Warmth, clear turquoise lagoon, white sandy beaches, no stress, sunset cocktails, inland walks through lush tropical vegetation, a relaxing read, new friends, tempting local cuisine and welcoming smiles, Kia Orana and welcome to The Cook Islands.
To add to your wonderful holiday experience in this tiny piece of paradise, here is some handy information we believe you will need to know in an easy A-Z format. To ensure that this guide is helpful, relevant and up-to-the-minute we welcome any feedback and suggestions. Please email to jennie@experiencerarotonga.co.ck
Please note prices/times may vary from what is printed, this is a guide so please check before booking?
A
Activities/Sightseeing and Tours
Aitutaki Day Trip…ph Air Raro on 22888 for further details and bookings.
A full day tour to beautiful Aitutaki – 160 miles North of Rarotonga and a 35 minute flight.
Tour includes pickup from all Rarotonga accommodation, round trip airfares to Aitutaki, an island tour, lagoon cruise and barbeque lunch. Beach towels and snorkelling gear are provided.
Tour departs Rarotonga Airport at 8am and returns at 5.30pm, daily except Sunday [note hotel transfers will commence any time from 7am].
Cost: all inclusive for adults approximately NZ$399 [including VAT] and children 2-11 years NZ$195, children under two years are free.
Cook Island Whale Education Centre located on the back road in Atupa…ph: 21666
Open 12-4.30pm every day except Tuesday and Saturday and open Sunday 12-4pm.
Admission is free, however donations are gratefully accepted.
To avoid disappointment, it does pay to check that they are open. An excellent family outing
Cultural Village [back road, Arorangi]…ph: 21314 definitely worth a visit. There are three tours available at the Cultural Village. I would recommend Tour one!
Tour One, commences 10am…A three and a half hour tour includes … topped off with lunch and a show featuring dance, songs and chants
The cost for adults starts at NZ$56 per person with children half price
Tour Two, commences midday and concludes at approximately 4pm…includes lunch, show and a circle island tour
The cost for adults starts at NZ$56 per person with children half price
Tour Three, commences 10am and concludes 4pm…a combination of both tour one, the morning at the cultural village, lunch, show and finishes with the circle island tour
The cost for adults starts at NZ$85 per person with children half price
The Cultural Village is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday only
RESERVATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL WITH MINIMUM NUMBERS REQUIRED.
Highland Paradise [located back road, Betela]…Ph: 21924
One and a half hours guided tour – Discover Rarotonga’s hidden heritage
Pa’s Mountain Trek...ph: 21079
This is a cross island hike and can be considered reasonably strenuous
The hike runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday
There is the option of the slightly gentler nature walk which runs Tuesdays and Thursdays
The cost is adults – NZ$55 and children 5-12 – NZ$25
Piri Puruto III...Ph: 20309
He’s still climbing coconut trees; this one man show is a daily experience. Umukai feasts are available on selected days with full audience participation. Bookings are essential.
Raro Safari Tours... ph: 23629
Climb without walking!
4WD tours depart 9am and 1.30pm [Monday-Friday] and midday [Sundays]
Saturday are reserved for group charters with a minimum of 5 people
Tour lasts 3.5 hours
The cost is adults – NZ$50 and children 6-11 – NZ$25 under 6 years free – cash payment only, payable directly to the drivers
Tangaroa 4X4 Adventures…ph 22200
Tour departs daily 9am – 12.30pm and on Sundays 12pm-3.30pm
Transfers and a light lunch are included
Please phone for current prices for this tour.
P.S. I have good reports for this safari tour
Reef to see…ph: 22212
Takitumu Conservation Area…ph: 29906/55499
This is a community based protected area. The Takitumu Nature Walk is a gentle walk through lush tropical forest and a guide that will enlighten you. Lunch and transport are provided with bookings essential.
The Big Kahuna Reef Sub...ph: 55138 Currently departs 10am, 12pm and 2pm…
It’s like diving without getting wet, a great family adventure!
