Long term rental accommodation in the South Pacific?

My family are planning to spend approximately three months somewhere in the South Pacific (or maybe in a couple of locations) within the next two to three years. We have very young children (one only three weeks old at the present time) and so travelling around all over the region and only staying for a short time in each place is not something we're interested in.

We would like advice on the best locations/islands/regions for longer term rental accommodation. I understand Samoa is considered to have the most available but are people aware of other places with good long term accom?

Ideally we would be near a beach and a community/town with some facilities and places to shop for food and perhaps some restaurants. If we can identify the most likely location we'll probably do a short term holiday in the next twelve months or so to start planning!

We've had some time in Tonga and Fiji in the past.

Thanks in anticipation!

Aliether and family.

I would suggest The Cook Islands. There are a lot of vacation houses available on Rarotonga (not sure about how long term but would imagine it would not be a problem) and the beaches are kid friendly. You could also look at Aitutaki or split your time between the two.

Very easy to rent a place in the Cooks for up to six months. Rates go way down for a month or more.

Go on the website www.ck and look under house rentals.
The ones right on the beach will be more expensive, of course, but ones on the main road are never that far from the beach, usually 100m to 200m or so. These may be 30-40% less than a beachfront one.

I'd make sure it is medium or upper level to be sure it has insect screens, and also make sure it has a ceiling fan or two. If not, you can always buy a pedestal fan in town for about US$40.

Very few have AC, and they are expensive. You won't need it from April to Nov, nor from Nov to April if you don't mind humidity, and that fan will help keep things feel cooler in their summer as well.

I'd avoid Jetsave, they add about 25% on to the rate so they get a bigger commission. Check out photos, ask a lot of Q's about the places.

Best beaches are near Muri and along the south coast.

Be aware that rental houses are often targeted by young, petty thieves, so lock up all the windows and doors when you go out, and don't leave it open even if you are just going snorkeling on the beach in front of your place, etc. No real violent crime against tourists, but rental houses are favorite targets for the local burglars.

Thanks so much for your answers. I'd been looking very seriously at the CI for a while now and I think I just got a bit more serious! Much appreciated!

Hi, I'm not sure how much will be there, but you might try www.craigslist.org then look for your location, then temporary housing. You never know...someone there might be looking to go somewhere else for a few months. Good luck!

Hi, I'm not sure how much will be there, but you might try www.craigslist.org then look for your location, then temporary housing. You never know...someone there might be looking to go somewhere else for a while. Good luck!