Dont want to carry too much or too little. Whats the average cash people carry when travelling around Cook Islands?
Cook Islands are stunning but definitely not cheap. I spent about $150 per day, staying at a mid-range guesthouse, eating out at beach cafes, and renting a scooter. Tours like lagoon cruises were $65, and cocktails on the beach were $12 each. It’s easy to spend more if you stay in resorts, but even backpacking isn’t cheap because groceries are imported. I’d say $120-$150 daily is realistic if you want to enjoy your time without stressing over every dollar.
I’d say a realistic budget for Cook Islands is $110-$140 daily. Hostels or Airbnbs in Rarotonga are about $40, buses $5 per ride, and meals at local spots $1Groceries can be shocking in price, so eating out at food trucks felt cheaper. Activities like snorkeling trips or cultural shows push up the budget, but they’re worth it. If you’re coming from New Zealand, bring snacks or essentials. It’s not a shoestring destination, but manageable with planning.
I stayed in Muri Beach and found daily costs closer to $130. Hostels were $40, food trucks served meals for $10, and cocktails at beach bars were $12-$1Transport added up since taxis are pricey ($20-$30 short trips), so most people rent scooters. Tours like island nights with cultural shows were around $60. You can cut costs with self-catering, but Cook Islands isn’t a budget destination. Expect $120+ per day if you want to enjoy tours and meals out.
Cook Islands aren’t cheap because so much is imported. I spent around $120-$150 USD per day. Accommodation in Rarotonga was $50-$70 a night for a guesthouse, meals at local cafes were $10-$15, and scooter rental was $20 per day. Activities like lagoon cruises were $60-$70. Groceries were surprisingly expensive, so eating out didn’t always cost more. Public buses cost $3-$5 per ride, but they run infrequently. It’s paradise, but you should plan a higher daily budget.