Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Any ideas for Backpacker entertainment in Rarotonga?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

I am moving over to Rarotonga to run "The Shack" next to Vara's Backpackers. We are wanting to do quick, cheap and tasty meals for backpackers and provide entertainment options. Does anyone have any suggestions about what we could do? We have a few ideas but these blogs seem to generate some brilliant ones.
We are right on Muri Beach, I have lived there before so I know the main activities but am looking for more things for the backpackers (ie. Beach Volleyball, BBQ nights, Hermit Crab Races, etc..)

How about one night a week revolving around pics and/or video taken by the guests? Nothing long or boring but one or two pics per person and some kind of recognition for the winner. All you need is a laptop, projector and some kind of screen. The audience would select the winner. If you do video, limit it to a minute or less. Kind of like a local youtube.

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I think the beach volleyball is a good idea. Any other daytime stuff in the lagoon also would be good. But I'd avoid stuff at night. Lots of the younger backpackers at Vara's can't hold their booze too well, and they bother the neighbours with their drunken revelry late at night. If your activities lead to complaints to the police, yo could be shut down.

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