Nikao, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
#9 of 138 hotels in Rarotonga
Guests' ChoiceBased on 123 hotel reviews
9.5Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.6
Location
9.7
Facilities
9.5
Staff
9.7
Value for money
9.7
Free WiFi
10.0
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 9 August 2025
Alan
New ZealandNothing comes to mind
Right on the beach Private Close to shops and bakery Easy walk to restaurants Able to stay extra hour on departure
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 3 August 2025
Penny
AustraliaThe property is located right on the beach at Nikao and has the benefits of a beautiful lagoon, whales and sunsets on the western side of the island. It was a perfect spot for chilling out and easy beach walks. The bungalows are so beautifully maintained and had everything we needed. Being able to use the bbq and kitchen meant we could make meals at our leisure. I loved the fact that there were only a few bungalows and there was total privacy between so it felt as if we had the whole property to ourselves. Kayaks, snorkeling gear and reef shoes were provided and in good condition. A washing machine and clothesline, dvd collection and great offstreet parking made this such an easy stay. Bakery and fuel and groceries across the road and a great bar Vanianas, 500 metres up the beach. Would highly recommend booking a car before arriving but catching the bus was an easy and fun process. The property is about 800 metres from the airport so convenient for walkers with little luggage. Thank you Tash and team for a fabulous stay ❤️
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 25 July 2025
Sophie
New ZealandNot really the property’s fault but do not stay here if you don’t like chickens/roosters as they are everywhere and sleep under the house
Being so close to the beach was amazing, beautiful views. Good value for money, it was just what we needed. Bed was very comfy
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 18 July 2025
Kerrie
AustraliaNothing ( although would not be good for those with a chicken phobia as a number of roosters and hens roaming freely - not just here, all over Raro).
Great location. Comfortable self-contained rooms with reasonable free wifi. Kayaks, snorkeling gear and reef shoes available for use (complimentary). Rarotango Bakery and general store/fuel station directly across road and Vaiana bar/ restaurant short walk up beach.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 15 July 2025
Jane
New ZealandGreat property right on the beach. Could always find a spot to swim low or high tide. All the little details had been thought of. Comfortable large bed. Very clean and tidy. Lovely friendly hosts who leave you to it, but are available if needed. Thanks Jane and Phil
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 13 July 2025
Tony
New ZealandThe proximity to Rarotonga Airport. Yes, you will hear planes arriving and departing at various hours. Initially, this was a bit of a concern for us, but you genuinely do get used to it after a few days. It becomes part of the island's rhythm, and honestly, it's a small price to pay for such a prime beachfront. Turning it into positive, we ventured to the end of the runaway "Jetblast Area" to take in the unique experience of watching planes fly metres above our heads on take off and landing.
One of the standout features was how private and peaceful the location felt. We were well away from the busier, more populated tourist areas, which gave us that authentic island experience. The property is tucked away amongst lush tropical vegetation, providing natural privacy screens between units. It's the kind of place where you can truly unwind and disconnect from the world, even taking in stunning sunrises & sunsets from the same spot.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 8 June 2025
Marc
New ZealandNo insect screens on windows or doors
Right on the beach, private balcony and close to town
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 8 June 2025
Yasmin
New ZealandLiterally not one negative.
There aren't enough hours in the day to talk about how good this place is. The view is phenomenal, the beach is phenomenal, warm and swimmable! They provide water shoes and kayaks for free. Bring your own goggles and swim with all of the fish, starfish and see all the amazing underwater right at your door step! Watch the sunset right on the beach on the provided bean bags. You might get lucky and have some baby chicks visit and some neighbour doggo's. The Rarotonga bakery across the road has the best pork sausage rolls I've ever tasted. The petrol station across the road is always open and you can get anything you need there. You will see hermit crabs all over the beach (so cool!!!) Just a short walk to the bar/restaurant Vaianas for a meal and a drink on the beach. Super close to the airport. Also very close to Avana town with the supermarket and shops. The host who greeted us was super friendly and helpful. I can't wait to come back one day and spend a full week here and not leave!!! The most relaxing place ever.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 1 June 2025
Monica
New ZealandNothing-its paradise
Awesome accomodation with amazing beach views,had access to some kayaks,did snorkelling,loved the chickens and roosters around with little chicks,bed was super comfy and shower was great! Its a beautiful spot away from resort crowds and the chalet had everything you need to make your own food. Place was super clean and the property overseers was awesome! Nice little bakery across the road and a service station open 24/7 which is handy for some milk/snacks etc….i will book again in a heart beat! 10/10
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 27 May 2025
Fiona
New ZealandNothing
Loved the location with the beach right in front and with the Oasis store and bakery right across the road. The unit was very clean with everything needed. The hosts were easy to talk with and helpful, but you didn't know they were around.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 17 May 2025
John
AustraliaPerfect Location literally 25 meters and your in the ocean. Only 1km away from the airport and another 1km and your in the heart of town. Straight across the road is a petrol station/ grocery store has everything you need. My 9 year old daughter loved being able to go snorkeling then kayaking with the provided equipment from the property then back to playing on her iPad with free wifi. Highlight for us though is the Property managers a husband and wife duo who went above and beyond to help us get settled in, showed us around town and helped us get the lay of the land. If we are ever fortunate to return to Rarotonga we will definitely stay here again.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 15 April 2025
Barak
New ZealandAir conditioning would be nice, although the fan did a reasonable job.