The Reef-Sub is currently out of the water (date: Saturday 28 October, 2006)
Deep Sea Fishing…refer fishing
Diving Operations…refer diving
Airlines
Travelling to the Cooks…Air New Zealand is currently the major airline. They have regular flights scheduled from Auckland as well as flights from Christchurch, Fiji [originating from Auckland] and LA [transit Papaete, Tahiti]. Pacific Blue flies from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane via Auckland to Rarotonga twice a week. There is also the possibility that they will recommence a flight from Christchurch during the Southern hemisphere winter months.
Airline, Pacific Blue [part of Virgin Blue] currently flies into Rarotonga twice a week arriving on Monday and Friday evenings at approximately 11.30pm and departs Tuesday and Saturday mornings at approximately 1.30am.
TIPS:
Phone Air New Zealand after hours on 26300 [press option 1] for all international arrival/departure information. This is a recorded message available 24 hours and is updated accordingly to provide actual arrival/departure details.
For those travelling on Pacific Blue just be aware there is no sales office here in Rarotonga. As with Air NZ there is an after hours number for up-to-date flight information, ph: 24040
Air Rarotonga is domestic only and flies to a number of the outer islands…Phone 22888 to book a flight OR 22889 for flight arrivals and departures.
Website for information and online reservations is http://www.airraro.com/
Airport
The Cook Islands’ international airport is located on Rarotonga, just outside of Avarua. All international and domestic flights to the outer islands depart from here. Normal check-in for International flights is 2 hours prior to scheduled departure. Final check-in for international flights is generally 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
For domestic flights; check-in opens one hour prior. With final check-in half an hour prior to scheduled departure.
Art World
Rarotonga has a lively art community. We recommend you visit the various galleries where you will find an excellent representation of local artists. The Art Studio[ph: 27788] – open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm, a new and modern gallery owned by leading artists Kay and Ian George is a must see and is located on the main road in Arorangi, western side of the island. They represent a number of local artists. The Beachcomber in Avarua and Pacific Art in Arorangi on the Western side are both worth a visit.
There is a new gallery just opened opposite The Cafe in Avarua - Inanui - check it out.
B
Babysitting
We have a number of good friends who will be more than happy to help out with the occassional babysitting so you can Experience Rarotonga day or night BUT alone...The charge does vary but as a guide around NZ$8-10.00 per hour...This is of course based on availability so it does pay to plan this a little in advance...If you want to be spontaneous we are more than happy to try for you...
Banks
There are two main banks, ANZ and Westpac; both banks are located in the main township of Avarua. Both these banks can convert your money/dollars to NZ currency. Of course the rates fluctuate by the day so it is difficult to say what the rate will be when you arrive.
The ANZ Bank and Westpac Bank are open Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm. The Westpac Bank is open in Avarua on Saturdays from 9am-12pm [midday].
NO banks are open on a Sunday; however there are money machines at the following locations around the island…
ANZ Bank in Avarua
Westpac Bank in Avarua
Wigmore’s Superstore in Vaimaanga
The cards the machines will accept are Visa, MasterCard or any card issued overseas with the Cirrus Plus or Maestro trademark/logo. American Express is in our experience not widely accepted, limited to the hotels and some of the larger restaurants.
The Westpac Bank is also located at Rarotonga Airport open for all arrivals and departures, here you can exchange money/travellers cheques and pay your departure tax.
The airport and major stores will change travellers’ cheques and principal currencies one hour prior to scheduled departure.
Barbeques
A number of beachside resorts do a BBQ night and the costs for this are usually around NZ$25 per person…some of the resorts/restaurants offering the BBQ night have a sign out promoting these or check the daily newspaper
TIP:
Check for day/time and bookings…also check other resorts and the daily paper for special nights
Beach guide
Rarotonga is blessed with long stretches of sandy beach.
On Rarotonga, the beaches are pure white coral sand and run from the North-West to the South-East. The deepest swimming and snorkelling parts of the lagoon are in the South (Titikaveka) and South East (Muri).
On Aitutaki, the very best beaches are on the uninhabited lagoon motu’s (islands), but there are many fine stretches of white sand and safe lagoon areas on the main island too.
