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The Best Backpacker Accommodations in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands might have a reputation for lavish and expensive resort holidays but backpacking is absolutely possible, especially if you stay at one of the awesome albeit limited backpacker hostels in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
While there are a couple of official hostels in the Cook Islands, much of the Cooks' other "backpacker" accommodations come in the form of guesthouses and homestays. We'll give you some examples in the handy list below!
Oh, and by the way, don't leave without opening up The Complete Backpacking Guide to the Cook Islands on a Budget. You'll thank us later.
This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!
Table of Contents
1.Rarotonga Backpackers (Rarotonga)
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Rarotonga Backpackers might be one of only a couple of hostels on Rarotonga, but it's actually pretty darn decent! Not only does their main beachfront complex in Arorangi have dorm rooms but they also have affordable self-contained units on the sand!
Backpackers have a choice of single, double, triple and dorm rooms, where the communal kitchen and dining area is a friendly and functional place to meet fellow travellers. In short, you can get that on-the-beach holiday experience for a fraction of the price!
See more stays like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga.
2.Backpackers International Hostel (Rarotonga)
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The cheapest accommodation in the Cook Islands, Backpackers International Hostel offers dorm beds for as little as NZ$18 per night! But is it worth staying at this hostel on Rarotonga? The budget accommodation with a large and small dorm and single and twin/double rooms is set among tropical gardens just a short walk from Aroa Beach, a grocery store and a cafe.
Enjoy a sociable atmosphere in the communal lounge and kitchen, and benefit from affordable laundry facilities and airport transfers.
Book Backpackers International Hostel:
3.Aitutaki Budget Accommodation (Aitutaki)
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Arataki Organic Garden Tours
from NZ$99
One of the limited backpacker hostels in Aitutaki, Aitutaki Budget Accommodation is ideal for the solo traveller or couple looking to save some cents and/or get a more local experience (and a private room)!
While it doesn’t win any style points, the affordable accommodation is welcoming, spacious and super functional. The location is also conveniently near small stores and on the main road heading toward town. Discover alternative cheap stays nearby in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Aitutaki.
Book Aitutaki Budget Accommodation:
4.Ariki Bungalows (Rarotonga)
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For backpackers seeking a quiet and intimate stay, Ariki Bungalows offers a unique adults-only experience in Rarotonga. This budget-friendly accommodation features just three humble yet comfortable rooms, perfect for independent travellers looking for a sociable but laid-back environment.
The property boasts an honesty bar for drinks and a BBQ area where communal BBQ nights are common during the high season. We love how the owners bring salads while guests grill their own meat, creating a friendly atmosphere.
Free Wi-Fi is included, and there's even a sauna on-site for added relaxation. With its intimate setting and social vibe, Ariki Bungalows is ideal for solo travellers or couples aged 18 and over who want to meet like-minded adventurers while enjoying the beauty of Rarotonga.
Book Ariki Bungalows:
Editor's Choice
Arataki Organic Garden Tours
Join our Taste of Rarotonga Garden Tour and immerse yourself in the world of regenerative agriculture right in the heart of the Cook Islands. Our unique experience invites you to explore an...
More Backpacker Hostels in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands
Now that you know about the limited selection of backpacker hostels in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, here are some alternative cheap accommodations to help save the cents:
- 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands
- 10 Best Guesthouses in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- 10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands
Finally, pair your backpacker accommodation with free experiences, as listed in the 20 Free Things to Do in the Cook Islands.
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