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Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!

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Vaka Tai, a elevated batch style property hanging right over the beach
Property video
absolute beach front with kayaks and a great lagoon to explore off the deck
PARADISE!
gaze at the blue lagoon, catch the breeze and hear the waves crash off the reef

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchenette
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

open plan

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden

About this property

Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!

* NOVEMBER 2026 to 31 MARCH 2027 ON SALE NOW (selected dates)
* Book Your 2026/27 Stay Now - A Very Unique Property Sitting Right Over The Beach

Vaka Tai - wanting a absolute beach front bach at a reasonable rate just for two - then this is the one! Read the many recent reviews then book !

This is a free standing beach front holiday bach, privacy + beach front = TICK

Amazing swimming & snorkeling PLUS kayaks / Snorkel Gear = TICK.

Super Popular with 100+ 5* Reviews = TICK

Air Con & Free WIFI = TICK

Quiet beach and location - with the newly started Turtle Tours on the same strip Vaimaanga is starting to get noticed for its great lagoon and quiet location
As close as it gets to the beach & lagoon & great value for money , the Vaka is literally elevated over the beach and so close to the lagoon

This popular holiday batch style unit has its own separate kitchen, bathroom and a large elevated deck facing the gorgeous crystal clear lagoon.

Sit back and gaze away at the ever changing lagoon and beach

With 100+ five star 100% positive reviews (we are also Super Hosts on the worlds biggest booking platform) & we are VRBO Premier Hosts, be sure to make this your accommodation choice!

Pleasantly appointed interior, high ceiling with ceiling fan, the breezes comes right off the lagoon through the screened door - there is no need for air con as its naturally cooled being so close to the water. Cool and comfortable indoors for afternoon naps and at night. Large covered deck space for watching the breakers on the reef. Spot the fish in the lagoon on a clear sunny day.

Easy 2 minute walk to Wigmores Super Store for all your grocery and food requirements. Takeaways available next door to Wigmores. A Cafe is across the road from Wigmore's for coffee and just at the end of your driveway is a DVD store and the best Pizzas on the island - Southside Pizza.

A short stroll from the Vaka is the famous Vaima Restaurant. Excellent beachside dining. Car Rental is also 500m away - Go Cook Islands hire cars at reasonable rates with pre booking recommended.

A 10 minute walk will take you to the start of the Wigmores Waterfall track - a gravel track ending at a waterfall (if its been raining).

Another short walk option along the beach from your Vaka will take you to the now famous Turtle Tour beach where you can take a guided tour in the lagoon to swim with the turtles!

As 'Premier Hosts' we are help to make the booking process as easy as possible. and a 'instant book' option to get you quickly confirmed ! Since the pandemic we have refined and polished our practices. We work full time to ensure your comfort and the best possible holiday !

Throughout the booking process and during your stay we are on hand to help and only a message away.

As we are living on the island but not onsite we will stop by at some stage to say Kia Orana (hello), other than that we leave you to it - it is your property for your entire stay and we can help as much or little as needed! .

There is a Guest Compendium that tells you everything you need to know, do and see to help you maximize your stay. Before arrival we also send our guide book to help plan your stay.

We want you to experience the island and what it has to offer for yourselves and our guests always go back home and spread the word on our little paradise island in the Pacific !

Kia Manuia. Adam & Sarah

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Over 10yrs
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only
the property is not suitable for visitors or for non guests to use our facilities including the beach area and kayaks or to visit frequently
events gatherings or ceremonies are not permitted on or around or inside any property

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9257788
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Rarotonga

Located on the beach, this holiday home is in Takitumu District, a neighbourhood in Rarotonga. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Muri Beach and Takitumu Conservation Area, while Te Vara Nui Village and Cook Islands Library and Museum are cultural highlights. Cocoputt and Highland Paradise Cultural Centre are also worth visiting. With kayaking, snorkelling and swimming nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
View more Holiday homes in RarotongaOpens in a new window
Map
Vaimaanga Tapere, takitumu

What's nearby

  • Wigmore's Waterfall - 3 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Turoa Beach - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Aroa Beach - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Muri Lagoon - 8 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Muri Beach - 10 min drive - 8.4 km

Getting around

  • Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tamarind House - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Vili's Burger Joint - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Palace Takeaway - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Kai & Co - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Ka Kite Cafe - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!?

As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI! on 18 June 2026 start from AU$320, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Takitumu District holiday home is within 2 mi (3 km) of Wigmore's Waterfall, Turoa Beach and Aroa Beach. Puaikura Beach and Takitumu Conservation Area are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

lucy k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super conveniently located right by the shops. The restaurant next door is crazy good food, convenient parking and killer sunset. My heart will never recover from leaving the cat that was hanging around. The true hero of this accommodation.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic location and well equipped and very helpful owners!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2026
kia orana Chris. thanks for booking and your kind words, come back soon. kia manuia. Adam.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Horst

