How many days do you need in Rarotonga?

I recommend spending seven to 10 nights in the Cook Islands. What is this? I spent a week there — three days on Rarotonga, four on

Aitutaki

— and found it to be the perfect amount of time.

How long does it take to go around Rarotonga?

Driving is pretty straightforward, taking about 45 to 50 minutes to drive around Rarotonga with only one main road circling the island, two roundabouts and absolutely no traffic lights!

What is the best month to visit Rarotonga?

The best time to visit Rarotonga is throughout October and November. This is during the dry season, when the weather is hot (but tolerable) and not too wet. It also avoids the peak holiday seasons allowing for a much more relaxing escape. Plus, accommodation in Rarotonga is cheaper during this time.

How much money do you need in Rarotonga?

Rarotonga is quite often cheaper than Aitutaki so if you’re on a budget, it’s safe to stay in this island. Depending on your spending habits and lifestyle, a safe manageable pocket money would be $100 – $150 NZ dollars per day. You can of course bring more than this!

How long can I stay in Rarotonga?

Visas for Rarotonga

As long as you’re staying no more than 31 days (90 days if you’re a New Zealand citizen) your valid passport is the only entry permit you need, along with proof of onward journey. It is possible to stay for up to five months more as a tourist visitor.

How do I drive in Rarotonga?

Cook Islanders drive on the left-hand side of the road and the maximum speed is 50km per hour. In town areas it is 30km per hour. If you have a current driver’s licence from your home country you can drive a car in the Cook Islands on that licence. The exception is for motor scooters and motor bikes.

Do you need a car in Raro?

For convenience alone, we always hire a car when we travel to Raro. There is an excellent bus service which runs both anti-clockwise and clockwise every half hour. The adult fare per ride (one way) is $5 or $8 return. There is also a 10 ride ticket for $30 which you are able to share.

Which is the best side of Rarotonga to stay on?

The north coast of Rarotonga is the best part of the island for proximity to the airport and the capital, Avarua. The latter is a working harbor with a charming Colonial-era ambiance. Visitors staying here will be close to all the amenities, including banks, supermarkets and museums.

Is Rarotonga or Aitutaki better?

Rarotonga has nice beaches, but they’re nothing on Aitutaki. Whilst most are white sand, most are a little pebbly and you need to wear flip flops / sea shoes as there are lots of rocks and coral around. … The lagoon at aitutaki is perfect – not a stone or pebble in sight, clear, still, bright blue water.

Can you use NZ Eftpos in Rarotonga?

Can we use our NZ eftpos cards in Raro or do we have to use Debit/Credit and cash? No, you can’t use NZ eftpos cards in Raro to pay for purchases.

Is alcohol expensive in Rarotonga?

Spirits are generally regarded as being cheap in the Rarotonga airport duty free shops, but wine is not really cheaper.

Does Rarotonga have Mcdonalds?

Rarotonga Is Like One Big Resort

No traffic lights, no McDonald’s and no building taller than the highest coconut tree.

How far behind NZ is Rarotonga?

Rarotonga is 23 hours behind of Auckland. If you are in Rarotonga, the most convenient time to accommodate all parties is between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm for a conference call or meeting.

Can a New Zealander live in Rarotonga?

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.

How do I become a permanent resident of the Cook Islands?

Can foreigners buy property in Cook Islands?

The only people allowed to buy houses, aside from nationals, are those who have owned a business in the Cook Islands for the last three years. … Land in the Cook Islands is customarily owned, and cannot be bought freehold.

How do you get around Raro?

It is very easy to get around the island using public transport. There are two buses that circle the island of Rarotonga, Clockwise and Anti-clockwise. The buses will stop anywhere along the main road. All you have to do is smile and wave them down.

How long would it take to drive around Cook Islands?

The road that circles the whole island, the Ara Tapu, is only 32 kms long – that means that a non-stop drive right around the island at the designated maximum speed of 40kph can take just 45/50 minutes.

Can you bring food from NZ to Rarotonga?

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. Write a list of your food products for immigration.

Are there taxis on Rarotonga?

Taxi services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Contact Dorothy and Ivor to get you around on Rarotonga! The Cook Islands Taxi Association (CITA) consists of privately owned taxi operators who have partnered together with the aim of improving the standard and delivery of taxi services on Rarotonga.

How big is Rarotonga?

Taxi services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Contact Dorothy and Ivor to get you around on Rarotonga! The Cook Islands Taxi Association (CITA) consists of privately owned taxi operators who have partnered together with the aim of improving the standard and delivery of taxi services on Rarotonga.

Do you need a license to drive a scooter in Rarotonga?

Visitors to the Cook Islands can drive a motor vehicle (car) for up to six months using their full overseas license. … But if you do not have a motorcycle class on your overseas license and you want to ride a scooter in Rarotonga, you will need to obtain a Cook Islands visitors motorcycle license.

What is the nicest beach in Rarotonga?

What is the coldest month in Rarotonga?

The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 24°C (76°F). January is the most wet month.

Which is the windy side of Rarotonga?

