5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2025]

Last Updated: 29 July, 2025

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.

1. Rarotonga Backpackers (Rarotonga)

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.

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]

2. Backpackers International Hostel (Rarotonga)

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:

Backpackers International Hostel on HostelWorld

3. Aitutaki Budget Accommodation (Aitutaki)

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:

Aitutaki Budget Accommodation on Booking.com

4. Ariki Bungalows (Rarotonga)

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:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2025]

5. Nane’s Homestay (Mitiaro)

While not officially a “hostel”, Nane’s Homestay is an excellent example of the affordable stays on the less-visited outer islands. This one is on the island of Mitiaro, offering an irresistibly cheap rate with three meals a day included!

The homestay is with Nane Pokoati, a local mataiapo (subtribe leader) whose infectious bubbly personality and local know-how will ensure a fun stay on the island. The homestay consists of just one shared bedroom in the large house with a communal bathroom, lounge and kitchen.

Learn more about all of the Cook Islands’ homestays (hint: they’re mostly on Mitiaro) in The Best Homestays in the Cook Islands. Plus, check out alternative cheap outer island accommodation in The Best Mangaia Accommodations, The Best Mauke Accommodations and The 4 Best Mitiaro Accommodations.

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:

Finally, pair your backpacker accommodation with free experiences, as listed in the 20 Free Things to Do in the Cook Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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