Black Pearls
Black Pearls are certainly abundant in the Cooks and are a popular gift or memento of the Cook Islands. Please ask your local host for advice on where to purchase.
Books on the Cook Islands for sale
There is a selection of books on the Cook Islands and the Pacific available at the University of the South Pacific Centre located in Avarua by the old museum library.
Botanical Gardens
The Maire Nui Gardens and café are situated in the village of Titikaveka on the south side of the island. The café is open Monday-Friday for breakfast – 11am-4pm.
C
Children
Children are well catered for in Rarotonga from accommodation to babysitting to activities…
The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa [located on the South West coast] is well known for its popular Moko’s Kids Club and is open to visitors staying outside the resort.
Cinemas
There are 3 cinemas at The Empire Theatre located in Avarua. It is NZ$5.00 for a ticket and two for the price of one on Tuesdays. Phone: 23189 to find out the current screenings.
TIP: Cinema 3 is air conditioned with more comfortable seats
Climate
The million dollar question? – The weather.
Well if only we could predict this, we would be millionaires! It would seem that there are varying reports when you surf the Net.
Like anywhere in the world we are subject to seasonal variations.
What we do have is a warm temperate climate all year round with the drier months from May to October, and the warmest months from November to April.
Depending on what you are used to sun bathing and swimming weather is good here most of the time with the water temperature pleasant all year round.
To give you an indication...
Temperature Range and Sunshine Hours - temperatures are in Celcius
MTH MAX MIN SUNSHINE HOURS
Jan 28.8 22.9 179
Feb 29.1 23.1 171
Mar 28.9 22.6 181
Apr 28.2 22.0 174
May 26.6 20.4 162
Jun 25.6 19.3 169
Jul 25.2 18.6 177
Aug 24.9 18.4 182
Sep 25.3 19.1 177
Oct 26 20.0 185
Nov 27.1 21.0 178
Dec 27.8 21.9 181
Cook Islands
There are 15 islands in the group with Rarotonga being the largest. The Cook Islands are divided into two groups; The Southern Group and the Northern Group. The Southern group includes Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Takutea and Mitiaro. In the Northern group, there is Puka Puka, Manihiki, Penrhyn, Rakuhanga, Nassau and Suwarrow.
Communication
Telecom Cook Islands Ltd is the sole provider of telecommunications in the Cook Islands. Telephones, mobile phones, Local Kia Orana calling cards to make local, mobile and international calls, facsimile, Internet and satellite television are all available in the Cook Islands.
Mobile Phones…
You can bring your mobile phone here, international roaming is now available in Rarotonga so long as you have a Vodafone phone and you are on contract (not prepaid).
If you would like to bring your phone with you and hook up tp the local service provider;
1. You need to have a Digital GSM 900 MHz cellular
2. Check that your phone is unblocked to any other service provider.
3. You then must purchase a local sim card [subscriber identity module] card to connect to the local provider – Kokanet. This is a cost of NZ$20 for the connection fee and will need to be purchased from Telecom in Avarua. Telecom is open 24hrs for this purchase and also to access Internet services.
4. You can then purchase a prepaid Koka card
5. You can also check with Telecom customer service [Ph:123] for the contract plans available
6. The other alternative for a short term stay is to take advantage of the Rent-KokaNet service
Internet…
If you would like to stay in touch with the rest of the world via email/internet, you now have a couple of options. There are a couple of Internet Cafes around Rarotonga. Telepost is located n Avarua, a couple of doors down from CITC and Salsa Café. Telepost is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm.
As well as an Internet café in Muri [South-West coast], The Pacific Resort also has a business centre. For 24 hour access to the Internet, Telecom Cook Islands is located in Avarua just down from Cooks Corner.
Your second option is wireless access.
All you need for internet access at a “Telecom Hotspot” is a
WiFi enabled device and a
Prepaid WiFi card
Your computer must be configured with a WiFi certified radio, such as an external WLAN [wireless local area network] card or an integrated wireless LAN capability as available on many laptops. This is now a standard feature on most new laptops being sold.
