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Reviews of Herons Reef Holiday Apartments 3 stars

Main Road, Matavera, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

#71 of 129 hotels in Rarotonga

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 71 apartment reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.2

  • Comfort

    9.3

  • Location

    9.3

  • Facilities

    9.3

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.5

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2025

    10
    Heron's reef is the perfect base for a trip to Rarotonga and great value for money!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 6 nights

    nothing - it was great!!

    Herons reef was such a great base for our 6 days in Rarotonga!! we hike bicycles and cycled round the Island (only 30k round). The place is HUGE, has a washing machine and all amenities you could need, a huge comfy bed, aircon, and fans too and a big outdoor area with a bbq too. The lovely friendly dogs and cats were also a joy as was the beach terrace especially for star gazing! The Saturday market is great in Avarua and the night market in Muri is a must-do for the food, don't miss that and the cross-island hike is also wonderful - and not too hard (about 2-3 hours to cross the island - although we hiked door to door from Herons which was 45k so not for the faint-hearted!!) also the snorkelling at Muri beach is fab (we saw turtles both times we went there just snorkelling out from the beach) and Aroa beach reef is stunning - we saw 3 turtles there too!). If you are there for an extended time definitely get the concession pass for the bus to save money ($35 NZ for 10 trips)! We also we allowed to check out late for no charge - thank you Pasha!!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The Apartment is right at the Beach and it’s pretty quiet there. You can watch the Sunset all alone. You can reach the City Centre in 5-10 Minutes with a Scooter. Sue was such a nice Host and her dogs are very lovely!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 February 2025

    10
    Home away from home!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio with Garden View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only complaint is that I wasn’t there for longer!

    This was the perfect stay on Raro! Sue is an exceptional host and has a lovely property with a beautiful garden overlooking the ocean. Everything is clean, fresh fruit is given, even coconut in the garden! The room was spacious, comfortable and had everything I could have needed and more. Location is great too between town and Muri. I loved my stay here and would recommend to anyone.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 February 2025

    9.0
    Great stay, would recommend!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Towels had some stains but the hosts were really quick to pop over and give us new ones so wasn’t an issue!

    Stunning beach out the back of the property. Had everything we needed and the hosts were lovely and really quick to answer any questions.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 October 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The door was a bit broken but understandable as there was no parts on the island

    Great customer service, beautiful spot. Was good to be away from the hustle and bustle.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 October 2024

    9.0
    Magical
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    Very comfortable and felt very homely, on arrival the place was presented beautifully and our experience was so great. Sue was a wonderful host, we had plenty of privacy and she was so lovely to talk with, great hospitality.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 September 2024

    8.0
    Relaxing, comfy island retreat.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No air con for first night and it was hot, but all sorted there after, so all good.

    Loved the island style, simple relaxing and comfortable. Best sleeps ever, very comfy bed and with everything in one room and plenty of space, easy living. Lovely little spot, and access to a perfect private spot on the beach to watch the whales. Great value for money and away from the crowds.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 September 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    great location

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 September 2024

    10
    beautiful studio with a mountain view
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely amazing accommodation! It was spotless clean, had everything you might need. All the kitchen equipment. Very comfortable and large studio with a nice bathroom and super hot shower. The terrace with a mountain view was amazing and had bbq too. Very nice beach view and whales view from the garden. Absolutely the most kind person who is taking care of it there. Would recommend it 100%. Thank you for providing us with your apartment, it was truly great experience :).

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 September 2024

    10
    Sue & her team were very helpful & professional . easy to cook ‘stay home ‘ meals , used bbq couple of times ,
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 16 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    nice quiet property , facilities were excellent

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 September 2024

    10
    Wish we had booked a longer stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio with Garden View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful views and great staff. Beach at night is a absolute must

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 August 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I didn't like the idea of leaving the Island 🥺

    Heron's Reef exceeded our expectations, cozy and well equipped apartment, great view to the mountains and beautiful gardens!! We really enjoyed our breakfast and dinners on the deck. Sue and the staff, Meme and Cris were so nice and always happy to help. We are happy to have chosen Heron's Reef Holiday Apartments for our first unforgettable experience in the little piece of paradise. Cheers, Alex & Kristian

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 July 2024

    10
    Excellent, it was a home away from home
    • Business trip
    • People with friends
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Watching the sunrise and sunset from the deck, great location, close to shops and beaches. very helpful owner

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 July 2024

    8.0
    Very good experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The beach was not feet friendly as there was too much rocks on the sand. Also, the waves at the ocean were very strong.

    The host(s) were very attentive and making sure i was ok and comfortable. More importantly, to make sure i was alive. Additionally, i really loved the backyard because it was so peaceful.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 June 2024

    10
    We absolutely loved our stay here and look forward to coming back again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    We loved everything! The veranda that over looks the beautiful gardens and leads to your own private beach, the sound of the ocean and the gorgeous view, visits from the friendly animals, and Sue was awesome so thoughtful and made us feel at home as well as giving us privacy The apartment has everything you need and more! And we enjoyed the peacefulness and quiet this location offers I Would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Raro

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 May 2024

    10
    A pleasant stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    My host

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 May 2024

    9.0
    The host was a peach
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amenities and comfort

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 May 2024

    10
    Amazing! Perfect place to stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Studio with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not much!

    In an amazing location, gorgeous gardens and beach front.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 March 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 5 nights

    The apartment is very cozy, next to the beach. The host allowed us to have flexible check-in and check-out which was very helpful. It's been just wonderful.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 March 2024

    9.0
    Had a great stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beach in front is not suitable for swimming or snorkeling but that was totally fine for me

    Great communication and information by the owners before and during the stay. Clean apartment, comfortable bed, WiFi was good, nice deck to relax

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 11 nights

    A couple of necessities were missing (like soap in the bathroom and dishwashing liquid), though the lovely hosts were quick to apologise for the oversight.

    Great value for money, and just a 7 minute drive to Muri beach. The hosts were super helpful and friendly too! Would recommend especially for couples who aren't looking to stay at a pricey resort.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 January 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There wasn't any toilet paper

    Accommodation was great! There is a beach but you cannot swim there because of the reef but it is still amazing to just sit there and look at tha waves. You can get around by bus but I would highly reccommend a car because the bus is not very reliable. The bed was very comfortable, I had a nice terrace and the owners friend was so nice and drove me around a couple of times and brought me fresh fruit. I would definitely reccommend!!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2024

    8.0
    valuable experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio Apartment with Mountain View
    • Stayed 12 nights

    everything ok for this price

    very privet - very good for introvert

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2023

    10
    First time traveller
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio with Garden View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The giant cockroach and tiny lizard was something I needed to get use to when visiting a tropical country thank goodness the staff was there to help.

    Everything I needed was there it was like having my own house/flat, I especially liked having a washing machine too. It was so peaceful the gardens were lovely and sitting on the deck by the beach was a treat.

    Stayed in November 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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