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We absolutely loved our stay at Vaka Tai. The place and location are amazing. As soon as you are arrive, you are on holiday
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved this property it was quiet location was nice view was all we needed , the snorkelling was spectacular as well beautiful coral and fish , grocery store down the road fabulous !!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hayley C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely perfect spot, right on the beach. Amazing snorkelling on your doorstep. Very comfortable and well equipped with everything you could need. Excellent communication with host. Highly recommend.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2026
kia orana and thanks for your comments so glad we got everything right for you and that you had a amazing stay, pls come back soon. kia manuia . Adam.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our holiday

Absolutely fabulous - we couldn’t have enjoyed our stay more. Perfect location right on the beach.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second stay was just as amazing as the first. The host are very responsive with any questions. We loved the addition of air conditioning and WIFI! The location can't be beat. The goodies left in the fridge were exactly what we needed when we got up the next morning after a late arrival. Perfect location to see the sunrise and the sunset from your deck! Don't forget to walk down to Southside Pizza. It's the best! Until next time.
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous accommodation. Spotlessly clean and a well equipped kitchen for some home cooking when needed.20 minutes from anywhere on the Island. We couldn't ask any more fro our hosts Sarah and Adam. They were always on hand for anything we needed.We will definitely be back
Fresh fish available everyday from Wigmores 50mts down the road.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2026
kia orana craig and thanks for your comments was a pleasure to host you both. so glad you enjoyed everything about the property. come back soon. kia manuia. Adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neville M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic spot with great beach

Fantastic view, great location and awesome beach. Great hosts and staff. Sad to be leaving after 10 days. Thank you for a wonderful holiday.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2023
kia orana and thanks for your comments was a pleasure to host you both. so glad you enjoyed the property, its beach front setting and amazing beach and lagoon. hopefully you made use of the paddle boards, kayaks and snorkel gear available! love to se eyou again. kia manuia. adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roger C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical chill

Location excellent, great restaurant next door, cafe and supermarket 5 minute walk away. Freestanding unit ON THE BEACH, which was good for swimming at all times and snorkling was great.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Snezana V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking view

We had everything we needed. Loved it
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vaka 1 Beachfront Villa

We had an amazing stay! Waking up every morning to the gentle lapping of waves on the beach made a great start to each day. Being right on the beach was the right choice for us - we swam, snorkeled, kayaked and walked every day. The unit was clean and efficient and had everything we wanted. Air conditioning and wifi were also great to have. We would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2026
kia orana chris . thanks for staying and being great guests. was a pleasure to host you both and so glad you enjoyed everything about the property! look forward to seeing you again. kia manuia. Adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Villa by the sea

What an excellent place to stay a few steps and into the warm lagoon. Great snorkelling on the door step. Would recommend to those who like the quieter side of the island. Top rated restaurant next door and plenty to do close by. Adam and Sarah great hosts.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2023
kia orana and thanks for your feedback. the Vaka is very popular and in a fantastic super quiet location with a amazing lagoon right in front. so glad you enjoyed and hope to see you again. kia manuia
Verified

10/10 Excellent

adeva k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simple yet awesome

We stayed here for seven nights and had a great time - you will need scooters/car/bike to get around - even though there is an hourly but this will give you a bit more freedom... we watched whales breaching from the deck and nearly noone on the beach - it is very much the quiet part of town which is what we wanted to we just loved it. Wigmores supermarket up the road and a pizza shop right out the front! It was just easy and a great intro to Rarotonga for us :)
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanna L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Paradise

Awesome location, right on the beach. Snorkelling is pretty good here and the reef is close enough that you can see theh passing whales. The restaurant next door is only open a couple of hours a night and is very quiet - and great to have as an option for dinner. Wigmores walking distance, kitchen utensils for cooking are average, but we made do. No oven, just a gas cooker and bbq. Bed was very comfortable. All in all perfect place to stay for a get away.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2022
kia orana and thanks so much for your 5* review so glad you enjoyed the paddle boards and lagoon. the Vaka is a classic batch style accommodation and we provide a BBQ instead of a oven which our guests seem to love!. the kitchen utensils have been checked and topped up. look forward to seeing you again soon. kia manuia. adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ali S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

relaxing holiday

loved the location listening to the waves and waking up looking at the water. the water was lovely warm, fish life abundant just off shore. we saw moray eels and just up the road near one of the resorts some turtles. Everything was easy - the people lovely the scenery beautiful. Sometimes the wind was blustery but we would just go to the opposite side which takes no time at all due to the size of the Island. Bed was comfy - great supermarket up the road - had a great selection - great for me as it had quite a few gluten free options.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We were super happy with our stay in Rarotonga and this lodging. The location was super. Nice snorkeling right off the (nice sand) beach. Great view from the bed and from the good size deck. Quiet. 24 hour small grocery store a short walk away. Several eating options within a mile. Was a bit hard to find when we arrived at midnight, but so worth it! The restaurant right next door (mentioned in other reviews) was never too noisy or obtrusive.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better than resorts hands down!