Prepaid WiFi cards are available at many convenient locations including a number of hotels and retail stores, Telepost shop and Telecom [24 hours].
The cards available are;
100MB - NZ$15.00 – checking emails and occasional Internet surfers
300MB - NZ$36.00
500MB - NZ$50.00
800MB - NZ$64.00 – Heavy Internet users
Note: all Prepaid WiFi cards will expire 30 days after activation
Current WiFi locations;
Salsa Café in Avarua
Telepost Shop in Avarua
Telecom [24 hours]
Pacific Resort in Muri
The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa on the Western side
The Edgewater also on the Western side
Local numbers begin with a “2” and local mobile numbers begin with a “5”, both numbers have 5 digits.
Constitution
The Constitution celebration [Te Maeva Nui] is the largest festival held in Rarotonga, commemorating the islands’ independence on the 4th August, 1965. These celebrations usually begin the last week of July and completing festivities around Constitution Day on the 4th August. A week filled with activities so an ideal time to visit.
Currency
The unit of currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar with a few local coins, $1, $2, $5 and the $3 note. These are not convertible so should be exchanged before leaving [unless you are a collector or would simply like them as a souvenir].
D
Departure Tax
Is NZ$30 for adults and children (age 2 to 11 years), NZ$15. Infants under 2 years are exempt. This is payable at the Westpac Bank at Rarotonga Airport, the Westpac Bank is open for all international flights.
Dining Out
There are a number of good restaurants and cafes on Rarotonga offering a mix of local and international cuisine
We have listed most of them in alphabetical order for easy reference…
Blue Note Café, open 7 days breakfast, lunch and now open selected days for dinner located by the round-a-bout in Avarua…café style food…...Ph: 23236
Café Salsa, breakfast, lunch and open selected days for dinner [next to CITC main store, Avarua]…Ph: 22215
Da Carlo Italian Restaurant, dinner only located in Arorangi, Western side of the island…Italian owned and run...Ph: 23743
Deli-licious, just opened and located at Muri Beach...open 7 days - 7am to 7pm for breakfasts, coffee and deli style food.
FBI, for fresh fish and fish ‘n chips eat there or take away, open Monday-Saturday located in Avarua just down from Cook's Corner…Ph: 25488
Kikau Hut, dinner only and open Monday-Saturday located in Arorangi, Western side of the island…Ph: 26860 BYO wine & licensed
Paw Paw Patch Restaurant & Bar, breakfast and dinner and open 7 days [Moana Sands Resort, Titikaveka]…Ph: 27189/54379
Portofino Restaurant, lunch and dinner located just outside of Avarua...Ph: 26480
Sails Restaurant and Bar, open lunch and dinner located beachside, Muri Beach…Ph: 27349
Saltwater Café, breakfast, lunch and selected days for dinner, open Sunday-Friday located in Turoa at the halfway mark…Ph: 20020
Sandals Restaurant, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days located beachside at The Pacific Resort, Muri Beach…Ph: 20427
Raviz Indian restaurant, open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday located right in Avarua on the corner by Budget…Ph: 22279 BYO wine and licensed
Tamarind House, breakfast, lunch and dinner located beachside just outside Avarua…Ph: 26486
The Café, breakfast to late afternoons, open Monday-Saturday (closes a little earlier on Saturdays) located right in Avarua almost opposite the Empire cinemas…for some of the best coffee on the island... Ph: 21283
The Flame Tree, dinner only located in Muri...Ph: 25123
The Flying Boat Takeaways…eat there or take away located seaside at The Rarotonga Game Fishing Club, Tupapa…Ph: 22230, one of the best for fish and chips in Rarotonga
The Lime Café, lunch on selected days and dinner…located in Arorangi on the western side…Ph: 27632
The Point Restaurant & Bar, breakfast, lunch, dinner, 7 days located at the new Muri Beach Club Hotel at Muri Beach…Ph: 23000
Trader Jacks Restaurant and Bar, lunch and dinner, nearly always open with regular live entertainment located right on the water downtown Avarua…Ph: 26464
Tuoro, dinner only on Saturday and Sunday located at Black Rock Villas on the Western side of the island…Ph: 21233 BYO wine and licensed
Vaima Restaurant & Bar, dinner only, open 6 nights, closed Wednesday located main road, Vaimaanga, just down from Wigmores, transport available…Ph: 26123
Windjammer Restaurant, dinner only, 6 days, closed Tuesday located at Crown Beach Resort in Arorangi on the western side…Ph: 23950
Whatever Bar and Grill, lunch and dinner located upstairs and around the back, opposite the Empire Cinema in Avarua, our recommendation for a good steak or Whatever…Ph: 22299
Cafes…
The Café located in Avarua almost opposite the cinemas…for some of the best coffee on the island and open for great breakfasts and lunches…open Monday-Saturdays 8am to approximately 3pm
Blue Note Café located by the round-a-bout in Avarua…café style food…open 7 days and now open selected days for dinner.
