Ngatangiia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia showing a church or cathedral
Ngatangiia which includes signage
Ngatangiia showing a pebble beach

Wade in warm tropical waters and lounge on the beach for long, peaceful days on Rarotonga’s south coast. See the starting point of an ancient voyage.

Ngatangiia is a southeastern district on Rarotonga, the most popular of the Cook Islands. Relax in a waterfront bungalow, snorkel or scuba dive in the blue-green lagoon and explore Rarotonga’s attractions.

Avana Pass is the point of departure for ancient paddlers in wakas, sea-going canoes, on their way to New Zealand, a 1,200 nautical mile (2,200-kilometre) voyage. See a plaque honouring these explorers across from the Ngatangiia Cook Island Christian Church, a pristine building made from the island’s natural white coral. Explore the lovely waters of Ngatangiia Harbour.

Stay in a thatched-roof bungalow and awake steps away from the lagoon. Sail, windsurf, canoe or kayak over the waters. Scuba dive or snorkel on the reef to discover tropical marine life and living coral. Surfers can take their boards to Avana and Muri Beach. Join a fishing tour or charter a boat to catch barracuda, yellowfin tuna, snapper or mahi mahi.

Tropical rainforests cover the centre of the island, providing a number of scenic short and long hikes. Join Pa’s Treks for a guided climb up the challenging mountain Te Rua Manga, nicknamed the Needle. Walk through Takitumu Conservation Area’s protected rainforest to see native tropical birds, plants and animals. Goats roam inland forests, turtles nest on the shore and numerous birds fly overhead. Look for the endemic Cook Islands fruit dove, Atiu swiftlet and Rarotonga monarch.

Explore many attractions around Rarotonga. See contemporary and traditional art at the Beachcomber Gallery and Pearl Market and shop for souvenirs and tropical foods at Punanga Nui Cultural Market, both located in Avarua. The historic Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church is on the main road.

Ngatangiia is a 15-minute drive from the Rarotonga International Airport. Get around Rarotonga easily using the local bus service that makes regular 45-minute trips around the island. Rent a car, scooter or bicycle to see the sights at your own leisure.

Where to stay in Ngatangiia

Muri Beach which includes general coastal views

Muri

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

Muri
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Areiti Tapere

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

Areiti Tapere
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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
Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Pacific Resort Rarotonga

4.5 out of 5
Muri Beach, Rarotonga
The price is AU$731 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$731
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (279 reviews)
"Amazing location, fantastic service"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Muri Beach Resort

Muri Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
Main Rd, Muri Beach, Rarotonga
The price is AU$581 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
AU$581
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (102 reviews)
"Nice decorated spacious room indoor and outdoor settings with plants around for privacy. Good Drying clothes lines right outside the room. Comfortable beds with air conditioner and quiet area. Good swimming pool, nice garden. Handy for meals next door at Nautilus hotel. Walking distance to Night ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Muri Beach Resort
Muri Beachcomber

Muri Beachcomber

3.5 out of 5
Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
Fabulous villa, great location.
"Great property in a very good location. Extremely well appointed, with all you would need. Villas 21 & 22 fab for more privacy. Use of washing machines for free is a fabulous touch. Local paper delivery every morning also a nice touch. Night market right next door, very good food and little grocery ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Muri Beachcomber
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.
Te Manava Luxury Villas

Te Manava Luxury Villas

4 out of 5
Avarua, PO Box 790 , Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Very spacious and well appointed villa with master bedroom upstairs and the other two at ground level. Appreciated the complimentary shuttle to and from sister property Pacific Hotel Resort that we used in some capacity every day. Lovely staff at both locations, too numerous to mention."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows

Muri Lagoon View Bungalows

3.5 out of 5
Aroko Drive, Hillside, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (61 reviews)
"Great area, snorkelling off the shore. Great service, although room serviced every 4 days was a bit long. We asked for clean towels, that was no problem so that was good. Up a steep drive, small view of the sea. I would recommend this place."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
Tropical Sands

Tropical Sands

3 out of 5
Muri Village (4 minutes away), Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and WiFi (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (115 reviews)
"Rudy and Kanoe were lovely hosts and have a beautiful property"

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

Tropical Sands
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.

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