We can't rave enough about this affordable accommodation! We stayed in their garden bungalows for a week and were really impressed with what we got for $99 per night! And then over to their beach front site (where multiple friends have stayed), we also can say its one of the best budget stays on Rarotonga!

📍 Rarotonga Backpackers

They have the 4 sites, however we are only familiar with two - garden bungalows which is up the road from their main beachfront site, and then their main beachfront complex which has full 2nd story high houses for rent, beach bungalows, dorm rooms and private rooms. The beach is gorgeous and there's even beach hammocks which we have spent many hours at!

Their Beach front site: https://www.rarotongabackpackers.com/beachfront-complex

Info on the garden bungalows:

https://www.rarotongabackpackers.com/garden-bungalows

They had 3 garden bungalows available by the looks, it was super quiet and we never saw any other guests (they might've even been long term renters?). When we booked, we sent them a message through their enquiry page and Paul the owner emailed us back pretty quick. We chose to pay by cash upon arrival but they did require our CC details to secure the booking. We arrived at night so we drove straight to the bungalows then went to their main beach site and paid the following morning. The process was very easy.

GPS coordinates to garden bungalows (as they arent on google maps): https://goo.gl/maps/u2GXtUGPssRHdNhY7

They have 2 other sites which look great but we havent been yet:

https://www.rarotongabackpackers.com/north-coast-beach

https://www.rarotongabackpackers.com/tupapa-beach-house

Please note these units are CHEAP!! Most places you're paying at least $250 per night. These are basic accommodations so if you are wanting a 5 star experience or pure luxury, then i spend more money to get that experience. But if you appreciate a tidy and very affordable accommodation in a good location, then this is a great place!

Reviews:

Google overall reviews: 4.5/5

'This was our third stay in the beachfront units with my family of four, and we enjoyed it immensely. Regardless of whether the weather was harsh, with strong winds or pouring rain, we found it no problem to relax on the balcony. There, we could easily sit, read a book, and watch the ocean. On perfect weather days, the sunsets were breathtaking every evening, and we even spotted some whales!' - Michael, July 2025

'Has a dorm (only five beds?). Super friendly wee cat. Cheap hire of things like mask+snorkel ($5 per/day), flippers/fins ($5 per/day), bicycle ($15 per/day), scooter (not sure price). Basic kitchen. Hot showers. Owner and staff seem friendly.' - Haz, Dec 2025

'Rooms are clean and simple , pillows are a bit hit and miss , so bring your own if you can . Great value for money, a great holiday spot right on the beach and close to a store and a great takeaways .' - Sue, November 2025

'I loved this hostel; it was like a second home to me. Simple, but incredibly well-maintained and clean. You feel completely at ease there.' - Fred, mid 2025

There are negative reviews as well which we recommend you to read through to make sure this budget accommodation is right for you!