Deli-licious, just opened and located at Muri Beach...open 7 days - 7am to 7pm for breakfasts, coffee and deli style food.
TIPS:
Please check restaurants/cafes for opening days and times as not all are open 7 days a week and the days vary.
We also recommend you book for dinner, if possible.
A number of the bars offer happy hour drinks.
Check out the hotels/bars on the Western side of the island for “sunset drinks”
Our recommendation for a good coffee, The Café and Deli-licious in Muri
Diving
There are several reputable diving operators on Rarotonga all offering the full range of dive services.
Dive Rarotonga [Arorangi, Western side] – ph: 21873
Rarotongan Dive [Aroa, close to The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa] – ph: 20238
Cook Island Divers [Arorangi, Western side] – ph: 22483
Pacific Divers [Muri Beach] – ph: 22450
TIPS:
Dive Rarotonga and Pacific Divers are currently the only operators that have a dedicated boatman while you dive
Night Diving is now offered by a couple of the operators
Drinking Water
We recommend that you buy bottled water for a short stay. If you are here for a longer duration then you can buy larger containers of water from Pacific Spring located behind the Oasis 24 hour in Nikao.
Duty Free
There is no duty on personal effects and visitors may bring in 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or up to 50 cigars…2 litres of wine or spirits or 4.5 litres of beer. Goods in excess of NZ$250.00 are liable for duty.
The duty free stores at the airport are open for all international arrivals and departures. There are a couple of duty free stores in Avarua…Polynesian Duty Free, CITC, Sava Ltd and
The Bond Liquor Store
DVD Hire
Tumeke Movies located in Nikao next to the 24 hour Oasis Energy and now open in Arorangi on the Western side.
At Tumeke Movies you can hire DVD’s and they have the largest selection at the best prices.
For opening times please phone 29992/50791.
There are also a number of DVD outlets around Rarotonga, look out for the one closest to where you are staying.
E
Electricity
240 volts AC Hz/ 50 cycle. People travelling from USA and Europe will need adaptor plugs suited for New Zealand/Australia to use dual-voltage appliances, such as hair dryers. If you need any further information prior to travel you can email Te Aponga Uira at info@electricity.co.ck or phone them here in Rarotonga on 20054.
Entry Requirements
Stays of up to 31 days require a valid passport and a return ticket.
Extensions are granted on a monthly basis, up to five additional months only. A fee is payable with each application within 14 days prior to the expiration of the permit. Extensions are granted at two levels. Up to three months; NZ$70 (15 years and older), up to five months; NZ$120 (15 years and older). Children under 15 years of age are exempt from charges but must report to Immigration for official paperwork to be completed.
Call Cook Islands immigration on 29347 for more information
Events
For an events calendar, phone Cook Islands Tourism on 29435 or call in and see them at the information office in Avarua, open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
F
Fishing
Fishing is becoming an increasingly popular activity with a number of fishing charters now in operation offering a range of game fishing options. The fishing charter operators can mostly be found at the main harbour in Avatiu
Fishing Charters…
Akura Fishing Charters, your skipper George Koteka…ph: 54355
Pacific Marine Charters – Reel Time…your skipper, Wayne Barclay…ph: 21237/55239
Raro Sport Fishing Tours – Grace Riddell…ph Brad on 55388 Seafari Charters, ph: 55096
Seahunter Charters, your skipper Bobby Hunter…ph: 25254/21254
Whatever Fishing, a local fishing experience on a twin hull Vaka, Moko will do whatever you want, within reason, of course...email Experience Rarotonga for details
Fitness
If walking, running or cycling around Rarotonga is not enough there is a good gym on Rarotonga.
