8 Best Guesthouses in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Ariki Bungalows offers a unique adults-only experience in Rarotonga, catering to guests aged 18 and over. This budget-friendly accommodation features just three humble yet comfortable rooms, providing a quiet and intimate setting for travellers.

The property boasts an honesty bar for drinks and a BBQ area where communal barbecue nights are common during the high season. Owners contribute salads while guests grill their own meat, creating a sociable atmosphere. Free WiFi is included, and there's even an on-site sauna for ultimate relaxation.

We personally love the laid-back vibe here, which is perfect for independent travellers seeking a sociable yet relaxed environment. It's an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the true essence of Rarotonga without breaking the bank.

Book Ariki Bungalows:

• Ariki Bungalows on Booking.com
• Ariki Bungalows on Trip.com
• Ariki Bungalows on Expedia

The most modern guesthouse and now the only accommodation on the island of Mitiaro, Divine Retreat is run by friendly hosts, Junior and Cindy, who look after you with a daily tropical breakfast each morning. Like on many of the pa enua outer islands, they can also arrange meals and a vehicle rental for you.

The grocery store is nearby, ideal for making use of the communal kitchen. Other communal areas include an inside lounge, a spacious deck and a communal bathroom. As for rooms, you have one ensuite bedroom, two bedrooms with a double bed and a shared bathroom, as well as three queen-sized beds on the deck with curtains for privacy (yes, you can sleep outside)!

More information about this accommodation on our guide Where to Stay on Mitiaro.

One of the limited budget guesthouses on Aitutaki, Aitutaki Budget Accommodation is ideal for the solo traveller or couple looking to save some cents and/or get a more local experience on one of the Cook Islands' more popular destinations.

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.

Compare this stay with others in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Aitutaki.

Book Aitutaki Budget Accommodation:

• Aitutaki Budget Accommodation on Booking.com

Moving onto the island of Mangaia now, enjoy the homely atmosphere and experience the warm hospitality of the budget-friendly Babe’s Place. There are rooms with one or two double beds per room, which are 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 stays available on Mangaia in Where to Stay on Mangaia: The Best Mangaia Accommodations.

There is one guesthouse on the island of Wale in Pukapuka that is set aside for visitors. It sits in the village of Ngake, close to a lagoon-facing beach. The guesthouse is, understandably, basic in its facilities but comfortable enough.

Each of the four guest rooms has twin single beds, sleeping up to eight people in total. Guests share communal areas, such as a bathroom with cold water, a lounge and a kitchen. While you will have access to electricity, note that there is no WiFi.

The guesthouse where most visitors to Penrhyn stay has two double rooms, sleeping a maximum of four people, all sharing a bathroom, lounge and a kitchen. You won’t need to worry too much about using the kitchen facilities, however, as three meals a day are included in your stay.

Food is local dishes prepared with local ingredients. Your hosts will look after every aspect of your stay on Penrhyn; they can organise vehicle rentals to explore Moananui and its village, Omoka, as well as boat trips on the lagoon. Oh, and the location right on the edge of the remote lagoon is pretty darn nice.

Don’t be fooled by the name, you’ll have your own separate bungalow/studio at the Muri Hillside Guesthouses - one of the rare guesthouses on Rarotonga that feature on this list! (Mainly because there aren't any 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 budget-friendly stay in “The Bungalow” or “The Cottage”, with cots, buggies, and toys available for hire. There’s also a central swimming pool and trampoline.

Check out more affordable accommodation, as well as accommodation similar to guesthouses, such as backpackers, in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Finally, when it’s open, Amuri Guesthouse is another excellent guesthouse on Aitutaki. There are single, double and triple occupancy rooms sharing a well-equipped communal kitchen and bathroom.

It’s a little inland, so you’ll often share the grounds with roosters and pigs, but it’s just a three-minute walk to the beach, local takeaways and grocery stores. Call ahead, as the owner is sometimes out of the country.