Everything you need to know about traveling the Cook Islands on a budget! Plus how much money I've spent in total for 11 days.
It can be done cheaply!
Before I went to New Zealand I actually haven't heard of the Cook Islands!
As I wanted to make use of being on the other side of the world after my working holiday there, I did some research which islands are easy to travel to departing NZ. I read everywhere that the Cook Islands can be very expensive and therefore I wasn't sure if it would be a good backpacking destination for me.
Let me tell you: in the end it is possible to travel the Cook Islands on a budget!
Finding Cheap Accommodation:
My recommendations:
Rarotonga Backpackers
There are two different Backpackers/ Hostels in Rarotonga and I can totally recommend you the Rarotonga Backpackers! It's clean, has a big kitchen and is located right in front of the beach. You can choose between Dorm Rooms, Single-/ Double Rooms or Beach huts.
The accommodation can only be booked online via their homepage (don't get confused and book the Rarotonga International Backpacker via hostelworld, etc.)
Rino's Motel
In Aitutaki there are mainly expensive luxury resorts and spas. I have chosen one of the few cheaper alternatives: Rino's Motel.
To be honest, my expectations were not very high for the accommodation, but they were far exceeded. I had a complete apartment on the beach for myself with two showers, a double bed and a small kitchenette. And to my surprise I was brought breakfast every morning! The location is also perfect for exploring the area by foot.
The only disadvantage is that you can't go swimming on the beach because the water is too shallow. But if you walk a few minutes it is no problem to find a nice swimming spot!
Read More: What To Do On Rarotonga
Finding Cheap Food:
As already mentioned, I had a generous breakfast every morning in Aitutaki. So I skipped lunch and just bought something for dinner.
Due to the cooking facilities in my apartment I cooked myself something every evening - with food I took with me from Rarotonga to Aitutaki (I also recommend this if you don't want to spend much on food). And since the hostel on Rarotonga also had a kitchen, I also cooked there mostly myself.
I went to a Fish&Chips shop (five minutes from the hostel) twice to get a veggie burger with chips for $8.50, a delicious salad for $9 at the Panganui Market and a pizza for $20 (water included) at the Muri Night Market.
So you can eat quite cheaply on the island. And of course you can save money by cooking yourself!
Finding Cheap Activities:
In Rarotonga, I didn't spend any money on activities. I walked the hikes without a guide and had my own snorkeling equipment with me.
An absolute must is the Lagoon Cruise in Aitutaki. This costs $125 with most providers. In the free island maps - which are available at the airport or in accommodations - you can usually find a $5 discount coupon for the tours.
Read More: What To Do On Aitutaki
Finding Cheap Flights:
You can only get to Aitutaki via an Air Rarotonga flight. The only way to save money on your flight is to avoid checked in luggage and fly to the island with carry-on only.
The airline also offers day trips including the Lagoon Cruise. This is of course much cheaper than staying overnight in Aitutaki and having to book a more expensive accommodation.
Cost Overview (in NZD):
Activity Costs
Expenses | total | per day |
|---|---|---|
Lagoon Cruise | $120 | $11 |
Accommodation Costs
Expenses | total | per day |
|---|---|---|
Rarotonga Backpacker's | $165 | $24 |
Rino's Motel | $290 | $97 |
Food Costs
Expenses | total | per day |
|---|---|---|
Supermarket | $127.50 | $12 |
Transportation Costs
Expenses | total | per day |
|---|---|---|
Airport Shuttle | $40 | $4 |
Bus | $16 | $1.50 |
Domestic Flight | $383 | $35 |
Internet Costs
Expenses | total | per day |
|---|---|---|
Sim Card 3GB | $40 | $4 |
Total Costs Of Traveling The Cook Islands For 11 Days
Expenses | total | per day |
|---|---|---|
Total Costs | $1,181.50 | $107.40 |
This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. You can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!
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xx
Nina
Such a beautiful place and stunning photos. Haven’t been to this part of the world but definitely worth visiting.
Thank you! It’s by far the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. Pure paradise! If you have the chance you should definitely go there and do a lagoon cruise.