10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com
10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2024]

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

The Cheapest Accommodations in the Cook Islands

You don’t have to blow your budget on expensive resorts to have a good time in the Cook Islands. In fact, there are some real hidden gems when it comes to cheap accommodations in the Cook Islands. From homely stays in guesthouses to budget bungalows on the beach, there’s a whole range of accommodation styles to create the perfect (but cheap) getaway! Discover some of the best affordable stays across Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the outer islands in this list of the best budget accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Before we get to it, be sure to bookmark The Complete Backpacking Guide to the Cook Islands on a Budget for all your essential budget holiday advice.

1. Aremango Guesthouse & Cottage

One of the limited (if not the only) budget guesthouses on RarotongaAremango Guesthouse & Cottage in Muri offers an affordable stay for solo travellers, couples or a couple of friends travelling together. Stay in the homely guesthouse with simple yet well-kept rooms and a shared kitchen, bathroom, lounge and a spacious backyard with loungers and hammocks to soak up the sun. There’s also a cottage and holiday home should you want your own space. Discover more cheap guesthouses like Aremango in the 10 Best Guesthouses in the Cook Islands.

Check Aremango Guesthouse & Cottage out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© Aremango Guesthouse

2. Aitutaki Budget Accommodation

For a cheap stay 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. 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.

Check Aitutaki Budget Accommodation out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

3. Rarotonga Backpackers

When it comes to cheap accommodation on RarotongaRarotonga Backpackers is a good first go-to. Not only does their main beachfront complex in Arorangi have dorm rooms and beachfront units to take advantage of, but they also run affordable units along the north coast and in Tupapa. 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.

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

4. Ranginui’s Retreat

With a beachfront location and lagoon views, Ranginui’s Retreat offers a luxury location at an affordable price. The garden units in Aitutaki come at the most irresistible prices, ideal for solo travellers and couples. Fisherfolk can cast right from the accommodation, while those looking to relax can make use of the beach loungers and the swimming pool. The cheapest units have breakfast-making facilities, while the restaurants of Ootu Beach will keep hunger at bay throughout the day.

Check Ranginui’s Retreat out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. Backpackers International Hostel

The cheapest accommodation on RarotongaBackpackers International Hostel offers dorm beds for as little as NZ$18 per night! But is it worth staying? 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. Check out more hostels around the Cooks in the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in the Cook Islands.

Check Backpackers International Hostel out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

6. Club Raro Resort

What’s the cheapest resort in the Cook Islands? Club Raro Resort is the answer, offering minimalistic yet fresh rooms exclusively for adults. Enjoy hotel-style rooms on the beachfront or around the pool and gardens or opt for a studio apartment with a few extra food preparation facilities. You won’t have to worry about breakfast, however, with breakfast included with every stay and the Jalapenos restaurant offers an easy dining option. The pool is a popular hangout where you can treat yourself at the poolside bar. See how it compares to The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Check Club Raro Resort out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

7. Gina’s Garden Lodges

Although a little out of the way toward the south of Aitutaki’s main island, Gina’s Garden Lodges boasts very competitive prices. Each lodge sleeps four adults or a family of five, however, there are no penalties if you want to stay here solo. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable solo rates on the island! Kids love the mezzanine bedroom, while the cooking facilities help keep the holiday costs to a minimum. Oh, and this accommodation is actually owned by a Cook Islands queen, so it can’t be that bad. See more family-friendly options across the islands in the 20 Best Family Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check Gina’s Garden Lodges out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© Gina's Garden Lodges

8. Matriki Beach Huts

If you’re looking for that beachfront bungalow experience without paying a premium then check out Matriki Beach Huts. These characterful bungalows in Aitutaki are all a little different but equally rustic. One has an ensuite while the others have their own showers and a shared toilet at the back of the property. The bungalows also offer self-catering facilities, while the nearby resorts are a good dining option. Bikes are free of charge. See alternative self-catering stays in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check Matriki Beach Huts out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© Matriki Beach Huts

9. Ariana Garden Bungalows

Offering some of the most competitive accommodation prices on Rarotonga, Ariana Garden Bungalows has a small selection of self-contained bungalows for couples and families. Stay in a simple yet practical studio or bungalow for less than NZ$100 per night! The accommodation is set on lush grounds on the back hills of Matavera, with an outdoor pool surrounded by trees and mountain views. Guests also benefit from UV-treated drinking water, while the planet benefits from some solar power use.

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© Daniel Fisher - Cook Islands Tourism

10. Babe’s Place

Babe’s Place on the outer island of Mangaia is just one of many examples of cheap accommodation in the Cook Islands when you head to the outer islands. Enjoy the homely atmosphere and experience the warm hospitality of this budget-friendly accommodation with four motel units. Your room is basic but well-kept with colourful bedsheets, mosquito nets and a private patio area with outdoor furniture. The rest of the facilities are communal, including a spacious lounge and kitchen where your three meals a day (included in the price) are served. If you need to prepare anything in between, the kitchen is open 24/7.

See more affordable stays in the outer islands listed in Where to Stay on MangaiaWhere to Stay on Mauke and Where to Stay on Mitiaro.

10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]© Taniera - Cook Islands Tourism

More About Cheap Holidays in the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the best budget and cheap accommodations in the Cook Islands, get more tips for saving money on holiday with our budget itineraries:

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

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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