Rarotonga

Destination

1150 km southwest of Tahiti, the Cook Islands are named after the famous English navigator, Captain James Cook, who explored the region in the 18th century. They are often thought of as the cousins of the Austral Islands, being close both geographically and culturally. They also have a similar climate. The archipelago comprises fifteen high islands and atolls, scattered over an area of 2.25 mil...
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Practical information

Population : + 10 899 inhabitants
Surface area : 36.3 sq. miles
Main Village : Avarua
Rarotonga

The good reasons to visit

  • It is an English-speaking country.
  • Its beautiful beaches of white sand.
  • Its translucent lagoon.
  • Shopping: clothes and crafts at very modest prices.
  • An olde worlde Polynesian atmosphere.
  • Restaurants, bars and nightlife: try a pub crawl with a local guide.

Do not miss

  • Takitumu Conservation Area.
  • Muri Beach.
  • Punanga Nui market on Saturday mornings.
  • The Rarotonga perfume factory.
  • The cultural centre.
  • The Vaimaanga waterfall.
  • The fine colonial residence of the Queen's representative (Titikaveka).
  • The whitewashed churches.
  • A dance show in a large hotel.

Did you know that

  • "Kia ora na" is "Hello" in Rarotongan.
  • Rarotonga (which means "down south") used to be called Tumutevarovaro.
  • In the 18th century, Captain Cook named the archipelago the "Hervey Islands". Its present-day name was given by Russian navigators in the 19th century, in memory of the famous English explorer.
  • Topless sunbathing or walking around town in a bikini is not appreciated by local people, so please avoid it.

Air Tahiti magazine

Air Tahiti Magazine

Travel documents 

To travel to the Cook Islands, you must have :

  • a valid passport for the entire stay and up to 6 months after the stay in the Cook Islands ;
  • and a confirmed return ticket or onward ticket with all necessary documents for the next destination.

In the following cases, a visa is also required:

  • if you are visiting for more than 31 days, or
  • if you are on a business trip of more than 21 days. 

Procedures for visas and health-related documents (COVID) may change. Therefore, we invite you to check directly on www.visahq.com to know the necessary documents to have during your trip. 

 

Flight and check-in

 

Flights are scheduled :

  • From Tahiti: Wednesday (operated by Air Rarotonga) and Saturday (operated by Air Tahiti)
  • From Rarotonga: Tuesday (operated by Air Rarotonga) and Saturday (operated by Air Tahiti).

The aircraft is a Saab 340B Plus with 26 seats when it's operated by Air Rarotonga.

 

 Check-in information for flights departing from Tahiti : 

  • When the flight is operated by Air Tahiti, check-in is located at the domestic terminal, while boarding is located at the international terminal.
  • When the flight is operated by Air Rarotonga, check-in and boarding are both located at the international terminal.

Check-in is 2 hours prior to flight departure and check-in counters will close 45 minutes before flight departure.

Rarotonga Airport 

Rarotonga airport, called Cook Island Airport, is located 3km from the city center, near the capital city of Avarua.

Public buses stop regularly at the airport and cabs are often available if needed upon arrival.

 

Services available

  • Souvenir stores
  • Duty Free
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Lounges
  • WiFi
  • Luggage storage
  • Car rental counter
  • Automatic cash dispenser
  • Police station
  • Restrooms
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