This was way more relaxing than any resort we'd experienced previously, clean & right on the sand. Small personal touches like a huge bunch of native flowers, local fruit platter, milk & a turkish loaf made it just so welcoming. We relaxed within 2 days & loved the restaurant music from 5pm & 8.30pm each night. And the snorkling was EPIC. So central to Wigmores store for supplies, drinks, icecreams & more. We'll be back in 2 years for my 60th. It is a heavenly paradise!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2023
kia orana Marie and thanks for staying - was a nice long stay too so you really got a feel for the property and setting so very glad we got everything right for you. see you soon. kia manuia. adam & sarah
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect vacation spot

My husband and I stayed for a week. Beautiful location, easy walk to Wigmores. The unit had everything we needed. Internet worked initially, but then stopped, but could walk next door to Viama’s Steakhouse and get it if needed. A 10L water was provided with refill spot across from Wigmores. Renting a scooter was challenging as we arrived on Saturday night and police station is closed on Sunday and the bus doesn’t run. Monday we got there after 2:00 and they were closed. Next time I would just rent an e-bike. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly Relaxing Month!

We stayed 29 nights and had a wonderful stay. We were looking to relax and enjoy the lagoon after a hectic fall, and that is exactly what we did. The hosts arranged our transfer from the airport, and it went off without a hitch. You can't get any closer to the water than this accommodation. The deck was wonderful and that is where we spent all of our time. The bathroom is tiny, but gets the job done. The kitchen had all of the necessities and we cooked a lot of meals there. The grill/griddle needs a little work. But other than that, we have no complaints. The hosts checked in periodically, and they are great. I highly recommend a stay here!
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Awesome view!

Overall very good - a few small niggles, but it's a lovely place with an amazing view - all exactly as shown in the photos. One thing to be aware of is music from the restaurant next door. It's not exactly loud, but it's intrusive as it's so close. Only plays between 5pm and 9pm, so not a big issue, but we found it rather annoying (although we're quite sensitive to noise, so it might not bother other people too much).
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2023
kia orana Richard. thanks for your feedback and you are correct, the background music from the restaurant is not loud and has never bothered anyone previously, if you just had raised it with me during your stay i could have rectified for you. kia manuia
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Awesome.

This was our first time going through bookabach as we have stayed in Resorts the last couple of times we have been over. It was the best decision ever. Now, I don't want this property to get so booked that we can never get it again, but it was such a great location. All day and night you can see & hear the ocean as it crashes against the reef to that beautiful crystal clear lagoon. It's quiet, and so local to a supermarket, DVD shop (we left a few behind for future guests) gas station, vehicle rentals, a cafe, as well as directly beside Viama restaurant. Handy for cocktails, as well as dinner (booking in advance is essential) We absolutely loved "Vaka 1" and it felt like home to us for the time we were there. Everything you need to be able to self cater, and close to the places you need around you. The hosts Adam & Sarah are fantastic, and do a great job.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2021
Kia orana Shelly. so grea tto meet you both and thanks for your comments. hope to see you again in our best kept secret!! kia manuia. adam & sarah
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Just what is says in the description. Self contained cottage right on the beach. Didn't realise that the restaurant was right next door but this wasn't an issue as very quiet. Great location and a good part of the island for swimming and snorkelling. Cottage was clean and tidy and had everything that we needed to be self contained. Would stay again.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2023
kia orana and thanks for your comments. the restaurant close by is very popular with our guests as is one of the better on the island and a great option for a dinner or two. the beach and lagoon area is very quiet and full of marine life and a great place to explore on a paddle board, kayak or with the snorkel gear.love to see you again. kia manuia. adam

About the host

Hosted by taakoka-muri-beach1

Host profile image
We are property owners, 'super hosts' and managers here in Rarotonga, when you book our properties you are assured of a easy stress free booking process. We try to anticipate everything before you step off the plane to paradise so that all you have to do is relax and enjoy your island escape! Since 2011 we have offered Cook Islands Tourism Award Winning properties to our guests - we take extra care in all aspects of what we do from getting all the info from you to ensuring our properties are spotless for your arrival. Also we are to arrange transfers to the property or provide easy directions should you wish to collect a car from the airport - just ask! We look forward to looking helping you make the most of your time in paradise kia manuia. adam & sarah

Why they chose this property

- Vaimaanga Beach, quiet and away from the resorts and crowds
- Golden sand, unspoilt lagoon and stunning sunsets
- Snorkelling, Kayaking all in front of your accommodation
- Value for money, very well priced for two guests to be right on the beach
- 100+ 5* amazing reviews on the worlds biggest booking platform
- experienced hosts on the island to help maximize your time in paradise

What makes this property unique

To be honest - the WOW factor is when you walk on to the deck and realise you are 'hanging' over the beach - as close as you can get! The crystal blue lagoon is right there in front of you ! Grab a kayak and hit the lagoon or take a snorkel and mask and explore the warm waters in the lagoon.
Away from the crowds and resorts the Vaimaanga area is still relatively quiet and untouched. the access to the property and section is gated so that only our guests get to use the fantastic beach and lagoon.

* we can arrange your (paid) airport transfer to the Vaka for you - just mention on booking. we also provide loads of really helpful info put together from what our guests have told us and what we believe to be some of the best things to see and do during your stay. Our guidebook will be forwarded to you upon booking to help plan your stay so that you can maximize your time here.

* we look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Adam & Sarah

Languages:

English

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