Stunning Scenery: Makatea is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring lush greenery and dramatic cliffs that provide a picturesque backdrop.
Pristine Beaches: The island boasts beautiful, unspoiled beaches that are perfect for relaxation and enjoying the sun.
Snorkelling Adventures: Experience exhilarating beach snorkelling, exploring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Sailing Excursions: Enjoy memorable sailing trips around the island with L'Escapade charter, offering a unique perspective of the stunning coastline.
Tranquil Atmosphere: Makatea provides a peaceful escape, ideal for unwinding and connecting with nature.
Things to do in Makatea
Makatea offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning scenery and pristine beaches. Activities include trips around the island, exhilarating beach snorkelling, and sailing excursions with L'Escapade charter. Visitors can enjoy a memorable day visit, exploring the natural beauty and unique charm of this tranquil destination by sailboat, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing holiday.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.
Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Makatea
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Makatea hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Best time to go to Makatea
The best time to visit Makatea can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Makatea falls in April, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Makatea falls in August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
Calendar Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Occupancy
January
81.5°F (27.5°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
February
81.7°F (27.6°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly Low
March
82.2°F (27.9°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
April
82.4°F (28.0°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly High
May
81.5°F (27.5°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly High
June
80.4°F (26.9°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
July
79.2°F (26.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
August
78.6°F (25.9°C)
No Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly High
September
79.0°F (26.1°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly Low
October
79.5°F (26.4°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly Low
November
80.6°F (27.0°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
December
81.3°F (27.4°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
The nearest major airports for your trip to Makatea
Reaching Makatea is convenient via nearby airports, with Rangiroa (RGI) located 117km away. Noteworthy hotels include Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, 3km from RGI, and Le Maitai Rangiroa, just 1km away, both offering transportation services to the airport. Tikehau (TIH) is another option, situated 80km from Makatea, with excellent accommodation such as Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts, 3km from TIH, providing various shuttle services. Additionally, Pension Hotu is conveniently located 805m from Tikehau. Lastly, Mataiva (MVT) is also 117km away, offering potential access to Makatea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Makatea?
The best place to stay in Makatea is generally within the main villages of Mou'a, Temao, and Vaitepaua, as these are the primary hubs of activity and accommodation on the island.
Mou'a, located on the plateau, is one of the larger villages and offers a sense of everyday island life. It's close to the island's administrative centre and provides a good base for exploring the unique geological features of Makatea, such as its raised coral cliffs and grottoes. This area is suitable for travellers who appreciate a more authentic experience and want to understand the island's history and community.
Temao and Vaitepaua, situated closer to the coast, offer easier access to the ocean. These villages are often where you'll find guesthouses that provide a more direct connection to fishing, snorkelling, and enjoying the island's natural coastline.
When is the best time to go to Makatea?
The best time to visit Makatea is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
During these months, you'll experience consistently sunny days with lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring the island's unique geology and enjoying its natural beauty. The average temperature is pleasant, typically around 25-28°C, and there's less chance of rain interrupting your plans. This period is great for all travellers, especially those keen on outdoor activities.
The dry season is particularly good for those interested in hiking and discovering Makatea's distinctive raised coral atolls and caves. The drier conditions ensure trails are more accessible and comfortable for walking, allowing you to fully appreciate the island's unique landscape.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Makatea.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Makatea with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Makatea hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Makatea?
Prices for hotels in Makatea often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.