On the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of this Avarua vacation home, you'll find Beachcomber Pearl Market and Wreck of the Matai. The Perfume Factory and Bergman & Sons are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Beachcomber Pearl Market - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
Cook Islands Library and Museum - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
Cook Island Christian Church - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
Muri Lagoon - 9 min drive - 4.3 miles
Muri Beach - 12 min drive - 5.7 miles
Getting around
Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Charlie's - 13 min drive
Trader Jacks Bar & Grill - 2 min drive
Sails Restaurant - 10 min drive
Shipwreck Hut - 14 min drive
Palace Takeaway - 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.
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
Smoke-free property
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)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Double-glazed windows
Property does not allow children
Recycling
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
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children.
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
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 9 reviews
10 - Excellent
8
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 9 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 9 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
6/10 Okay
Janice R.
Mar 8, 2025
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.
Janice R.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
lehua m.
Dec 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place!!! Near town, resorts, good food and a million dollar view.
Loved it completely.
lehua m.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
hayley h.
Oct 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
hayley h.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne O.
Apr 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Suzanne O.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kim S.
Nov 14, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
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
Kim S.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dianne M.
Oct 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Super cool place to stay
Nice quite area and good area to swim at just need a bit easier access but loved the home