Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Rarotonga Backpackers

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands

Can anyone tell me what restaurants are within walking distance of the Rarotonga Backpackers. I'm booking a beachfront unit for two weeks in early November and I'm curious what else is close by.

I've been to Raro before but have always stayed up by Black Rock and it's also been a few years since I've been back so anything you can tell me about the area will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Edited by: Vancouver

Hi MsVancouver :-)
I can highly recommend Waterline Bar & Grill. It's about 500 meters from the Beachfront of RB, you can walk along the main road (turn left) or along the beach (there is a signpost on a palm in front of RB).
The restaurant is rather small and quite popular, so booking may be necessary, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
It was my favourite place on Raro!
Artur

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Thank you!

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Have just returned from our third stay at Rarotonga Backpackers - thoroughly enjoyed our holiday.
We ate at the Aromoana Takeaways at Avatiu Harbour most nights, smoked fish and salad (on a crockery plate, real knife and fork) $13.50 NZ, they also do a mean chicken chowmein among other things (their fish is yummy). Other relatively close restaurants (10 minute scooter ride or bus ride) Tumunu and Alberto's.
Didn't visit the Waterline bar and grill but spoke to some others who did, and high praise all round.
Nothing else within walking distance, but what else have u got to do in Raro at night, get the bus to the Harbour, and a short walk after tea to the Cooks Corner bus, what more could you want. Ah - I can still feel the warm air.
NB: If you intend to hire a scooter talk to Paul or Peter at Rarotonga Backpackers 1st as they have some new rules coming into force on the 12th April.
Enjoy your holiday.

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Re #3--yes, helmuts are supposed to be mandatory as of April 12. But there's a petition to change that from going into effect, so check once you get over there. But it's a good idea, even if not required.

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Thanks Raro, I've decided that a car is more my speed, so I won't have to worry about wearing a helmut, or being attacked by dogs or getting rained on. I'll just have to reacquaint myself with driving on the other side and making sure I avoid those scooters driving in the middle of the road!

I'm very much looking forward to a relaxing two weeks. It's good to know that there is at least one restaurant/bar within walking distance, that will probably be my hangout.

Cheers,
Lorette

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With a car you can really just pcik any place on the island to be your habgout, as you can get anywhere within 20 minutes or less, as you know. Flame Tree is a nice place to go.

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