RAROTONGA INFORMATION

TRAVEL TIPS + RAROTONGA GUIDE

Rarotonga vacations are the ultimate for a tropical island destination holiday.

Here we have some useful information if you are travelling to the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands are made up of many islands, and the township of Avarua in Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the islands, almost completely encircled by a reef that harbours a lagoon of clear water and white sandy beaches.

In Avarua you will find banks, ATMs, a tourist information centre, groceries and shopping for all your self catering requirements, restaurants, cafes, the Saturday market and the harbour.

For full information on Rarotonga travel, please see the website of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

Due to COVID-19, travel restrictions may apply.

Please visit this website for up-to-date travel and immigration information before you make any travel arrangements.

Flights to Rarotonga

International flights into the Cook Islands are offered by:

When you are in Rarotonga, Air Rarotonga will fly you to the outer islands of Aitutaki, Aitu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Manahiki Penrhyn and Pukapuka.

Airport transfers

We recommend the following transport providers on the island:

Please contact them directly to make your booking.

Entry to and duration of stay in Cook Islands

All visitors wishing to visit the Cook Islands will be issued a visitors permit on arrival into the Cook Islands, provided they meet the following entry requirements:

  • All international passport holders must have a passport valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond their intended period of stay in the Cook Islands. This will allow you a stay of up to 31 days in the Cook Islands.

  • All New Zealand and Australian passport holders must have a passport valid for a period of at least 7 days beyond their intended period of stay in the Cook Islands. This will allow New Zealand passport holders a stay of up to 90 days in the Cook Islands. Australian passport holders are eligible for a stay of up to 31 days.

  • You must have evidence of a valid outbound ticket or return ticket to your port of origin. (New Zealand passport holders can now travel on a one-way ticket to the Cook Islands)

  • You must have proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands.

Bringing food into the Cook Islands

With the exception of fresh fruits, vegetables and honey, food that is securely packed or vacuum packed meats may be brought in.

Tip: Write a list of any food products you are carrying to show to immigration.

Rarotonga business hours

  • Business hours in Rarotonga are from 8am to 4pm

  • Bank hours are from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday

  • Westpac Bank is open on Saturday morning from 9am to 12 noon

  • On Saturdays the shops are open from 8 to 12 noon and supermarkets stay open till 4pm

  • A must see for your visit is the local Saturday market (on the outskirts of town) which is open from 7am till 12 noon

Rarotonga banks and Rarotongan currency

  • The currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar

  • Local banks are Westpac, ANZ, Bank of the Cook Islands and Western Union
  • ATM machines are dotted around the island
  • For exchange rates and currency converter we use xe.com

Electricity in Rarotonga

North American and some European appliances will need adaptor plugs that are suitable for New Zealand, to use dual voltage appliances.

Electricity supply in the Cook Islands is 240 volts.

Rarotonga telecommunications

Cook Islands Telecom / Bluesky is the main provider of phone and internet in Rarotonga.  There are also internet cafes and WiFi hot spots at locations around the island.  For long stays, you can connect to the KokaNet service with their digital cellular network.

Full postal and courier services are available on the island, to send postcards and parcels.

Driving, car rentals and scooter hire in Rarotonga

Motor cars, scooters and push bikes / bicycles can all be hired in Rarotonga.

The speed limit for a car is 50km, for a scooter without a helmet it is 40km, and 50km with a helmet.  In Rarotonga, we drive on the left side of the road. The maximum speed limit in the main township is 30km and in villages around the rest of the island is 50km.

Visitors (over 16) from Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, UK and the EU can now drive in the Cook Islands for up to six months using their full overseas license; provided it does not expire, is revoked, suspended or disqualified in that time.  On an overseas license, you will only be allowed to drive the class of motor vehicle that you are entitled to drive in your home country.

If you currently hold a driver’s license from a country that is not listed above or your current license does not permit you to ride a motorbike/scooter in your home country, you will need to obtain a Cook Islands visitors license from the Cook Islands Police station in downtown Avarua. You will need to undergo a theory (NZD $10) and practical (NZD $10) test before you receive your visitor license, which is valid for up to 30 days.

Rarotonga public transport

Buses on the main island travel clockwise and anti-clockwise daily around the island. If you are using a bus as your preferred method of transport, you can purchase a concession ticket from the driver.

Tipping in Rarotonga

It is not customary to tip in the Cook Islands, however should you have enjoyed the service that you have received, gratuities are welcomed.

Emergency phone number

For any emergency in the Cook Islands, phone 999