Cook Islands
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The Cook Islands is one of the South Pacific stopovers between North America and NZ / Aus and many backpackers use this to get off for a week and have a look around. There's a good choice of Cook Island backpacker accommodation around Rarotonga with dormitory beds around NZ$15 and rooms starting at NZ$20. There's no camping allowed in the Cook Island. The lagoon island of Aitutaki has several backpacker guesthouses and the atmosphere here is more laid back with small villages along the quiet coastal road. For the more adventurous, Mauke, Atiu and Mangaia all to the east of Rarotonga have recently opened up to tourism with a few locally run guesthouses. Unfortunately inter-island flights are expensive so to visit these other islands be financially prepared or take the long route - by cargo boat.

Cook Islands backpackers will find this peaceful destination to be a friendly and very safe environment and one in which they can explore at will without getting into cultural difficulties. This is a great destination for meeting fellow travellers, having a few beers, visiting bars and generally relaxing on the beach with the odd excursion for hiking bush trails, scaling mountains or exploring the back roads and valleys. Getting around the island is easy - moped hire is very common and there are some great deals through Polynesian Bike Hire.


There's a good choice of Cook Islands backpacker hostels in Rarotonga, the most popular being the ever lively Varas Backpackers on the West Coast which has the cheapest beds on Rarotonga and draws the younger backpackers who like to party. For those looking for a little more peace, try Rau's Guesthouse on the south coast which has spacious rooms at very affordable prices. There are other hostels on Rarotonga but some have bad reputations and others out of the way locations.
Rarotonga Travel Guide

Aitutaki is the other island popular with backpackers and is a major draw for those who love beaches or simply like to potter in a really laid back environment. It's a 45-minute flight to Aitutaki from Rarotonga which will cost from NZ$400 return but Air Rarotonga often put out special packages to visit Aitutaki and Atiu or other multi stop-over combinations for just a few dollars more. Cargo ships visit once a fortnight but have irregular schedules and take 18 hours. There are only a few hostels on island offering dorm beds.. Matriki Beach Huts offers budget rooms right on the beach. Moped or bicycle is the best way to get around.
Aitutaki Travel Guide

There are a few places to stay on the other islands, particularly Atiu and Mangaia. These islands offer more traditional living and are good places to appreciate the local lifestyles and to explore the environment, caves and endemic bird life.
Atiu Travel Guide


In theory, immigration requires proof of pre-booked accommodation on arrival at Rarotonga Airport. Few backpackers adhere to this rule and seldom is a traveller turned away - However, we advise you book at least your first few nights accommodation as the most popular backpacker hostels are regularly full for turn-up bookings. Camping gear will be viewed as suspicious as the islands forbid camping. Backpacker reps meet all International arrivals.




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Pacific Travel Guides is a south pacific travel publisher providing free and unbiased tourist information on the Internet as well as coffee table photographic books to help travellers plan their holidays.

Please note that we are not a booking agent and are unable to offer personal advice, recommendations or a booking service nor are we set up to answer email enquiries about the region.

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Last Updated
05 April 2008

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