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Best Kept Secret in Tupapa

Beachfront vacation home in Avarua

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Photo gallery for Best Kept Secret in Tupapa

On the beach, beach towels
Property grounds
Property grounds
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
TV

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach view

Explore the area

View in a map
Tupapa Tapere
  • Place, Beachcomber Pearl Market
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Cook Islands Library and Museum
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Cook Island Christian Church
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Rarotonga

On the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of this Avarua vacation home, you'll find Beachcomber Pearl Market and Wreck of the Matai. Cook Islands National Museum and Cook Island Christian Church are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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What's nearby

  • Beachcomber Pearl Market - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Cook Islands National Museum - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Beachcomber Gallery - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Cook Islands Library and Museum - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Cook Island Christian Church - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tamarind House - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Vili's Burger Joint - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Ka Kite Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Anchorage - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Kai & Co - ‬4 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.

Best Kept Secret in Tupapa

These photos were taken while our house was just getting finished.

Best Kept Secret is located on the north coast of Rarotonga in the village of Tupapa . When viewed from the outside it looks like a typical Kiwi weekend bach with modern furnishings including a spacious lounge suite, a dining table with ample room to seat six or you can open it out if you have guests for dinner and all the necessary appliances including the nutribullet . From the lounge is the main toilet and shower and three separate bedrooms, one of the bedrooms has a queen bed and the other one has two singles in it. The third which is also the master bedroom has a queen size bed and its own entrance to the shower and toilet. Each bedroom has its own set of drawers and the two double rooms have wardrobes.

The best part of our house is the outside covered deck with it's breathtaking views to the pacific ocean. Even though we are on the beach front, Rarotonga’s northern coastline is rugged and rocky and ideal for exploring and coastal walks and being out on the reef and lagoon at low tide. At low tide you can also sit in the water to cool yourself off or take a dip.

Whatever you wish to do while on holiday whether it’s to relax and read a book, get a tan, or take part in some of Rarotonga’s many tours and activities, The best Kept Secret is in the best location on the Island,15 mins by car to Muri were you can go to the night food market or a 2 min walk to Club Raro for dinner or the local Fishing club practicality 2 doors down for a nice cool ale. 5 mins up the road is Super Browns a convenience store which has an ATM machine and petrol. Another 5 mins up the road you can get the best coffee or yumist smoothie in Raro at the Love Cafe Blossom will look after you. It is 5 minutes by car to town with all the local shops, cafes, banks and supermarkets. The airport is also 10 minutes away by car. As you drive around the island you have to stop at Wigmores and get an ice cream, because that is what you do.

Car Rentals: We have always used Raro cars $45.00 a day they are great to deal with.

Airport transfers can be arranged between $15.00 and $20.00 per person.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi (surcharge)

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 5 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Scuba diving 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)

General

  • Double-glazed windows
  • Property does not allow children
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property Registration Number Hanz 9173661

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Best Kept Secret in Tupapa Tupapa Tapere
Best Kept Secret in Tupapa Private vacation home
Best Kept Secret in Tupapa Private vacation home Tupapa Tapere

Frequently asked questions

How close is Best Kept Secret in Tupapa to the airport?

This vacation home is 2.9 mi (6-min drive) away from the Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Best Kept Secret in Tupapa have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Best Kept Secret in Tupapa to the beach?

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

Does Best Kept Secret in Tupapa offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Best Kept Secret in Tupapa?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Best Kept Secret in Tupapa?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

Is there free parking at Best Kept Secret in Tupapa?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Best Kept Secret in Tupapa have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Best Kept Secret in Tupapa have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Best Kept Secret in Tupapa to downtown Rarotonga?

This vacation home is 2.6 mi away from Rarotonga.

Best Kept Secret in Tupapa Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 12 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Relaxing location with an awesome view. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lehua m.

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

Perfect place!!! Near town, resorts, good food and a million dollar view.

Loved it completely.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was amazing having the house ready early for us as our flight landed at 6.30 am.The place definitely keeps up to its name as the best kept secret .I will definitely be returning.Thank you sooooo much!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianne M.

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

Super cool place to stay

Nice quite area and good area to swim at just need a bit easier access but loved the home
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob T.

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

Relaxing in Raro

Fabulous holiday in a fantastic setting.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna R.

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

Fab stay!!!

Perfect for us!!! We will return!!!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Dafydd W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
Nice house, but if you have a problem at the property you might have difficulties to get things fixed. We had 2 days no hot water in the shower, offered an alternative, but this did work for us.Would we go and stay in this property again, probably not given our experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

hayley h.

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

Peace and tranquility

We loved your place, its true "best kept secret". Everything we could have asked for. Whale watching from the deck, walk to the fishing club, 5 mins to town, diary across the road. Thank you. Highly recommend.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Janice R.

Liked: Check-in, communication

Tupapa Tapere

The property was okay but not an experience I would repeat. The beach front is right outside the patio and double glazing means you don’t hear the constant sound of the sea when you sleep.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne O.

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

Chill time

We stayed for 10 days and what an awesome place to have found. Only 5 minutes from town and 10mins to the airport. We could sit and watch and listen to the breakwater all day. Would love to be there when the whales are in the area, that would be a magnificent sight. The only down fall is access down to the lagoon but 10 minutes along the road is great access to the lagoon and brilliant cafes and bars. The house had everything for a great stay. We highly recommended to everyone.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

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

Amazing

We had a wonderful holiday with our two grand children. The beach the chooks they played outside for hours just like children should.the house is spacious and light with comfortable beds and great facilities you couldn't ask for anything more.and Rino & Lyn are great hosts and extremely helpful if you are here at the right time of year there is whale watching right from the deck which is bigger than it looks in the photos and a bbq to boot
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paina K.

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

Perfection

Absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful home. I was extremely lucky to find this hidden secret. The home had everything that you could possibly need. Well equipped kitchen, laundry, comfy lounge and beds, all linen provided and ceiling fans in all the rooms. I was lucky enough to stay here for the month of June and be the first to use the new enormous extended deck that overlooks the stunning lagoon. Many hours were spent daydreaming and soaking up the sun on the deck. Really loved the location of the property close to town, game fishing club, dairy, superbrown and club raro. Communication with hosts was excellent with very fast responses to some not very important questions. Also appreciated the whale spotting updates i recieved. My mum, son and I thankyou so much Lyn and Rino for sharing your home with us. I hope to be back soon.Pania
Stayed 31 nights in May 2025