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Hours
Sun
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Mon
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Wed
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, Seafood, Polynesian, Pub, Vegetarian friendly
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups
Is this a pub?
Details
About
Tamanu beach has a beachside 60 seat Bar & Restaurant. We are open for breakfast lunch and dinner with a simple Island style menu. Our feature Island Nights every Thursday are a highlight of Aitutaki dining. Sunday is a relaxed family bbq buffet. The specials menu changes regularly with the freshest catch and seasonal fruits. We do pretty good coffee (getting better every day!) and our sunset cocktails are very tempting.
PRICE RANGE
₹749.00 – ₹3,246.00
CUISINES
Bar, Seafood, Pub, Polynesian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Mastercard, Visa, Cash Only, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront
Contribute
4.0
481 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
166
Average
62
Poor
17
Terrible
16
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CalGreyNomad
San Jose97 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
First, we had the Sunday Night BBQ. The food was really good, and generous, with lots of salads and side dishes that were "island fare." It was great to be able to try food that I wouldn't have ordered elsewhere. The price (NZ$45) was a little steep; but it was a great dining experience in the covered restaurant open to the beach and the lagoon. The introduction made by Nick Henry welcomed us both to the special island of Aitutaki and to the Tamanu Beach Resort. In other words, Sunday Night BBQ was an event!
Since we were staying at the Resort, breakfast was included, complementary. That's probably the best "deal" on the island! We had a cooked breakfast every morning and all was really, really good! The coffee is some great, rich organic kind that really made breakfast a special treat (for coffee drinkers). One morning I ordered an iced mocha, and it was the best iced mocha I've had anywhere, including Australia and New Zealand! Pricey if you order it as a non-resident, but absolutely delicious. Also delicious was the orange-mango juice drink, cooling in a warm climate.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania R
Auckland2 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We did not stay at Tamanu Beach Resort however we dined there a couple of times. The dining room is large and airy and each table is set with white linen. The service is excellent and the food is resort standard with a wide variety of offerings. The ika mata (raw fish) is excellent as are the salads. The prices were very reasonable (mains from $15-29). There was only one dessert- carrot cake with ice cream which was ok. Portion sizes are good. We went back again for dinner as our first visit did not disappoint. Our two teenagers did not complain about their meals so that is always a good sign.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick H
Kia Orana,
Thank you for your review. We are always working on improving our service consistency across all of our team.
I must apologise for the limited choice in our dessert menu. I have discussed with our chef and this is an area for immediate improvement.
Meitaki atupaka,
Nick
Written 25 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley_Mooney
Motueka61 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
This is a wonderful resort. Their strap line of "Casual Luxury" is spot on. The accomodation is of a very high quality and located right on the beach at some of the best snorkelling on the island. The [expensive] restaurant at Pacific Resort is a ten minute walk up the beach and you should definitely take a moped and try the "Shack" cuisine at Avatea Restaurant
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Junkie
Timaru30 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
We went here for their famous steak night. When we arrived we were greeted by a grumpy security man who pointed in the general direction we needed to go. The restaurant was outside but undercover and sheltered from the beach so you got glimpses of a beach view through the trees.
My partner ordered steak and I ordered lamb cutlets. I asked for medium but I would say it was more rare, I had trouble cutting it and ended up giving it to my partner who ate it after he had his steak which he said was good.
Everyone we spoke to who went there enjoyed it but for me not being able to eat my lamb spoilt the experience so it was average for me.
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve S
Terrigal216 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
An excellent resort divided into two sections, a more private one for adults only and another for families. It sits ideally on the white sands of the lagoon, giving easy access into its warm waters. Each side of the resort has its own pool for privacy. The restaurant overlooks the beach, serving very good food and drink for lunch and dinner, and a broad buffet breakfast. Resort rooms are large, comfy, each with desks, lounges, separate large bathrooms, and outside showers. It’s not cheap, but easily worth the expense for a classic island-fantasy getaway - swaying palm trees and crystal clear water, where you can escape the rat race and even the gentle bustle of Rarotonga, some 45 minutes away by air.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZenShell
Christchurch194 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
So I am a budget traveller staying down the road and found I wanted a nice meal occasionally in the 10 days on Aitutaki to break self catering.
I went to Tamanu twice and the staff always welcomed me despite not prebooking.
I had the crayfish special the first time for $45 which came with the most beautiful salad & what you see in the pic.
Another occasion I had the pasta special with prawns & scallops. $31 It was loaded with parmesan and was perfectly seasoned.
I was impressed but noted they were short of alot of things both times both food & beverages. Hey they are just getting back into things post Covid reopening. Others places are the same.