On days when the southern part of the island is windy, Black Rock is often sheltered from the wind. This makes it the perfect spot for relaxing on the beach (to the right of the actual Black Rocks), and for swimming and snorkeling.

What are the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands?

What is the best month to visit the Cook Islands?

The best time to visit the Cook Islands is between April and November, during the driest months, when temperatures are warm but still pleasant when you’re exploring. The climate in the islands is tropical and generally agreeable, with steady humidity levels and temperatures between 24°C and 30°C.

Can you get a boat from Rarotonga to Aitutaki?

There is no ferry between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, so this won’t be an option during your visit.

Can you take alcohol to Rarotonga?

The following personal allowance applies to all persons 18 years and over: 2 litres of spirits or 2 litres of wine (combination up to two litres acceptable) or 4 1/2 litres of beer. 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Can I travel to Rarotonga with a criminal record?

Criminal convictions If you have had any criminal convictions in any country, you must apply for permission to enter the Cook Islands via MFAI. A person with criminal convictions could be refused entry into Cook Islands if prior approval was not granted prior to entry.

Can you use Kiwibank card in Rarotonga?

Yes, eftpos will work in both Westpac and ANZ but be aware that your account will be charged an extra $6 at the ANZ atm for each transaction. Stores etc prefer you to use a visa debit card. These can also be used at the atm’s there. Hope this helps.

What should I wear in Rarotonga?

What plugs do Rarotonga use?

Electricity on the Cook Islands

On the Cook Islands the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Why is Rarotonga a day behind NZ?

During summer (in NZ and the Cook Islands) Rarotonga is only one hour ahead of NZ, due to daylight savings. North bound flights from Auckland take about 3.5 hours.

What is Rarotonga known for?

Accessible by air from Rarotonga and known for deserted beaches, limestone caves and a population of 400 warrior people, it’s one of the few untouched places left on Earth. The Cook Islands are refreshingly devoid of towering mega-resorts – the rule of thumb is that no building can be taller than the palm trees.

Who owns Rarotonga?

Are there snakes in Rarotonga?

7. There are no snakes or spiders on the islands. The Cook Islands are home to a variety of marine life, tropical flowers and plants. … In fact, there are only six species of birds that are native to the islands, including the rare Kakerori, which can sometimes be spotted on the south coast of Rarotonga in the forest.

Does Rarotonga have daylight saving?

Rarotonga currently observes Cook Island Time (CKT) all year. DST is no longer in use. Clocks do not change in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The previous DST change in Rarotonga was on March 2, 1991.

How long does it take to fly from NZ to Rarotonga?

How do I call Rarotonga from NZ?

Can I work in Cook Islands?

Persons wishing to live and work in the Cook Islands require an entry permit with permission to work. To obtain an entry permit with work rights, they must be sponsored by a person or organisation in the Cook Islands agreeing to employ them.

Can I retire in the Cook Islands?

It is possible and many expats live here or have a business. No one can own land on the island as it is all family land and what you do is lease a property. The lease time frame these days is 60 years.

Are the Cook Islands a US territory?

A former British protectorate which became self-governing in 1965, the territory is now in free association with New Zealand. … Its economy centres on tourism, the territory’s natural assets include fine beaches and volcanic mountains.

Do you need a passport to fly from NZ to Rarotonga?

Anyone can enter the Cook Islands as a tourist for a stay of up to 31 days. The passport you hold does not matter. You must have evidence of a return ticket or a ticket for another destination.

Do I need a passport to go to Rarotonga?

All visitors are required a to have a valid passport and valid ticket for onward travel. When you arrive on the island immigration will stamp your passport with a 31 day visitor permit, extensions are granted on a monthly basis for a fee, you also need to know with whom or where you are staying.

Can New Zealand citizens buy property in Rarotonga?

YES! If you are a non-Cook Islander, it is possible to buy investment property and seek permission to reside in the Cook Islands, as the below video explains.

How long can New Zealanders stay in Rarotonga?

Travellers can stay in the Cook Islands as a tourist for up to 31 days. Normal immigration rules apply.

Is Cook Islands a tax haven?

Cook Islands’s as an Offshore Jurisdiction

The Cook Islands have an Exclusive Economic Zone, which is a free zone area covering all the islands, making it a particularly effective tax haven that covers nearly 2 million square kilometers of the surrounding ocean.

Can you walk around Rarotonga?

Walks and hiking in Rarotonga

The Cross-Island Track is the most popular walk on Rarotonga, but it’s far from crowded. The four-hour hike includes the 413m Te Rua Manga (Needle). North to south is the recommended direction, because there’s less chance of a wrong turn.

How long does it take to cycle around Rarotonga?

But expect it take 2 – 3 hours at a steady pace, and with a few rests for water or energy snack. Mornings would be a good time to set off, while temps are cooler.

How long does it take to drive around Rarotonga Island?

Driving is pretty straightforward, taking about 45 to 50 minutes to drive around Rarotonga with only one main road circling the island, two roundabouts and absolutely no traffic lights!

What is the best month to go to Rarotonga?