Great location on the beachfront, and awesome value for money.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 10 April 2025
Tori-iti
New ZealandThe studio would be amazing if they could have some bug screens on the windows and door as the room got really hot at night time. We ended up having to sleep with the door open for some cross flow breeze. Not a huge deal as we worked something out though.
Amazing location on a beautiful part of the lagoon. The owners look after the property really well and the first impression is wow when you walk down the pathway. Loved the lagoon . Straight outside your room in front is excellent swimming. Great verandah, table chairs and sun lounger on your personal deck. We can't wait to come back and stay again.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 9 April 2025
Trina
New ZealandHighly recommend, what an awesome accommodation beautifully set up, central to everything we needed. Only one minor suggestion for air con but otherwise a definite little holiday paradise you will enjoy.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 4 April 2025
Hannah
New ZealandNothing
Beach and shop nearby
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 1 April 2025
Edward
AustraliaFan was temperamental, but the breeze from the ocean kept the place cool.
Amazing location for snorkelling, equipment for kayaking. Quiet area for us to wind down and relax. Great value for a beach bungalow!
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: 2 March 2025
Corina
SwitzerlandOnly downpoint is the missing AC. We slept with the fan and open windows and the mozzies loved that. But you can't have it all. We had an amazing time.
Perfect location. And very friendly hosts. We even could organise a late check out and it was super easy. Kitchen and equipment is very clean and allows you to cook anything. BBQ outside is in fantastic shape. Bed is super comfy. Airport is 10min walk away as well as a car and motorbike rental. A little supermarket and a delicious bakery is just over the road. We would totally come back here again.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 24 February 2025
Michelle
AustraliaThe mossies! My partner was a biting bag for them, especially at night while sleeping. But that's nature doing its thing. We weren't prepared so be warned ... have insect repellent handy!
The location is perfect with Oasis and Rarotonga Bakery across the road, Vaiana's a 5min beach stroll away ... but best of all, your backyard is the beach! Never slept so well with the fresh salt air! Love it and will revisit for sure ❤️
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 9 February 2025
Chayan
New ZealandNothing I can think of.
Comfortable stay, Spacious Cottages with sea views, Outdoor deck in each cottage plus seating areas next to the beach, Walking distance to the lagoon to snorkel/ kayak, Proximity to gas station/ convenience store/ bar.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 28 January 2025
Victoria
New ZealandLeaving the property! So sad to leave but looking forward to staying again!
Everything! The Hosts, the accommodation, the location, the beach, good wifi, ample parking…
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 30 November 2024
Leigh
AustraliaNothing everything was perfect
Close to the airport, shops & bars. Safe, clean & beautiful beach.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 25 November 2024
Debra
New ZealandN/a
The team at Nikao Beach Bungalows clearly states professionalism in every sense,
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 19 November 2024
Brittney
New ZealandA hidden gem, Nikao Beach Bungalows is located on a private beach, a short drive from the airport and city centre. There is an Oasis directly across the road, a bakery and 21.3 Vaianas a short walk away. Our villa was clean, spacious and homely. Properly equipped with everything we needed and the hosts were very accomodating. Will definitely be back.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 13 November 2024
Jason
AustraliaNil
The property location was amazing and staff were amazing
Stayed in November 2024
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