The Cost of Food in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Restaurant & Grocery Prices

© Derek Smith - Cook Islands Tourism

The Cost of Eating Out in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Of course, you want to eat out at least a few times while you’re on holiday! Rarotonga and Aitutaki have a range of restaurants where both local and international cuisine is well-represented. We list some of the typical food prices at restaurants, cafes and takeaways around the islands.

Restaurant Prices in the Cook Islands

• Main breakfast meal – NZ$10-$29
• Main lunch meal – NZ$15-$35
• Main dinner meal – NZ$14-$49
• Small coffee – NZ$5-$6
• Bottle of beer – NZ$6.50-$8
• Glass of wine – NZ$12
• Cocktail – NZ$11-$21
• Mocktail/Smoothie – NZ$7-$16
• Soft drink – NZ$5-$6
• Island night buffet and show – NZ$60-$130

Note that meals on the cheaper end of the scale are from cafes, takeaways and markets listed in The Top Cheap Eats on Rarotonga and The Top Cheap Eats on Aitutaki. Food in the mid-range to fine dining price range can be found in The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga and The Best Places to Eat on Aitutaki.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Food in Supermarkets in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, then you can save money on food by making your own meals. To give you an idea of the cost of your grocery shopping in the Cook Islands, here’s a quick rundown of common food items.

Supermarket/Grocery Prices in the Cook Islands

• 1.5l (50 fluid ounces) box of milk – NZ$2.40-$2.90
• 12 eggs – NZ$8.50-$9.50
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) rice – NZ$2.30-$3
• 500g (1.1 pounds) pasta – NZ$3.50-$4.20
• A loaf of bread – NZ$5-$5.80
• 500g (1.1 pounds) cheese – NZ$12
• 100g (3 ounces) dry freeze coffee – NZ$11-$13
• Bag of chips – NZ$2.99-$3.80
• Can of coke – NZ$2-$2.50
• Box of cereal – NZ$8-$9
• 6 muesli bars – NZ$3.50
• 500g (1.1 pounds) jam – NZ$4-$7
• 120g (4.4. ounces) baby food – NZ$2.95
• 1.5l (50.7 fluid ounces) bottled water – NZ$4
• 12 pack of Heineken – NZ$28

The Price of Fruit and Vegetables in Supermarkets in the Cook Islands

• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of apples – NZ$6
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of onions – NZ$2.60-$7
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of potatoes – NZ$2.60-$7
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of carrots – NZ$3.70
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of avocados – NZ$11.50
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of mangos – NZ$5-7

Note that you can usually find the cheapest produce at roadside stalls. See A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for more information.

The Price of Meat in the Supermarkets in the Cook Islands

• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of chicken thighs – NZ$13
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of beef mince – NZ$16.50
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of pork – NZ$20
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of lamb – NZ$13-$20
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of sausages – NZ$13
• 1kg (2.2 pounds) of rump steak – NZ$22

The Price of Toiletries at the Supermarkets in the Cook Islands

• Deodorant – NZ$4.10
• Shampoo – NZ$5-$15
• Toothpaste – NZ$3-$7
• Sunscreen (10ml/0.34oz) – NZ$8-$10
• Insect repellent – NZ$7.25-$13
• Sanitary towels/pads – NZ$5-$9
• Tampons – NZ$4-$8.

© Taniera - Cook Islands Tourism

The Cost of Meals at Homestays and Guesthouses on the Outer Islands

Note that if you are staying on one of the Pa Enua (outer islands), such as Mangaia, Mitiaro, Mauke or the islands of the Northern Group, you are likely to be provided meals from your accommodation host.

Many accommodations on the outer islands, whether they are homestays or guesthouses, provide three meals a day included in the nightly accommodation rate. This rate ranges from NZ$100 to NZ$160 per night. A handful of accommodations, such as villas, charge an additional rate for meals, such as NZ$20-$35 per person for lunch and NZ$20-$65 per person for dinner.

Compare guesthouses and homestays in our 10 Best Guesthouses in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and The Best Homestays in the Cook Islands.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Food in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

What are the questions that most travellers have about the cost of food in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands? They might help answer yours!

Is Food Expensive in Rarotonga?

Food prices are on par or slightly more expensive in Rarotonga compared to New Zealand. The food in Rarotonga is more expensive than in Australia and more so than in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

What is the Cost of Alcohol in Rarotonga?

The cost of alcohol in Rarotonga restaurants and bars is approximately NZ$6.50-$8 for a bottle of beer, NZ$12 for a glass of wine and NZ$11-$21 for a cocktail. The cheapest alcohol in Rarotonga tends to be Heineken beer at around NZ$28 to $30 for a 12-pack.