Arorangi West Rarotonga
Accommodation and Travel Guide
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Rarotonga Island
Pacific Travel Guides
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Arorangi
West Rarotonga
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The West coast of Rarotonga is one long stretch of sandy beach backed mostly by ironwood trees and plenty of accomodation. This stretch of coastline stops at Black Rock in the north, opposite the 9-hole public Rarotongan Golf Course. Black Rock is an excellent swimming and snorkelling spot, and is believed to be the point where the ancient Maoris spirits departed for the afterlife. The coast north of Black Rock is a marine protected area and is a good place to spot humpback whales when they visit the island between June and October. There are a few mid-range motels to choose from and several luxury self-contained beach bungalows and small resorts. One of the attractions of this stretch of coast is the six good independent restaurants which are all within walking distance of each other. Being leeward side of the island, it is also protected from the prevailing winds. Tropical sunsets are a definite plus.
Black Rock
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Beach at Raina Villas
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Accommodation on West Rarotonga
In the heart of the west coast is the large village of Arorangi. The village extends for over a mile, lined by colourful houses with pretty gardens. The Tinomana Palace and Zion church next door are both attractive buildings. In the heart of the village are two nice budget propertiesd which offers cheap clean rooms in a large family garden on the mountain side of the road (fruit in the garden is complementary). The beach at Arorangi is nice and in the evenings and weekends kids from the village use it as their playground. Unfortunately the lagoon drains at low tide exposing the dead coral making it only suitable for reef-walking.
Arorangi Village Church
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Arorangi Beach
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The south-west coast of Rarotonga has some excellent swimming beaches and all day sun.
Backpackers International offers the cheapest dormitory rooms in Rarotonga and is located about a minute walk inland from the beach which stretches for miles to both ends. On the south-west corner is Aroa Beach, location of the rather brash Rarotongan Beach Resort on what is claimed by the resort to be one of the best beaches in the South Pacific. Seeing as it doesn't even rate as one of the best on Rarotonga, let alone the Cook Islands, you can take it that the resort is one to oversell itself. If you are going to visit the Cook Islands you miss the point by staying here - there are simply far nicer and more affordable places to stay. The lagoon at Aroa Beach is quite deep which makes it an ideal spot for swimming and the protected marine reserve ensures good snorkelling.
Beach at Backpackers Intl
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South West Coast Beach
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Accommodation on West Rarotonga
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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