Vaiakura Holiday Homes

We stayed in the beachfront unit, a two-level house, as a family of six: grandparents, Mum and Dad, a 3 year old and a 4 month old baby. The grandparents had their own bedroom, bathroom and deck upstairs. There’s a full size fridge/freezer, dining table, full oven and Gas BBQ, plus ceiling fans in the bedrooms and living area. All the windows have mesh except the ranchsliders. We spent most of our time outside on the deck, just 15 metres from the beach. Raewyn was a great host and always helpful. I enjoyed chatting with her about the history of parts of Rarotonga. There were three resident dogs and the regular hangers on, great company. We could use kayaks, snorkelling gear and kids’ sand toys for free. Drinking tap water was available on site, and cold water was waiting in the fridge when we arrived. There was also a washing machine, and all linen, bath towels and beach towels were provided. We’d be more than happy to stay again.

We had the best time in May 2025 at this gem, staying in the main beach house for a family holiday with seven of us. It can easily sleep nine, with plenty of space, a well equipped kitchen, and everything clean and peaceful. The beach is right there, and the whole vibe is amazing. Great value for the price. Raewyn is such a lovely wahine and a wonderful host. Free kayaks and snorkelling gear were a bonus, and the dogs are beautiful and friendly. It’s an easy walk to the yummy Falafel shack and Shipwrecks bar, with great food and entertainment. We’d definitely AAA+ recommend it and stay again when we return to this amazing piece of paradise. Be respectful and look after Papatuānuku so we can all keep enjoying this gem. Ngā mihi nui Raewyn for your manaakitanga. 🙏🏼🌺💚

We stayed in the downstairs beach unit, which had a good-sized upstairs room with a bathroom, plus a small downstairs room with single beds and a good-sized room with a queen bed. There was also a bathroom, a kitchen-lounge area and an outdoor BBQ dining space. The large house includes two Beach units, one with a door straight out onto the beach and the other upstairs with side verandahs at the front and back, as well as a downstairs studio. It had everything we needed, including beach towels and hats. There were cold water jugs in the fridge, plus milk, tea, coffee, sugar and pancake mix for our first morning, a lovely touch. The location is fantastic, right on the beach, and the bus stop is out front. Buses stop at 34 minutes past the hour Monday to Friday, with fewer buses on the Saturday-Sunday timetable. $35 gets you 10 rides. Kayaks and sun lounges are free, and there’s a BBQ on the deck. The cats and dogs are all friendly, and the dogs love going for a walk with you. A couple of downsides: there are only fans. We asked for an extra pedestal fan for the small bedroom, and there was one upstairs too, but it was still too hot to sleep most nights. The dogs bark at night, and you can hear noise from neighbours, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. I’d definitely stay here again. Thank you, Raewyn, for being a wonderful host and keeping the holiday homes so well cared for. Meitaki 🙏

The sunsets from the deck were a highlight, especially with a few drinks, and supper on the beach felt simple, friendly, and homely. We spent eight fantastic days here. Raewyn and her son were wonderful hosts, always helpful with suggestions for places to eat and drink and things to do in the day or evening. The dogs and cats were regular company and made us feel at home, especially our granddaughter. The accommodation was just right for us: clean and tidy, with comfortable beds, a practical kitchen, kayaks, and sun loungers. There were plenty of interesting places to visit, too. Shipwreck bar and restaurant was only a few minutes along the beach, and the swimming hole was about 100 metres away. We’d happily recommend Vaiakura and Raewyn, and will definitely return.