Frequently Asked Questions

What is the beach like and is it a good swimming spot?

The beach is a beautiful sandy beach, however Arorangi area has a lot of loose coral in the lagoon and we are forbidden by law to move it with machinery. We have however, cleared a small swimming/ cooling off spot by hand directly in front of Vaiakura Holiday Homes and we ask our guests, while you’re having a dip, to throw a few stones/coral to help keep the spot going. There’s a great swimming snorkeling spot about 80 metres along the beach or hop on a scooter and ride around the island to stop at the many great swimming and snorkeling areas.

Can you organise airport transfers for us?

We don’t do airport transfers ourselves but have a couple of great guys who do the airport transfers for us. You’ll receive a warm Rarotongan greeting at the airport with a fresh flower ei (flower garland). The cost is $25 per adult each way and $15 per child each way.

What should we bring with us?

Bring reef shoes or similar for kayaking or venturing out towards the reef. Dress code on the island is smart casual and jandals/sandals are acceptable footwear for most occasions. Bring an extra sweatshirt/jacket/cardigan for winter evenings where it can get a little cooler. Rarotonga has a good selection of meat, chicken and wonderful fresh fish. You can buy most things that you could buy at home but maybe not the variety. If you have particular favourites of dips, cheeses and crackers etc bring these with you as choices are limited.

If we arrive on a late night/early morning flight are we able to check-in to the property when we arrive at the airport?

Check-in is from 2pm so if you wish to check-in when you arrive late at night you will need to book the night you arrive so you can check-in immediately from the airport.

What are the check-in/check-out times?

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is 10am.

What happens if our flight is not until the afternoon or late at night and we need to check-out at 10am?

Airport transfers will pick you up at 10am and take you and your luggage to the airport. There are lockers at the airport that you can hire to store your luggage and then you are free to catch a bus, walk into town, or do a tour on your last day. Should you wish to enjoy your last day and evening at Vaiakura you will need to book the extra night. This option is recommended as it will give you another whole day/evening to enjoy Rarotonga and not need to pack and move first thing in the morning. Although the night flights are usually cheaper the extra accommodation cost usually outweighs this. If you have hired a car you can simply pack and go and enjoy your last day in Rarotonga with your luggage in tow.

What are your Terms and Conditions?

Please click here to view our Terms and Conditions.

Angela

Exceptional

Aniwaniwa

We had a lovely stay. Our host was attentive and welcoming. We loved it there. We will be back next time. Highly recomme ☺ The property was so nice. Big open outdoor space with the beach right at the back door. ☹ Nothing.

Ray

Better than a resort ☺ Raewyn the host was super helpful, the accommodation was in an excellent location with a store right across the road, it was really well set up with everything you could need. There are kayaks and snorkeling equipment you can use and the snorkeling on the beach in front of the house is world class, we even saw giant sea turtles There are three resident dogs that will adopt you upon arrival, they are very child friendly and made the place really feel like home. We won't be staying in the resorts anymore, this will be our go to.

Sam

Exceptional ☺ Awesome location, right next to the beach and close to town. Plenty of room for me and my family of 8. We loved our holiday there and will book there again when we come back.

Ron

9.0

Wonderful

Kendra

THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF RAROTONGA STARTS WITH GOOD ACCOMODATION. ☺ KID FRIENDLY. Location. Cleanliness. Facilities. Use of Free Kayaks, Snorkels, Buckets&Shovels, Washing Machine. Exceeded my expectations x100. I would definately stay here again when in Raro. ☹ That it rained our first day and we still got sunburnt. HAHAHAHA.

Michael

The best place to stay on the island ☺ We loved not liked everything about vaiakura holiday homes raewyn went over and beyond helping us she's such a angel,what a great host ,we will be back for sure..it was super clean and had everything we needed in our room ,and had all the things to use use in the water great place ,the hammack was a big bonus spent alot of time in that watching the sun go down,thankyou raewyn you made our stay so so comfortable and enjoyable....you are a legend... ☹ Nothing it was all great ..

Christina

Exceptional ☺ It is in a great location (right at the beach) and the kitchen is well-equipped. The host is friendly and helpful and went out of her way to help solve problems. Free kayaks are handy. Highly recommended and will stay again!

Annie

Raewyn was a lovely host. We are also going to miss our dog Yappi

Kristy

Thank you for the wonderful stay and memories. ☺ Our stay at Vaiakura couldn’t have been better. Stayed with partner and two kids (17 & 14). The unit had everything we needed and was comfortable. And what a setting! Set right on the sand, it was a daily delight to sit on the deck and enjoy the picture postcard view. Raewyn and her son Rhett were fantastic hosts. Very welcoming and accommodating. We loved the free access to kayaks and snorkelling gear and thoroughly enjoyed the company of their three dogs and the two cats. They have created a small swimming spot out front of their property and can snorkel out the front - even better snorkelling just 150m up the beach.