When you first start dreaming of a trip to the Cook Islands, you can fairly be a little intimidated by the prices. All you ever hear about are overwater bungalows and expensive resorts. But there is another way to experience this stunning part of the world without spending a fortune. There is some fabulous cheap accommodation in Rarotonga!
It turns out, Rarotonga isn’t just for honeymooners and luxury traveller’s; it’s a paradise for those of us who love a good deal and a laid-back adventure.
We live in Rarotonga. But we’ve literally been travelling the world for six years fulltime. It would be nice – but we couldn’t do that with a luxury travel scope!
In Rarotonga, we’ve explored the island and discovered that there are plenty of incredible, budget-friendly places to stay that offer a true taste of the Cook Islands. These are the spots where you can meet other traveller’s, find a home-away-from-home feel, and save your money for the real adventure—like a scooter rental to circle the island or a feast at the Muri Night Markets.
- Understanding ‘Budget’ in Rarotonga
- Our Top Pick?
- Cheap Accommodation in Rarotonga
– Rarotonga Backapckers
– Kiikii Inn & Suites
– Club Raro
– Central Motel
– Backpackers International Hostel
– Islander Hotel
– Edgewater Resort & Spa
– Ariki Bungalows
Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?
Understanding ‘Budget’ on the Island
First, a quick note on ‘budget’ in Rarotonga. While you won’t find backpacker hostels for a few dollars a night like in Southeast Asia, you’ll discover fantastic value.
The term ‘cheap’ here means getting a comfortable, clean, and friendly place to rest your head for a great price. Often with self-catering facilities that save you a ton on food.
The options range from classic dorm-style hostels to private studios and simple hotel rooms, all designed to make your dream Rarotonga holiday a reality without breaking the bank.
Our Top Pick: Rarotonga Backpackers
If we had to recommend just one place to stay, it would be Rarotonga Backpackers.
This place is so much more than a hostel; it’s a community. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of beach, it offers a tranquil escape while being literally right on the famed sunset side of the island!
The vibe here is just perfect—it’s relaxed, friendly, and you’ll instantly feel at home.
We love that they offer a range of accommodation, from classic dorm rooms for solo travellers to simple, private double rooms and even bungalows. This means you can find a spot that fits your comfort level without sacrificing your budget.
The communal kitchen is a huge bonus, allowing you to whip up your own meals with fresh, local ingredients from the markets. You can spend your afternoons chilling in a hammock, swapping travel stories with other guests, or taking one of their kayaks out for a paddle on the lagoon.
We even rented one of the waterfront bungalows for a Christmas in Rarotonga as a family! I’m not even fibbing – but we saw a whale on Christmas Day from our balcony on the beachfront!
Rarotonga Backpackers perfectly captures the spirit of island life, making it the one cheap accommodation in Rarotonga that we would recommend to everyone.
More Great Options for Your Rarotonga Trip
While Rarotonga Backpackers holds a special place in our hearts, there are many other excellent affordable choices.
Here are some of the best cheap accommodation in Rarotonga to consider for your trip.
Kiikii Inn & Suites
If you’re looking for a step up from a hostel but still want to keep costs down, Kiikii Inn & Suites is an excellent choice of cheap accommodation in Rarotonga.
This hotel-style accommodation offers self-contained studios and suites with kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare your own meals and save money.
The property features a swimming pool, and the rooms are spacious and well-maintained. It’s a great blend of hotel amenities with the added benefit of self-catering facilities, all at an accessible price.
Club Raro
Don’t let the name fool you—Club Raro is one of the most budget-friendly resorts on the island. It’s perfect for couples who want a bit more than a basic room.
The resort offers a large pool, a swim-up bar, and a relaxed, tropical vibe.
The rooms are simple and functional, and the property is well-located for exploring the island. It’s a classic resort experience without the premium price, giving you great value for your money.
Central Motel
For those who want to be in the heart of the action without a scooter, Central Motel is an ideal choice.
Albeit this is one of the most basic of cheap accommodation in Rarotonga. But located in Avarua, the main town, it offers simple, no-frills rooms that are clean and comfortable.
It’s not about the fancy amenities here (it really isn’t fancy). Though the location is unbeatable. You’re within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the harbour. It is just along the road from a convenience store, fried chicken shop and Bread & Butter Bakery.
Don’t judge this basic hotel from the outside. It is just $150 NZD per night. This is the perfect base for budget travellers who plan to take advantage of the local bus service and explore the island without the need for a rental vehicle.
Backpackers International Hostel
Backpackers International Hostel in Aroa, Arorangi is another solid option for a social and affordable stay. It’s a classic hostel with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, and a great place to meet fellow backpackers.
The location is convenient to the best snorkelling beach in Rarotonga – Aro’a Beach – and they can help you with a variety of tours and activities you can book directly. The rooms are basic. But it is another cheap accommodation in Rarotonga and quite literally the only other backpackers in Rarotonga!
Islander Hotel
Located right next to the airport, the Islander Hotel is a fantastic and surprisingly affordable option. It feels more like a small resort than a budget hotel, with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
It’s a vibrant and lively place, and you’ll often see them preparing for cultural shows.
The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and the proximity to the airport is a huge plus, especially for early morning flights.
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
I have to add this one under cheap accommodation in Rarotonga. Although it is a resort it does often have some great deals on package holidays and cheap room rates.
The Edgewater is one of the biggest resorts on the island. So, it has everything you could hope for in a Rarotonga resort – a beautiful beach, great restaurant, swimming pool, island nights and all the amenities of a tropical resort stay.
Ariki Bungalows
For travellers who prefer more privacy and a self-contained space, Ariki Bungalows are an excellent option. These charming bungalows are perfect for couples or small groups, offering a more secluded experience than a hostel.
They come with a kitchenette, a private bathroom, and plenty of space to relax. Located near Muri Lagoon, they offer a great blend of privacy and convenience, making them a top choice for a quieter, more independent stay.
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- 10 Foods To Try In Rarotonga.
- 5 Best Fishing Charters In Rarotonga.
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Hiring A Scooter In Rarotonga.
- Renting A Car In Rarotonga.
- 15 Best Holiday Homes In Rarotonga.
- 11 Best Tours & Adventures In Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
- Is Dengue Fever A Worry For Travel To Rarotonga?
- Transport And Getting Around Rarotonga.
More About Travel Planning for Cook Islands and Beyond
These are the companies we use and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. Easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.