Looking forward to Thu Island night! $75
Written 26 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c0zyc0rner
18 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
I stayed in Pacific resort, its a walking distance to Tamanu Beach. BBQ Buffet is good, I will recommend people who don't scare of cats to join. There are 3-4 cats in this resort, during the dinner buffet, cats will walk around your table, and resting under your table and chair. Food is good, and lots of colorful salad. I wrote the post b/c I just want to remind other travelers that scare of cats too. Live music is wonderful too.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spraggbj
Christchurch161 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
We booked well in advance from NZ as we knew this was the best island night experience on Aitutaki. We were welcomed by a great four piece band playing island style hits and then the wonderful buffet was unveiled. There ,use have been twelve salad options, ten vege options, ika mata, curry, fish, chicken, beef, lamb and pork as well. An absolute feast. I felt like Henry VIII in the Pacific! I managed to save just enough room for dessert … again, about ten dishes to choose from. Then we headed to the sandy area in front of the restaurant and watched a really impressive thirty minute dance performance. Very skilled performers, great costumes and a fantastic fire dance. Highly recommended. Be sure to book!
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MN2300
Copenhagen792 contributions
May 2024 • friends
We did not stay at the resort but attended BBQ night and the Island Night feast and show.
The BBQ night was average. The musical entertainment was not very good. The food was mediocre - we had expected there to be a BBQ, and then you could choose fish, meat, sausage, etc. But the food was just presented in the standard buffet food container. The salads were very good. The service was pretty good. But we found the evening to be a bit overpriced.
The Island Night feast and show was a disappointment. The service was extremely poor and so slow. We waited a long time to order drinks - white wine. Then, after a long time, we were told they didn't have the one we had ordered, so we went for another one. More time passed, and then we were informed that they didn't have it chilled, if that was ok. We prefer to have chilled white wine, so we just ended up with whatever they had available in the end.
The musical entertainment during the dinner was a local band that was good. The food was also really good, it was truly a feast with lots of different options.
Then it was show time, we were seated all the way in the back behind some plants, but luckily there were some available tables at the front, so we could move and then be able to see the show. The show took place where the buffet had been. It was very amateurish, and during the show, there was a long introduction and explanation of the drums. Too long and therefore also limited dancing.
From the description on the website, we had expected fire dancing, but there was none. The website should definitely be updated.
We found the evening to be overpriced and the show disappointing.
The restaurant is open on the sides, but it is so warm that you are sweating like crazy just by sitting down. There are only a few fans, and one was not working. They should put up more fans to make the dining experience more pleasant.
Written 9 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice C
5 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Beautiful spot but... I'm a pescetarian and ordered a fish dish. They replaced the anchovies with bacon without telling me. I didn't realise until halfway through and when I complained to them they said it was my fault that I didn't tell them when ordering that I didn't eat meat. The tuna was also dry and overcooked.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jocelyn L
Carmel138 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
We were not staying at the resort but we came for Island Night on a Saturday. My kids ages 9 & 11 had so much fun! We were seated near the back for dinner so the kids could easily play on the beach or large lawn before the show started. We arrived early enough to watch the sunset and have a few drinks. The buffet was enormous and we were encouraged to have seconds and thirds! The children are served first as is the custom in Aitutaki and it made it a lot easier that they didn't have to wait. We all had plenty to eat including a dessert buffet. A small band played familiar songs on the ukuleles while we dined. Anyone who was celebrating a birthday, anniversary or event was recognized. Then the show began. The children were invited to sit up front so they could see better. They loved the fact that there were local children who were dancing in the show alongside adults. At the end of the show many people were invited up to dance with the performers. What a fun time!
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanG
6 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
We were really looking forward to a wonderful cultural experience - what a disappointment. The show is advertised as a spectacular outside fire dance. There was no fire. Instead a troupe of 3 men and 3 women danced inside where the food is served. As we were at the back of the room it was very hard to see. Fortunately we had already seen the same group preform a few days earlier at our resort - for free.
The buffet food was really very good and the band that played before the dancers were very lively. The serving staff were fantastic.
It is a shame they don’t change their advertisements to reflect what you will see.
Expensive for what you get.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trail20556360818
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • family
Extremely disappointing and a let down. Terrible food. Cold bacon, undercooked French toast, eggs Benedict with what seemed to be canned salmon and store bought English muffins.
Unfriendly service.
We had high hopes and were extremely let down.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer55239961380
19 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We have stayed 6 days at Tamanu and can definitely recommend both hotel and Aitutaki. If you are considering a holiday on the Cook Islands then spend a few days on Aitutaki - it is well given out.
Tamanu is really lovely. Really nice houses with plenty of space inside and outside and nice bathrooms with super outdoor shower.
The staff is super friendly - the hotel is not 5 star as an Intercontinental but they get 5 hearts for their hospitality and welcoming - always happy with nature, humble and helpful.
The beach is absolutely perfect and the pool is lovely. Not big but suited to us with two children of 5 and 8 years. It is the best pool we have had in the 3 hotels we have stayed at on the Cook Islands.
The food is really good and if you get tired of just eating the hotel’s food, the neighboring hotel also has a good restaurant.
We stayed in the family department and there is also an adult only department which was on the other side of the restaurant and it worked well for us.
I give my best recommendations for Tamanu Beach!
Automatically translated
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjoy93
49 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Delicious, decent-priced lunch options and great cocktails overlooking the beach. The dinner options are significantly more expensive. The resort also hosts an Island Night with a buffet (the show itself is average and didn't include any fire dancing when we went).
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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