Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Backpacker accommodation in Rarotonga n flights to Aiutaki Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
martaandchris 03:24 UTC 17 Aug 2009 | Hi, i would need some of your great advices. We are traveling to Rarotonga the 6 of Sept and staying there for a week. We are a joung couple on our 30ies and looking for a relaxing time but would like to do some good snorkeling and kayaking too. Does anyone could recommend us some accommodation within a budget of 40-60NZD in good location? A bungalow would be nice but i doubt it we could get any for this budget and we would be ok with a double room with shared facilities.I guess a week on the beach would be more than enough to relax and we though of spending maybe a couple of nights also in the famous Aiutaki but i am worry the flights can be pricey. Could you reach it by boot too? any reccomandations of yours guys would be much appreciate it. cheers marta |
fyrelizard 07:57 UTC 18 Aug 2009 | Muri Beach is the nicest on Rarotonga, lovely white sand with a protected lagoon which has ok snorkelling and nice kayaking. Some great snorkelling a short drive away at Fruits of Rarotonga (this is a cafe). Vara's beach houses are in a great location- the backpackers is right on the beach, and there are quieter bungalows and studios on the hillside, a short walk from the beach, though these cost more. Within your budget you could get an ensuite room. There is a well stocked dairy in Muri, and a variety of cafes and bakeries. I'm afraid I don't know about boats to Aitutaki, but flights are expensive- over $300 Kiwi each way. | 1
martaandchris 14:37 UTC 19 Aug 2009 | thanks we will definetly looking at muri beach, do you have any accommodation already on mind?we would land really late at night (23.30) so we would like to book at least our first 2 days before arrive just to be on the safe side and then we could explore the island while there and look if to extend it or change place. thanks again | 2
fyrelizard 18:31 UTC 19 Aug 2009 | Hi, I stayed at Vara's beach houses, which is the place I was talking about above. For some reason the link and name haven't posted. They have a variety or accommodation options Varas Booking ahead is a good idea. Varas and most of the other accommodation options have airport transfers. | 3
lagoon 00:28 UTC 24 Aug 2009 | Muri beach would be ideal as mentioned - probably Vara's or Aremango, but a little further towards the harbour entrance is Aroko Bungalows. There are 2 units (popular spot) next to Muri Beach Club Hotel - name like Muri Beachplace or similar?. Air Raro is only option for travel to Aitutaki - check with the airline online or in person once you arrive for airfare specials - need to be paid within 1 hour of offer. And you'll need to prebook your first night's accomm to fulfill visitors entry permit - unless you're a local or PR. | 4
yllek 10:59 UTC 03 Sep 2009 | Hi there, I visited Raro and Aitutaki last June, and I must say I preferred Aitutaki, it was quiet, relaxing and quite a romantic place. It costs about NZ$168 each way, but fares change, and it depends on how much in advance you book. I stayed in a great place called Paradise Cove (www.paradisecove.co.ck;Arutanga;house). Double rooms are $45, but if you can stay in a beahc hut, do because they are just lovely, they are along the white, sandy beaches, next to turqoise waters, and just $60 for a double, so within your price range, bungalows are much more. You can get picked up from the airport, and the staff are really helpful with everything. A great place to eat is Tupuna's restaurant, the food is amazing! they sell a huge mud crab for 2, for $59, but the other food is not so expensive, and it's very romantic. Try the island night too if you can, at Tamanu, it's great food, good food, and dancing. (Thurs night). Aitutaki is more accessible by plane, and the views are amazing, it should be fine to book when you arrive in Raro. Enjoy yourselves! | 5
lagoon 07:49 UTC 02 Oct 2009 | Not sure how you came across those amazing prices for airfares to Aitutaki and beachfront accommodation at Paradise Cove, yllek!! Fares to Aituaki start at $198 but mostly hover around $223 to $263.00 per sector. Paradise Cove beachfront units cost $125 single/double. They havent been $60 double for several years that I can recall. But at times there are specials for $100 single/double available. | 6