The gym of choice is Fitness Cook Islands located just outside the airport. The gym has new and modern equipment including dumbbells, weight machines, rowing machine, treadmill, cycles and swiss balls.
Hours currently are 7 days a week, 5am - 10pm. You do need a swipe card to enter so please phone them on 25022 during office hours Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm for short term joining fees.
Fresh Fish
The availability of fresh fish on Rarotonga is relatively abundant. Fresh Fish is currently sold at both the main supermarkets, Blue Pacific Foods [ph: 27460] on the back road in Ruatonga is also open Sunday mornings to about 10am.
FBI located just down from Cook's Corner in Avarua also sell fresh fish.
G
Golf
Rarotonga Golf Club (ph: 20621) is located in Nikao, near Black Rock. It is a 9 hole golf course. The club is open 6 days a week with hours for non-club members being Monday-Friday 8am -2pm
You can hire golf clubs for NZ$20 and green fees are NZ$15
Groceries
You are able to bring in foodstuffs to the Cook Islands; this includes meats, dairy, processed foods and packaged foods. Please ensure everything is well sealed and wrapped and declare your goods @ customs on arrival.
Obviously no fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed.
The supermarkets are well stocked with most things imported from New Zealand and Australia. There is now an excellent selection of fresh produce grown locally, this is available from the local markets, supermarkets and local stores.
There are small shops scattered around the island where you can get the necessities. There are two main supermarkets in Rarotonga and between the two, you can get most things. Foodlands is located right in the heart of Avarua and CITC supermarket is located just outside the main township, between the airport and the harbour.
TIP: the variety is greater and generally prices are better. Be aware of imported fruit and vegetables which generally have a high price tag.
Both supermarkets are open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm. On Saturdays, Foodlands is open 8am-2pm and CITC is open 8am-4pm.
Six till Eleven Stores [4 locations around the island]…Monday-Saturday, 6am-11pm and Sunday
Neither CITC nor Foodlands are open on a Sunday.
On a Sunday, alternatives are Wigmore’s Superstore located in Vaimaanga, Oasis Energy, located in Nikao on the North-West side of the island, JMC Store at Muri Beach and Six till Eleven Stores [4 around the island, dotted close to the 4 main resorts]
Wigmore’s Superstore is open 7 days a week, 6am-9pm
Oasis Energy is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
TIP: The Six till Eleven stores are convenient but tend to be the most expensive
H
Health & Beauty
There are a couple of options available…our recommendation is Your Beauty and Spa [talk to Andi] located in Arorangi at Crown Beach Resort. A choice of waxing, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and therapeutic massages and for total bliss Day Spa packages are available.
Products used are Thalgo.
Open Monday-Sunday from 9am. All major credit cards are accepted. Phone 23954 or 23953. Appointments are necessary.
Muri Beach Club Hotel will be opening a beauty spa…ph: 23000 for details
BELT Hair, Nails and Beauty next to the airport is another we recommend, phone 24122. Appointments are necessary.
Horse Trek
An easy 2 - 2 ½ hour trek…ph: 21415/54021 for bookings…approximate cost – Adults, NZ$50 and children under 12, NZ$30.
I
Information Centre
Is located in downtown Avarua, next to the ANZ Bank and is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.
Island Nights
One recommendation would be to experience Cook Island Culture with the local dancing, singing and drums…there are a number of venues where you can sit back and enjoy. Generally the island nights on Rarotonga are;
The Pacific Resort – Pacific night on Mondays and Friday night…Ph: 20427
The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa – Wednesday and Saturday nights…Ph: 25800
The Edgewater Resort – Tuesday and Saturday nights…Ph: 25435
Crown Beach Resort…Ph: 23953
Manuia Beach…Ph: 22461
Staircase Restaurant & Bar in Avarua - Thursday night…Ph: 21254
TIP: The island nights generally offer dinner and the entertainment; however there is the option to book for the show only.
