Cook Islands July

Hi there,

Myself and a buddy are going to the Cook Islands in July and I had a few questions... We are budget conscious and going to be there for 7 nights. We are also both young (24), and will be looking for a good backpacker atmosphere to meet other young people. I have looked into a couple places and it looks like Vara's might be the best option having these things in mind, but it is rather hard to tell. Would Vara's probably be the best option on Raro for us? Also, I would love to go to Aitutaki but I just don't think we can afford to get the flight over there and being in the islands for 7 nights the cargo ship seems like it would take to long. Would it be a bad idea to schedule our whole time there at one place, or should we shift around the island? Would we be missing a lot just staying on Raro?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Vader,

I stayed at Vara's last year and it was ok. The only problem with Raro is that it is expensive as everything is shipped over from NZ. Vara's is a way out of the main town of Avarua. IMHO it would be better to stay in the town itself but I am not aware of any hostels there.

Also, with Vara's you are ok if you get one of the places at the beachside but if you are up on the hill I felt it is a bit out of the way.

Like you I could not afford to fly over to Aitutaki....

Check out Trader Jacks and the Whatever Bar in the main town....awesome bars....

I think that Vara's would be perfect for you. It's in a fantastic location on the most beautiful beach. I believe that the backpacker part of Vara's is right on the beach (I didn't stay there) with a patio overlooking the water. For me the Cook Islands are about the beach so I would not recommend staying in town, which is a very little town (village).

While Aitutaki is beautiful so is Rarotonga. I think that you can have a fantastic 7 day vacation just staying in Rarotonga.

Last year, I stayed just down the beach from Vara's. Just about everyone I met, that was there, really liked it. It's right on the bus line, so you can get into town quite easily. It's unfortunate that you can't get to Aitutaki, but, as noted, you can spend plenty of time exploring - and enjoying Rarotonga! Have fun!

Regards,
Mark

Sounds like Vara's would be your best bet if looking for a "On the Beach/Young Backpacker" combination hangout.

There are lots of other hostels as well in Rarotonga... many of them cater to all sorts and ages of backpackers and budget conscience travellers (Like Tiare Village) but they are not really party places and are a way from the beach.
Rarotonga Backpackers and International Backpackers have a younger vibe too, but again, are a ways to the beach and to town.

As letterdude says, Raro is so small and the bus every half an hour makes it a breeze to go around. Lots of options to rent scooters and bicycles too.

Thanks for the replies!

I think I will just book 5 (or maybe even all 7) nights there and go on day trips from there - are there some islands close by Raro that I can take boat trips to for just a day adventure?

Thanks

No, there are no islands you can boat to for a day. The closest option would be a day trip to Aitutaki (approx $390 NZ), which includes flights, lagoon cruise, lunch etc. There are lots of things to see and do on Rarotonga, though. Try the cross island walk, snorkelling off Fruits of Raro, the museum and local art galleries, plenty of walks, beautiful beaches etc etc. Of course, it depends what your interests are, but I have been living on Rarotonga for 15 months and haven't experienced a minute of boredom yet..

partner and I spent 11 days on Raro over Christams and New Year. Somethings were closed and we were never bored. 7 days on Raro is easy - remember holidays = relax; unwind.

We stayed at a Shekinah property (www.shekinahhomes.com). thye have some reasonable rpcies but depends on what you want to spend. Some of the backpacker hostels we saw looked a bit dodge (sorry to the people - but v v v basic). Also check out rarorealty website and jetsave websites (rarorealty.co.ck or jetsave.co.uk). Both these companies have budget accomodation listed.

Another day trip option... Air Rarotonga has currently got day trip specials to both Atiu and Mangaia (southern group islands). I think the cost is approx $NZ280. I'm not sure whether anything other than flights are included in this price, and also unsure of how long this will be offered. You could check Air Raro website www.airraro.com