Where to go.. what to do ON A BUDGET..

Hello there..

I am flying into rarotonga as part of my RTW..

I think we're looking for somewhere relatively lively but cheap.. Any backpackers/cheap resorts that are recommended.. in which part?

What would a realistic budger per-day be?? Any non-touristic spots recommended to see??

All advice very much needed - clueless - all reseach went into oz and NZ!!

thanks x x x

Vara's at Muri Beach is probably the best choice for partying backpackers. You could get by on NZ$50 a day, more or less, depending on booze.

Check the FAQ's at the top of the Pacific Islands main branch. Also, there are tons of posts about backpacking places in the Cooks on this TT.

Good luck, please keep the beach clean and don't make too much noise late at night!

Vara's is the hostel in the best location and really good place to stay - right on muri beach - but I believe that Rarotonga Backpackers has the more 'lively' atmosphere.

Vara's has dorms as well as air-conditioned private studios and so had a large age range when I was there. I stayed for a week and there were only really 2 nights which could be described as 'lively'. The bus stop is at the end of the drive so I think most people went into the main town. At the hostel people tended to be using the internet, reading and sitting on the deck chatting and having a quiet drink in the evening.

I don't think Vara's has A/C in any of its units, at least it didn't a few months ago.

Sorry, my mistake - just better fans. It seemd much cooler in the studios anyway.

Nothing is cheap in the Cook Islands lol