L
Lagoon Cruises
Cruise Muri and Titikaveka lagoon. There are two cruises on offer and both are located at Muri Beach. Pacific Resort [departs from the beach at Pacific Resort] and Captain Tama’s [departs from the Sailing Club].
Captain Tama’s…ph: 27350/55002
Pacific Resort…ph: 20427
Both offer a barbeque lunch and costs start from NZ$45 per person
Language
English and Cook Island Maori
Library
The national library is located in Avarua… ph: 20725
Liquor Sales
Liquor is sold from retail outlets, Monday-Saturday from 9am-7pm. Alcohol is NOT sold on Sunday. On Sunday alcohol will only be available from licensed restaurants and hotels.
TIP: if you are arriving on a Saturday afternoon/evening or Sunday flight, purchasing from the duty free store at the airport is something worth considering.
Major liquor outlets are…
CITC Liquor…Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am-7pm
The Bond Store…Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am-7pm
CITC Supermarket [Panama]… Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm and Friday and Sat, 9am-7pm
Foodlands… Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm and Friday and Sat, 9am-7pm
Wigmore’s Superstore…Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm
Oasis Energy…Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm
Six till Eleven Stores [4 locations around the island]…Monday-Saturday, 6am-11pm
M
Markets
The Punanga Nui Market is located just outside Avarua [Harbour side] and opens around 6.30am to about midday on Saturdays. There are a number of small stalls set up Monday-Friday selling a variety of locally grown produce.
TIP: if you want the pick of the produce, it does pay to get there earlier rather than later
Medical Services
Medical and dental services are available 24 hours a day. There are modern hospitals on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki with some New Zealand-trained doctors and dentists. There are no poisonous animals or insects in the Cook Islands.
Rarotonga Hospital…ph: 22664.
TIP: Mosquito repellent is advisable, especially in the summer months when the weather is hotter and more humid. This is particularly true of Aitutaki.
N
Newspapers
The Cook Island News is printed Monday to Saturday. Check out the back page for tides, weather, and sunset/sunrise. Also check the paper for local events during your stay. There are two weekly papers, the Herald and the Cook Island Times.
The Herald has the television programmes for the week plus what’s on at the cinema.
Nightlife Tour [Friday nights]
Feel like a guided tour of some of Rarotonga’s bars, no worries about drinking and driving.
A couple of the resorts offer these…ask your local host for details.
P
Post Office
Is located in Avarua and opening hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and Telepost also located in Avarua is open 8am-12pm on Saturdays
Phone 29940 to get information on deadlines for overseas mail
Pharmacy
There are 4 pharmacies on the island. One located at the CITC main store in Avarua – phone 29292, Cook Islands pharmacy - phone 27577 in Avarua opposite The Café and now in Muri [open Monday-Sunday] and Pharmacy Health and Beauty in Nikao next to Tumeke Movies - 24072 [also open Monday-Sunday].
R
Reef
There are four main passages out of the reef
We definitely advise to treat the reef with caution. Do not walk on it and be aware of getting to close when kayaking, swimming or snorkelling.
Religion
Attending church is an important part of life for Cook Islanders.
Approximately 65% of locals belong to the Cook Islands Christian Church, Approximately 15% are Catholic and the remainder belong to Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, Assembly of God, Apostolic, Jehovah’s Witness and Baha’i faiths.
Sunday church services begin at around 10am and visitors are welcome - a highlight of these services is the magnificent singing.
S
Safety
The Cook Islands are safe, but common sense should prevail. Never leave your personal belongings unattended. We advise you to lock up when you leave your accommodation, go down to the beach or at night.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a popular past time in Rarotonga with a large variety of fish in the lagoon. There are 4 main snorkelling sites around the island…In Muri, to the right of the islet, Taakoka, Fruits of Rarotonga in Tikioki [this is signposted],
Outside of these areas there are good snorkelling spots dotted around the island…happy exploring…please be cautious of getting too close to the reef.
