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

Enjoy the free WiFi at this beachfront Rarotonga vacation home

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

A beach with clear turquoise water, white sand, and palm trees.
Property video
A bedroom with a large bed, a ceiling fan, a woven wall hanging, and a wardrobe.
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, electric kettle
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bathroomSleeps 240 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Vaimaanga Tapere, takitumu
  • Place, Turoa Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Wigmore's Waterfall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Muri Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Rarotonga

On the beach.Your stay at this Takitumu District vacation home places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Wigmore's Waterfall and Turoa Beach. Aroa Beach and Takitumu Conservation Area are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Vacation homes in RarotongaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Turoa Beach - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Wigmore's Waterfall - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Aroa Beach - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Muri Lagoon - 9 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Muri Beach - 11 min drive - 8.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Ka Kite Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Kai & Co - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Palace Takeaway - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Anchorage - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Trader Jacks Bar & Grill - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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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Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchenette

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: outside only

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 431 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.
  • Note from host: over 10yrs

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Frequently asked questions

How close is Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI! to the airport?

This vacation home is 7.4 mi (22-min drive) away from the Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

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

This vacation home is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

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

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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.

Is there free parking at Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI!?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

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

This vacation home does not have a pool.

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

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Vaka Tai - So Popular as 'on the beach' as you can get with Air Con & Free WIFI! to downtown Rarotonga?

This vacation home is 2.2 mi away from Rarotonga.

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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
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

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

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

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

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
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
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
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

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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