- The Westpac Bank at the airport is open for all arrivals/departures where you can change money.
- There are two main banks, ANZ and Westpac; both of these banks can convert your money/dollars to New Zealand currency.
- The ANZ and Westpac are open 9am – 3pm Monday – Friday and the Westpac is open in Avarua on Saturday 9am until midday.
- No banks are open on a Sunday, however there are several money machines at various locations.
The buses circle Rarotonga on the Main Rd leaving from Cooks Corner in Avarua clockwise on the hour and in peak times anticlockwise on the half hour. There are only a few designated bus stops but the bus will pick you up or drop you off anywhere on the main road. Just wave the bus down For more info visit www.busaboutraro.com
Something you can’t miss is the Cook Island dance, drums and singing.
- Te Varanui (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights) PH: 24006
- The Edgewater (Tuesday and Saturday nights) PH: 25435
- Highland Paradise Sunset (Wednesday and Friday nights) PH: 21924
- The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa (Wednesday and Saturday) PH: 25800
- The Staircase in town (Thursday and Friday night) PH: 21254
- The Pacific Resort (Friday Night) PH 20427
Rarotonga offers a mixture of local and international cuisine here are some local favourites:
Beluga (Arorangi) Best ever Brunch/Lunch PH: 27788 Islander Restaurant & Tiki Bar (Panama) PH: 21003 Kikau Hut (Arorangi) PH: 26860 https://www.kikauhut.com/ Salsa (Avarua) – excellent breakfast, great menu The lazy Trout (Avarua) PH: 22025 Trader Jacks (Avarua) PH: 26464 – renown for their meals and service Tuoro Licensed Cafe Black Rock Brunch /Lunch – Tapa’s PH: 21233 Vaiana 123 Bar and Grill Nikao ( 5 min walk) PH: 24516
You will need New Zealand currency when you arrive as this is the currency we use along with our own unique currency. The best option is to carry a mix of cards and cash. Most of the Island’s larger stores will accept credit cards and there are also ATM’s that you can use.
Included in Airfares.
If you have a current licence for Motor Vehicle or Motor bike you do not need to purchase licence. If you wish to ride a Motor Bike FOR $ 20.00 you can sit a small test at the Police Station in Avarua. Takes about 15 Minutes!
- The main bulk of your shopping can be done in Avarua at the two main supermarkets on the island (Foodland and CITC). Open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday. Foodland 8am – 2pm on Saturday and CITC 8am – 4pm. There are multiple village shops scattered around the island that you can also use. For fresh fish go to Ocean Fresh in Panama or Blue Pacific on the back road at Avarua, supplying Tuna, Broadbill, Mahi Mahi and Parrot Fish.
There is also the Oasis 24hr Service Station located on the Western side of the Island in Nikao (1 min walk from Nikao Cottages) and Wigmores Superstore in Vaimaanga which is open until 9pm 7 days a week with great ready-to-go island food and a good range of specialty foods including gluten free, diabetic and organic.
*Note that on Sundays there are no main shops open and no alcohol sales.
4G data can be used in Rarotonga and requires a 4G capable device. A prepay Visitors SIM can be purchases from Vodafone in Avarua, the Airport or outlets around the Island. $49 for 300 Text and 3 GB Data. There are over 300 Vodafone WiFi Hotspots in the Cook Islands including most Cafes and Resorts and Cyberbooths at Outlets. For more details www.vodafone.co.ck
The Punanga Nui market in Avarua opens around 6:30am until 12pm on Saturdays. This is where you will find the local produce and arts and crafts.
Top spots to party include:
- Rehab Night Club
- Game Fishing Club
- Vaianas 123 Bar & Grill Nikau (walking distance)
- Trader Jacks
Or book the party bus to see all.
Party Bus – Going Troppo PH: 25325
Party Bus – Rehab PH: 71714
- All of our cottages have phones which will allow you to make local calls. To make an international call you will need to purchase a Prepay card from Vodafone in Avarua or one of their outlets. Should anyone want to contact you the country code for the Cook Island’s is 00682 then the unit phone number which you’ll find in your welcome folder.
- If you are bringing anything electrical, you may need an adapter. We use a 240 Voltage here in the Cook Islands
Water:
Kayaks, snorkels, flippers and masks can be hired at Adventure Hire PH: 71999, www.adventurecookislands.com. They deliver and have good weekly rates. Reef shoes are a must and can be purchased/hired or play it safe and bring your own.
Fishing
A great site to check out is www.bluewater-adventures.blogspot.com. These guys cover everything to do with fishing to diving and scenic tours.
Golf
There is a nine-hole golf course here on Rarotonga, clubs, trundler, balls and green fees are NZ$45.00. There is also a new mini-golf course called Cocoput on the island with a café ph 27181 – open day and night.
Tennis
If you would like to play tennis while in Rarotonga, balls and rackets can be hired at the Edgewater Resort or Club Raro.
Island Treks
There are many walks on the Island that can be found on a local map. If you would like a guided walk Pa is your man PH: 21079. He does guided inland and cross island walks.
Check these out!
Safari Tours – www.rarosafaritours.co.ck
Diving – www.thedivecentre-rarotonga.com – www.diverarotonga.com
Scooters are the preferred means of transport on the island by most of the locals For car and bike hire check the specials at:
A light waterproof jacket (it can rain in the tropics!). Your reef shoes, a beach towel and sunblock!
(all other linen is supplied for you)
Prepackaged foods are allowed into Rarotonga, this includes meat and dairy products. You can not bring any fresh fruit, vegetables or honey.