10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga 🐚 [2025]

Last Updated: 29 July, 2025

The Top Cheap Accommodations on Rarotonga

We know how it looks; Rarotonga is like a sea of luxury resorts and villas. Where are all of the cheap accommodations at? Well, admittedly, the selection is small but at least it exists! We’ve compiled them all in this list of the best budget accommodations on Rarotonga.

Find rooms for backpackers, families, couples and more in this list of cheap holiday homes, resorts, motels and hostels.

Before we dive into the cheapest accommodations on Rarotonga, be sure to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga on a Budget, as well as the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga. Trust us, they’re pretty handy.

1. Rarotonga Backpackers

When it comes to cheap accommodation on Rarotonga, Rarotonga 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!

2. Backpackers International Hostel

The cheapest accommodation on Rarotonga, Backpackers 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, 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 Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Book Backpackers International Hostel:

Backpackers International Hostel on HostelWorld

3. Kiikii Inn & Suites

Kiikii Inn & Suites offers a delightful blend of self-catering facilities and a holiday experience that’s perfect for budget-conscious travellers. Nestled in the gardens or around the outdoor pool, the rooms cater to a maximum of three guests and come equipped with kitchenettes featuring fridges, hobs, and microwaves.

You’ll love the ensuite bathrooms and the option of a sea view. But that’s not all! Kiikii Inn & Suites now offers affordable bicycle rental, making it even easier to explore the stunning surroundings of Tupapa and beyond. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems along the north coast of the island.

Book Kiikii Inn & Suites:

10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga 🐚 [2025]

4. Club Raro Resort

Club Raro Resort offers an affordable, adults-only beachfront experience in Rarotonga—perfect for unfussy travellers or those seeking a budget-friendly poolside escape. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the resort features unique touches like fire dancers, a staff choir, and a welcoming space for the local rainbow community.

All bookings include a daily tropical breakfast, and the resort boasts one of only two pool bars on the island. Happy hours run twice daily at the Sand Bar and Club Bar, from 11 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. Guests can borrow reef shoes from the Sand Bar, with snorkel gear and fins also available.

Weekly themed buffet nights, such as the “Umu Buffet” and “Jalapeno Pasta Buffet,” offer something for food lovers, while the on-site spa provides massages and facials for ultimate relaxation.

A shuttle connects Club Raro with its sister property, the Edgewater Resort & Spa, giving guests access to shared amenities. With its laid-back charm and inclusive vibe, Club Raro is a true tropical social hub.

Otherwise, Avarua and its vibrant nightlife are just down the road. See how the resort compares to the 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga.

Book Club Raro Resort:

5. Central Motel

Right in the heart of Avarua, the capital of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, Central Motel offers affordable accommodation within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the bus station. The 14 rooms of the motel are, of course, super basic but are well-kept with standard breakfast-making facilities and an ensuite.

A nice little touch is the spa pool in the gardens. Note that there are only rooms for a maximum of two guests. Check out more motels on the island of Rarotonga listed in the 5 Best Motels on Rarotonga.

Book Central Motel out:

6. Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio

For those seeking their own quiet space on Rarotonga for an affordable price, take a look at Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio. The two-bedroom holiday home in Avarua has a private garden setting leading all the way to the beach.

For the price, it’s safe to say that the fixtures and furniture are rather basic but are functional enough for the non-fussy traveller. See similar stays in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in Rarotonga.

Book Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio:

Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio on Booking.com

7. Ariki Bungalows

Ariki Bungalows offers a unique adults-only experience on Rarotonga, perfect for budget-conscious travellers aged 18 and over. With just three humble yet comfortable rooms, you’ll enjoy a quiet and intimate atmosphere.

The property boasts an honesty bar for drinks and a BBQ area where communal BBQ nights are common during high season – the owners provide salads while you grill your own meat.

Free WiFi and an on-site sauna add to the amenities. This laid-back setup is ideal for independent travellers seeking a sociable environment with a relaxed vibe.

Book Ariki Bungalows:

8. Muri Hillside Guesthouses

Don’t be fooled by the name, you’ll have your own separate bungalow/studio at the Muri Hillside Guesthouses. The “Deluxe Studio” is an irresistibly affordable stay for couples, elevated on the hillside with self-catering facilities and a deck dining area.

Families will find a cheap stay in “The Bungalow” or “The Cottage” with cots, buggies and toys available to hire. There’s also a central swimming pool and trampoline.

9. Lulu and Shane’s Island Retreat

Located just north of Muri, this tiny unit offers one of the cheapest stays in the area for solo travellers and couples. Lulu and Shane’s Island Retreat is set a little inland with spacious gardens that more than make up for the compact unit you’ll be staying in.

The best feature, however, is the outdoor shower decorated with shells and cobblestones, as well as the compost toilet.

10. The Islander Hotel

Just a stone’s throw from the airport, The Islander Hotel offers both convenience and entertainment in Rarotonga. You’ll love the on-site Islander Restaurant & Bar and Hula Bar, perfect for unwinding after your flight.

The 24-hour front desk ensures a warm welcome any time of day, while the same-day laundry service (the cheapest we’ve seen on the island!) is a traveller’s dream.

Rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, and complimentary bathroom amenities for a comfortable stay. While the beach directly in front isn’t swim-friendly, don’t miss the complimentary shuttle to Nikao Golden Beach twice daily.

The highlight? Their vibrant Island Night every Tuesday – we personally love the cultural immersion it offers!

Book The Islander Hotel:

9 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga 🐚 [2025]

More About Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga

That’s it for our list of the best budget accommodations on Rarotonga. We know the choice is pretty limited, so you might want to check out these other listings for more recommendations:

Finally, anything you might have missed in your holiday planning you can probably find in The Complete Backpacking Guide to the Cook Islands on a Budget.

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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