The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
An original, right on gorgeous Aroa Beach ($$)
A tourism original, the Rarotongan was first opened in 1977 as a joint venture between the Cook Islands government, Air NZ and NZ’s Tourist Hotel Corporation. It’s doesn’t look that old, but it’s definitely a tad tired.
It is however, still a good option especially for families. One advantage of being one of the originals is that it nabbed one of the best spots, right on gorgeous Aroa Beach in the southwest corner of the island.
There are stacks of reasonable rooms, pool, restaurant, daily organised activities, free use of kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Lots of visitors on package tours stay here.