Ngatangiia

Travel Guide

Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia showing a church or cathedral
Ngatangiia which includes signage
Ngatangiia featuring 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-kilometer) voyage. See a plaque honoring 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 center 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

If you're spending some time in Muri, Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets are top sights worth seeing.

Muri
FOB Sandwich

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 might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Muri Beach and Te Vara Nui Village.

Turangi Tapere
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 ...
Te Manava Luxury Villas
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 ...
Tropical Sands
The Passage Villas

The Passage Villas

3.5 out of 5
Main Road, Ngatangiia – Muri, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and room service. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are ...
The Passage Villas
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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