On the north coast of Rarotonga, Best Kept Secret offers a tranquil retreat with modern furnishings and stunning ocean views. Unwind on the spacious covered deck, take a dip in the water at low tide or explore Rarotonga’s rugged coastline.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor Space
Barbecue grill
Beach view
Add dates for prices
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.
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)
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
Pets not 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
Property Registration Number Hanz 9173661
We should mention
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located on the beach, this vacation home is in Avarua, a neighborhood in Rarotonga. Muri Beach and Takitumu Conservation Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre and Tikioki Marine Sanctuary. Maire Nui Botanical Gardens and Highland Paradise Cultural Centre are also worth visiting. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby. Visit our Rarotonga travel guide
What time is check-in at Best Kept Secret in Tupapa?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Best Kept Secret in Tupapa?
Check-out is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Best Kept Secret in Tupapa located?
Nestled on the beach, this Avarua vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Beachcomber Pearl Market and Wreck of the Matai. Cook Islands National Museum and Cook Island Christian Church are also within 1 mi (2 km).
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Best Kept Secret in Tupapa Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
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.
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
Verified
6/10 Okay
Janice R.
8 March 2025
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.
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.
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
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!!!
Matthew P.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
James
26 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Relaxing location with an awesome view. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
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.
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