For Budget Travellers, Cook Islands makes the living easy. Unlike some of the other Pacific Islands, where it is occasionally necessary to take additional domestic flights or ferries to get to some of the better beaches and budget accommodation, in Cook Islands it is relatively easy to get good, economical accommodation. In some cases only minutes from the International Airport.
There are a variety of small budget lodges, and beachside cottages available. Many have self-catering options, which allows you to buy local fruit and vegetables and other produce and save on meal costs. Please note that you need to book before arriving in Cook Islands. Accommodation is often fully booked.
Getting around is easy too. The island has a coastal road and there is an excellent, inexpensive and regular bus service (one goes in each direction!) that gets you to where you wish to go. You may also hire motor scooters if you wish to stop and explore the different beaches and tourist spots.
If you wish to travel to some of the other outer islands, these are spread across a wide ocean area, and the best way to get around is by local domestic flights with Air Rarotonga. There are some Inter Island Passenger/Cargo Boats, which depart from Avarua on Rarotonga and take local passengers, sometimes many of them, to all the outlying islands. Cabins are available (book in advance) and this is a great way to see some of the more remote islands and getting to know the friendly local people.
Seas can be rough and journeys can take several days.
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