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Arorangi
West Rarotonga
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The West coast of Rarotonga is one long stretch of sandy beach backed mostly by ironwood trees and plenty of accomodation. This stretch of coastline stops at Black Rock in the north, opposite the 9-hole public Rarotongan Golf Course. Black Rock is an excellent swimming and snorkelling spot, and is believed to be the point where the ancient Maoris spirits departed for the afterlife. The coast north of Black Rock is a marine protected area and is a good place to spot humpback whales when they visit the island between June and October.
South of Black Rock marks the beginning of a continuous stretch of sandy beach that extends south for four miles. There are a few mid-range motels to choose from including Sunset Resort as well as the large Edgewater Resort, the largest hotel in the Cook Islands with just over 200 rooms, and the smaller boutique hotels of Manuia Beach and Crown Beach Resort.
One of the attractions of this stretch of coast is the six good independent restaurants which are all within walking distance of each other. Being leeward side of the island, it is also protected from the prevailing winds. Tropical sunsets are a definite plus.
In the heart of the west coast is the large village of Arorangi. The village extends for over a mile, lined by colourful houses with pretty gardens. The Tinomana Palace and Zion church next door are both attractive buildings. In the heart of the village is Castaway Villas which has a nice swimming pool and beach front. The beach at Arorangi is nice and in the evenings and weekends kids from the village use it as their playground. Unfortunately the lagoon drains at low tide exposing the dead coral making it only suitable for reef-walking.
The south-west coast of Rarotonga has some excellent swimming beaches and all day sun. About a kilometre south of the village, on a nice secluded palm fringed beach, is Aroa Inn. The swimming and snmorkelling here is good and the units, through rather unappealing in architectural style, offer clean and spacious living. Backpackers International offers the cheapest dormitory rooms in Rarotonga and is located about a minute walk inland from the beach which stretches for miles to both ends. On the south-west corner is Aroa Beach, location of the lively Rarotongan Beach Resort on what is claimed by the resort to be one of the best beaches in the South Pacific. It certainly isn't the best on Rarotonga, let alone the Cook Islands, so you can safely assume the resort is one to oversell itself. The lagoon at Aroa Beach is quite deep which makes it an ideal spot for swimming and the protected marine reserve ensures good snorkelling.
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Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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