Snorkelling gear can be hired on the island at Fruits of Rarotonga and they charge $7 a day, if a weekly hire then they give 2 days discount so $14 and hiring for longer I assume attracts a bigger discount. We do recommend you bring your own, borrow etc… The Warehouse sell them for a reasonable price.
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Taxis
There are a number of taxi services on Rarotonga, here are a couple we recommend.
Tiare Transport, Henry and his team come highly recommended…ph: 55217. Atupa Taxis, JP Taxis and Tours,
Tennis
Tennis courts are available for hire at The Rarotongan and Edgewater Resorts. Professional coaching is and the shops offer a range of quality rental equipment, including rackets, balls and shoes. Ask your host for advice on local courts.
The Edgewater also has two squash courts which can be reserved for a game.
Time
10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tipping
Is accepted but not expected.
Transport
There is a large selection of transport available on Rarotonga from vans to jeeps to cars to motorbikes, scooters and bicycles.
International rental companies, Avis and Budget are represented in Rarotonga as well as a number of local businesses.
Local businesses…
Island Car & Bike Hire…phone 22632
BT Rentals…phone 23586 [Arorangi] / 23486 [Muri]
Rarotonga Rentals…phone 22326/ 55204
To drive a car here you will need to get a Cook Island Driver’s License. There is a cost of NZ$10.00 for this and you will be required to show a copy of your current drivers’ license.
To drive a motorbike/scooter, you will also need to get a Cook Island drivers license. This requires a small test, around the block with a policeman following behind on a motorbike. You will require your current drivers license and the fee is NZ$10.00.
All licenses are issued from the Police Station located in Avarua. The Police Station is open for licenses Monday-Friday and Saturday…
It is illegal to drive in the Cook Islands without a local driver’s license.
Driving in the Cook Islands is on the left-hand side of the road [opposite to USA and Europe] with the speed limit generally between 40-60kph with the exception of the areas around schools and through Avarua where it is 30kph.
There is a bus service on the Island – Cook Island Passenger Service. This does both a clockwise and anti-clockwise trip and while there are formal bus stops you can wave them down and they will stop!
NZ$2.50 a trip per person will take you around the island.
Tip: this is not an unlimited get on get off ticket.
All day bus about pass – NZ$10pp or NZ$20 for family fare
10 ride concession ticket – NZ$20
Ask your driver for tickets
Telephone calls
Most properties will have a phone to allow you to make a local or local mobile call. To make an international call you will need to purchase a Kia Orana card [available at…]
$5, $10, $20 or $50 cards are available.
Television
There is only one TV service in Rarotonga. It usually starts around 3pm and runs through until approximately 8.30am. International News [via Television New Zealand] broadcasts around 8.30pm daily.
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Umukai
This Is the traditional Polynesian feast. It is cooked in an underground oven and includes chicken, pork, fish and vegetables. Local foods include eke (octopus), taro (tuber vegetable), rukau (spinach-like taro leaves), kumara (sweet potato), poke (pawpaw pudding) and coconut. Tuna, Mai Mai (dolphin fish) and parrot fish are the main fish served.
Pawpaw (papaya) and bananas can be found all year around with mangos and pineapples in the hotter months, December-March
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Weddings
”everything you ever dreamed of and more”
Our tropical paradise offers many possibilities for your never-to-be-forgotten wedding day. Many of our visitors are so moved by our paradise, they renew their vows at special ceremonies. Whatever your needs, you'll find the setting and ceremony to fit your budget.
No surprise there are a number of wedding planners working outside of the resorts, please just ask and we can put you in touch with the right people.
Cook Island marriages are internationally recognised and, of course, legally binding worldwide. The following is general information for getting married in the Cook Islands.
It is recommended that you check with the marriage licensing bureau in your state or province for local requirements regarding marriages.
Please refer to our weddings page for all the necessary information regarding "getting married" in the Cook Islands.