For those who have stayed at Vara's

I heard there is solar hot water there for everyone besides staying in the suites. My questions is are we talking about warm or cold showers or does it depends on how sunny it is. I am looking to stay in a single room by the beach. I have narrowed my stay down to Vara's and Rarotonga Backpackers. Just curious on the showers / bath facilties. Thanks!

In general, solar hot water panels usually provide almost-boiling water after just a few hours of sun. All come with an electric backup built in, but at some budget motels they do not turn this on unless the water is almost cold, which would only happen if it were cloudy for two full days in a row, or a hell of a lot of people were using a lot of hot water.

That said, Vara's would probably conserve $$$ by not turning on the backup circuit too often (electricity is VERY expensive in the Cooks). But unless a lot of people are using it, you should be fine.

Hi,

I'm currently in the Cooks staying in Raratongas Backpackers (beachside, important to get beachside) and its a great place and the showers are better than i've had at some place at home in ireland full power and steaming hot always well for the last week anyway. I'm staying here until 19th sep then going to Varas for last 10 days (im here 6 weeks altogether) only going to varas cause this place (beach side) is booked up other wise id stay here for the full 6 weeks as its bliss and weather has been great last 3 days no rain.

At Raratongas Backpackers are you staying in a single room and sharing a bath and kitchen? Is it mostly couples or is there singles too? Are they remote or close to things to do. Thanks Thomas

Staying in double room sharing bathrooms/showers which always seem to be free although place is fully booked but was upgraded to a ensuite for same price as doulbe for 1 full week as it was free at the time but now back to double room all for the same price. Owners are great like that. Kitchen sharing can be busy at times but just change your eating times slightly by 30 mins and its fine. Right now there is 2/3 couples and 3/4 single girls no single blokes you will be sad th here 1 family but it changes every couple of days. The main town is only 10/15 mins on bus its as close if not closer than Vara bus picks u up outside hostel but i only go there for ATM or food shopping. Otherwise rent a motorbike for a week for only $100. Although its very expensive you can live here VERY cheap if you dont mind pasta,noodles,fish most days. Dorm room is only $20 a night food cheap food for week is around $60 and water is fine to drink in this hostel so it is very affordable to get by on budget. There is shop right beside us for simple things to buy.

Thanks Joe, I really appreciate your input. Is there anything I should bring that I cannot get from the states that is very expensive there. In other words, did you wish you brought more of something from home that you cannot get there easliy? I.e. Money, Coffee, Tea ... etc .. It looks like you have an Internet connection there. I am bringing my laptop since I will be there for 30 days, Can I connect to the Internet via a Wi-Fi connection? Thanks again. Thomas

Coffe, tea etc are a liitle bit more expensive than home but you can buy Nescaffe in the supermarkets quite cheap so there is noo need to bring food in with you. Internet is very expensive and there is no free Wi - Fi were i am staying but in the hotels they have it but still you have to pay to connet to it. Its $21 for 180 mins for the internet here and its not the fastest but somedays are quicker than other days. One thing i wished i had brought is a couple of DVD's for the TV here for the nights in when its raining a guy brought the Band of Brothers Collection and it was a great thing as the whole hostel spent rainy days watching them...so i would have loved to have taken some TV series like the Office, 24...etc etc....otherwise just bring the obvious extras to save money like sunscrean, shower gel, razor blades, snorkel gear, towels (beach/shower) flip flops, aftersun cream, cigurettes alcohol if you smoke/drink dont forget diver licence. Too be really honest with you i went down to Vara yesterday and it seems to be a lot younger than here and bit more of party scene so if i was single i would probably go there but i really like Rara Backpackers for its relaxation/fun. As i've said before it really depends on who is here. Single looking for party (Vara's) Relaxing and some partying (Raratonga's)

Hi Joe and Ais,
I am Irish too and I wrote to you about a month ago, maybe you didn't get my email. Anyway I am gald to hear that you are having a good time .If it is possible I would like to ask you a favour .I lived on Aitutaki for a year in 1989/90 !!! And made lots of friends. One of these friends works in FOODLAND (I Don't Know if he still works there). If it is not too much of a bother could you please ask someone in Foodland Avarua if PEKA PAREANGA from Aitutaki now living in Matavera is still working there .If he is just tell him Holly from Ireland says "Kia Orana" and to give my love to all his family. THANKS ALOT !!! Any news will be VERY much appreciated.
Have a great time.