The best time to visit Rarotonga is throughout October and November. This is during the dry season, when the weather is hot (but tolerable) and not too wet. It also avoids the peak holiday seasons allowing for a much more relaxing escape. Plus, accommodation in Rarotonga is cheaper during this time.

What is the best area to stay in Rarotonga?

Crown Beach Resort is the island’s best small, full-service hotel, according to Frommer’s, while the 250-room Edgewater Resort and the Rarotongan Beach Resort on Aroa Beach are among the island’s original flagship resorts.

Is Rarotonga or Aitutaki better?

Rarotonga has nice beaches, but they’re nothing on Aitutaki. Whilst most are white sand, most are a little pebbly and you need to wear flip flops / sea shoes as there are lots of rocks and coral around. … The lagoon at aitutaki is perfect – not a stone or pebble in sight, clear, still, bright blue water.

Can you drink tap water in Rarotonga?

Is it safe to drink tap water in Cook Islands? Yes, water in Rarotonga and the other islands are treated. However for peace of mind, you should always bring bottled water along with you. You can also use your accommodation’s kettle to boil water as another option.

Can I use my NZ Eftpos card in Rarotonga?

Can we use our NZ eftpos cards in Raro or do we have to use Debit/Credit and cash? No, you can’t use NZ eftpos cards in Raro to pay for purchases.

Does Rarotonga have a golf course?

The best golf course in Cook Islands is Rarotonga Golf Club and the most visited golf club in Cook Islands is Rarotonga Golf Club. Have you played in Cook Islands?

How do I drive in Rarotonga?

Cook Islanders drive on the left-hand side of the road and the maximum speed is 50km per hour. In town areas it is 30km per hour. If you have a current driver’s licence from your home country you can drive a car in the Cook Islands on that licence. The exception is for motor scooters and motor bikes.

How much is a taxi from Rarotonga airport to Edgewater Resort?

The quickest way to get from Rarotongo Airport (RAR) to The Edgewater Resort &amp, Spa, Rarotonga is to taxi which costs $8 – $10 and takes 5 min.

How do you get around Aitutaki?

By scooter: by the far the most fun way of getting around Aitutaki. Rino’s Rentals, located close to town, rents them out at $20 (NZD) per day with one free day for a week’s rental. Popoara Rentals, located by the Boat Shed Bar &amp, Grill, rents scooters for $25 per day or $20 if you rent for a week.

Is Rarotonga a volcano?

Rarotonga Island is elliptical in shape, 11 km east-west and 8 km north—south, and represents the upper 650 m of an oceanic volcano which rises 5000 m above the surrounding seafloor.

What is Rarotonga made of?

The island is volcanic in origin and has a rugged interior rising to 2,139 feet (652 metres) at Te Manga. Surrounding its mountainous core is a plain, an ancient raised fringing coral reef covered with sediment. The island itself is fringed by a coral reef.

Does Rarotonga have Mcdonalds?

Rarotonga Is Like One Big Resort

No traffic lights, no McDonald’s and no building taller than the highest coconut tree.

How do you get around Raro?

It is very easy to get around the island using public transport. There are two buses that circle the island of Rarotonga, Clockwise and Anti-clockwise. The buses will stop anywhere along the main road. All you have to do is smile and wave them down.

What can you do in Rarotonga for free?

Which side of Rarotonga has the best beaches?

Located the Western side of Rarotonga, Black Rock is a local favourite for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling and catching the incredible sunsets Rarotonga is known for. Located in Aitutaki’s lagoon, One Foot Island is accessible by boat and offers a beautiful beach with great snorkelling to see giant clams and corals.

How long can Australians stay in 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.

What month is the hottest in Rarotonga?

The warmest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 29°C (84°F). The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 24°C (76°F). January is the most wet month.

Are there mosquitoes in Rarotonga?

When you holiday in Rarotonga you are fortunate that there are very few bugs and nasties. However we do have mosquitoes, which are more apparent when the weather is humid. When you are looking for Rarotonga accommodation it is important to search for villas that are fully screened.

Where is Black Rock Beach in Rarotonga?

The second is Black Rock located on the Western side of Rarotonga, only a short drive past the airport. This area is by far the most underutilized beach on the island. On days when the southern part of the island is windy, Black Rock is often sheltered from the wind.

Are there sharks around Cook Islands?

There are 18 different species of shark found in Cook Island waters. The more common sharks include the white-tip reef shark, the black-tip reef shark and the grey reef shark. Other sightings include hammerhead sharks, oceanic white-tip sharks, tiger sharks and whale sharks.

Are Cook Islanders New Zealand citizens?

About Cook Islands

It is self-governing in ‘free association’ with New Zealand. That means that while it administers its own affairs, Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens who are free to live and work here. More than 80,000 Cook Island Māori live in New Zealand.

What is the smallest island in the Cook Islands?

Suwarrow has the smallest population out of all the islands with only two resident caretakers. The Southern Group: Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangala, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Rarotonga (the largest island and the capital) and Takutea. The Southern Group are considered “high” islands and they are of volcanic origin.