysitting services are available at extra cost. 

Holiday Homes

BEST FOR: HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME HOLIDAYS

Staying in one of the easy, airy holiday homes dotted around Rarotonga can be an economical and relaxed way to make those family memories. With 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom options available, there’s something for families of all sizes. Full-size kitchens and outdoor BBQs let you whip up meals suited to your family’s tastes (and use the deliciously fresh goodies you find at the Muri markets). And when you need a break, you’re within easy distance of cafés and restaurants. Outdoor dining and play spaces keep things flexible — and some even offer a private pool.

MOANA SANDS BEACHFRONT VILLAS

BEST FOR: FAMILIES TRAVELLING TOGETHER

Overlooking the idyllic Vaimaanga Beach, these villas offer deluxe independent stays. All are self-catering and with a supermarket nearby, it’s easy to source for delicious meals. A range of activities will keep little ones busy, and you can always head for the pool or calm lagoon just steps from your door. Parents get a much-needed break at the on-site Hibiscus Spa.  

Ready to start planning? Find our best Rarotonga holidays on sale here.

TIP SHEET

GET CONNECTED.

Ask us about one bedroom/interconnecting rooms or two bedroom villas and bures. The price difference is usually minimal.

TEMP CHECK.

Request air conditioning where possible to ensure the kids get a good night’s sleep and take a plug-in mosquito repellent device for your room.

CONSIDER A CAR.

With a bigger brood, car hire might be better than springing for the bus each day.

EAT SMART.

Punanga Nui Markets are fantastic for cheap, delicious eats! Families also love the Waffle Shack, a real crowd-pleaser.

PLAY PLACES.

Try mini golf at Cocoputt and Aumata Mini Golf.

SHIP SHAPE!

Let kids live their pirate fantasy with a sailing on Koka Lagoon Cruises’ glass-bottom boat. The local crew provide funny commentary — and a bit of ukulele playing. The experience ends with a delicious feast on Motu Koromiri (a perk for parents)!

RAIN CHECK.

See a movie at Empire Cinema in Avarua. A fantastic spot for getting amongst the locals, it’s definitely memorable!

LEARN A LITTLE.

Te Vara Nui Village is an interactive cultural attraction that brings Polynesian history and legends to life.

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