Cook Islands Backpackers Travel

With limited options for exploring and only a trickle of young travellers making Rarotonga a stopover, backpacking in the Cook Islands evolves mostly around enjoying a relaxing beach break. Rarotonga is the main island and is a convenient stop-over between Los Angeles and Australia or New Zealand. The islands are relatively expensive to visit and few backpackers stay more than a week and the majority do little more than relax on the gorgeous beaches.

Rarotonga Island

The main island of Rarotonga is a very laid back destination and it's easy to get around and very safe to travel on your own even as a single girl. There are a couple of excellent backpacker hostels aimed at backpackers with Vara's on Muri Beach being the longest standing and most popular.

Top Picks
Hotel Name (click for details & pix)	Picture of Hotel	Summary (style)	Hotel Rate (NZ$)	Our Best Rate (click for quote)
Tianas Beach Villas Muri Beach, Rarotonga		6 rooms Units	$ 135 - 165
Vara's Backpackers Muri Beach, Rarotonga		24 rooms Backpacker	$ 55 - 120

Aitutaki & Atiu

Backpackers with a more adventurous spirit tend to head out to Aitutaki Island where life is even more laid back than Rarotonga but again here the focus is relaxing on the beach and snorkelling in the beautiful lagoon. The alternative is to visit Atiu Island where the focus is away from the coast and more on exploring village life, culture and caves.

Highly Recommended
Hotel Name (click for details & pix)	Picture of Hotel	Summary (style)	Hotel Rate (NZ$)	Our Best Rate (click for quote)
Atiu Villas Atiu		6 rooms Bungalows	$ 200
Inano Beach Ootu, Aitutaki Lagoon		7 rooms Bungalows	$ 130 - 170
Recommended
Gina's Garden Lodges South Aitutaki		4 rooms Units	$ 120