Ranginuis Retreat

Terrific place. The bungalow is well-equipped and comfortable, and the location and view are terrific, right on the beach. Chantelle on reception was excellent, picking me up from the airport and dropping me off on departure day, and answering all my questions. She booked a boat trip for me, and I had a great day out. Years ago, I used to work with tourists just one day a week and know how hard it can be to be polite, enthusiastic and friendly all the time, but she achieved it, day in, day out. The accommodation is close to several cafes/restaurants so perfect if, like me, you don't hire a car or scooter.

Position was idyllic. Walk out of your room and into the lagoon. The owner can help you with anything you need. Food and drink venues nearby.

We enjoyed a fabulous three nights at Ranginui’s Retreat this week, and will definitely be staying again on our next visit to Aitutaki. It’s not the Ritz, and doesn’t claim to be, but our room was spotless, comfortable and well-equipped… and its price and location were outstanding. We loved being right on a gorgeous swimming beach with stunning views of the lagoon, with a café and three restaurants within only a few minutes’ walk. Having the Blue Lagoon Bar & Restaurant next door was a real bonus… we loved being able to watch the fish darting around in the bluest water you can imagine, right below the deck! If you prefer to choose accommodation based on location and value (it’s a fraction of the cost of the neighbouring resorts), then this is definitely worth checking out 🌺🐠🌴

This was our third trip to Aitutaki, but our first at Ranginuis Retreat. Steve was a great host, picked us up and dropped us off at the airport on time. Great location, within walking distance to The Boatshed, Aitutaki Escape, Koru Cafe and the ferry across to the private island (we went for dinner one night). The room was comfortable and was right on the lagoon. Swimming in the lagoon was amazing, and there was a pool too which was great to laze around in. There is a water filter system, so you can fill up your water bottles etc. We hired scooters from Ranginuis to get around - they were a little old, but got us from A to B no problems at all. We would definitely stay again.

25-28 Oct 23 This is a comfortable 3 star and I think in a great location, so handy to Koru Cafe, The Boatshed Bar & Restaurant and The Lagoon Restaurant, along with the 5* Aitutaki Private Island restaurant which you look across to. So you have great on the beach views, with basic cooking amentities and a BBQ (suggest you bring your food from Raro) as there is no shop nearby, but we hired scooters from Ranginuis $25/day and had a great day zipping around the whole island. Just know reception is only open in hte mornings - they have been doing this many years so it's best to relax into their schedule and you will get along fine. There is the option of Air con which for some is important. Free use of kayaks and most of the lagoon excursions pick up from this location. We got an airport transfer - but patience and island mode is the key.

Great location, a short walk along the lagoon to the Boatshed Restaurant, and good coffee place and 2 kms from the Airport. Free transfers only if you stay more than four nights. Good swimming in the lagoon out front - (tho water not clear) and complimentary kayaks ( but you need to reserve paddles). We found the accommodation (room 8) shabby for the price compared to other places we stayed in Raro. The room was small, tired and dilapidated. The office was only open from 8:30- 12:00 and closed altogether on Sundays. Powdered milk in the room. No shampoo provided. We had nowhere to hang wet clothes out of the rain and when I tried to hang them in the laundry area I was shouted at by Laine. Working in the tourist industry calls for welcoming dispositions. Any request from hosts Steve and Laine seemed to be an imposition. There are a lot of rules! They could do much better with a positive approach to their guests.

Budget place , clean , great views, cars and scooters avaliable for hire. Appreciated car upgrade. Great to have pick up and drop off. Would have been 5 star if we could have had long life milk rather than milk powder, that said we would stay again! Breakfast cafe anx 2 restaurants for dinner close by, Go to Blue Lagoon restaurant and bar as better, more laid back service than the snobby one at the private island across thd water. They put you at lesser tables if you are not staying there and we had to go to bar to get a second drink.

Really enjoyed our stay at Ranginui’s Retreat. A great base to explore Aitutaki from. You can walk to Blue Lagoon or Boatshed for something to eat and drink, but you will need transport to go further afield. Units are well set up, clean and have everything you need. Steve and Lanie are great hosts, very helpful and assisting with local information and recommendations.