✈️Arriving in Rarotonga: A No-Stress Guide

✈️ Arrival Tips
As soon as you land, you’ll feel the island vibe - the heat, smiles, live music, and a super chill airport. It’s small and easy to navigate. Keep your accommodation name, address & number handy for the customs form, plus your entry and exit flight details. You might get free airport Wi-Fi if you need to look anything up. We recommend to fill out the customs form thoroughly on the plane—if not, you'll be at the back of the customs line whilst filling it out, or sent aside to do it properly. Grab duty-free alcohol before customs—it’s the cheapest option on the island. You can pre-order here to speed things up: www.citc.co.ck/product-category/citc-duty-free (Beer isn't much cheaper, but spirits are. Alot of people end up with lots of their alcohol left as they prefer to enjoy cocktails at the beach bars, with their meals etc).

FYI: All visitors to the Cook Islands are required to declare any criminal convictions & ensure your passport is valid for 6 months or more beyond your departure from the Cook Islands. https://mfai.gov.ck/exemptions-travel-and-entry

🛄 Customs Process
Immigration, bag pickup, and customs are usually quick as there is normally only 1 plane processing at a time. They may ask about fresh food, wooden items, or outdoor gear - just be honest, they’re very friendly and helpful. People often bring lots of food to Rarotonga, however we suggest to support local by buying local as much as you can. You won't save much money by bringing your own bulk food & lets be honest - part of being on holiday is enjoying all the local treats! If are arriving in Rarotonga late, this is where bringing snacks for your first night is handy. FYI there are only a few 24/7 food spots in Rarotonga. (lots of food advice in our guide - supermarkets, cafes, restaurants). If you haven't already got NZD in cash which we recommend, there is an ATM at the airport.

🚐 Transport Options

• Shuttle: Pre-booking through your resort is great for first-timers or late night arrivals. Airport staff will direct you, or look for a sign/kiosk. It can be slow if you're waiting for a full van and more expensive with a large group.

• Rental Car: Best value if you're traveling with others. We use Raro Cars -cheap, reliable, and hassle-free (however there are lots of options - Avis, Polynesian hire etc). Cars are parked outside arrivals with your name on the dash and key under the mat/sunvisor. Airport drop-off usually costs around $20 extra and for us is worth every penny.

• Taxi: Available outside but pricey. (Raro does not have an Uber service).

• Bus: Clockwise and anticlockwise routes available but not ideal with luggage & limited running times. Download the Cook Islands Bus app before arrival for live tracking: super useful if you are planning to use the bus for transport as they do run on an 'island time schedule'. (full details in our guide)

🧭 Settling In: First Day Essentials

🏦 Money
The Cook Islands use NZD (New Zealand dollars). Cash is king in Raro - some places are cash-only. Card/ATM fees add up very fast.

📱 SIM Cards
Only one provider: Vodafone. You’ll find a booth at the airport and others around the island. Options include E-sims, Tourist SIMs, or Wi-Fi dockets. (More on this in our full guide). You can also check if your home country provider has roaming plans for Rarotonga as some people prefer this. Tip: if you buy an E-sim before hitting Raro, you may need to visit a Vodafone outlet to get it set up before it's usable. We learnt the hard way 😅

🛵 Driving

• Cars: Full NZ/Aus or international license is fine to hire and drive a car in Raro.

• Scooters: You'll need a motorbike license. No license? You can sit the tests at the police station. (More info in our guide.)

🏖️ First Stops

• Groceries: Visit CITC, Foodland, Prime Foods for larger super markets. Or smaller stores like Wigmore’s, KAPS & Super Brown-24/7 are great for smaller shops (including fresh fruit & vegies) 🛒

• Water: Don’t drink the tap water. There are free filtered water stations all over the island (or buy/boil water). Your accommodation may also have filters installed. 🚰

• Fruit: Roadside stalls are GREAT for fresh local fruit! Otherwise the supermarkets & 'dairys' listed above are great. 🍍

• Sunset: Best way to shake off travel stress - head to the west side of the island, Black Rock is our favourite, or watch it from beach restaurants like: Waterline, OTB, Castaways, or Shipwreck hut - to name a few. ☀️

• Food: Kick off your holiday with something tasty! 🍔 Try a Happy Hour $3.50 Palace Burger (all day Wednesdays) or go full island mode with a fresh Ika Mata dish at a local restaurant. (Calories don’t count on holiday right?! 😉). For the best Pina Colada on the island - 'peoples choice' votes Charlies as the best spot. (Lots of advice in our guide about food/drinks).

• Pack for Sun, Reef & Rain

  • Reef-safe sunscreen is a must.

  • Bring reef shoes / rash shirt for snorkeling.

  • It rains in short bursts - so a light rain jacket won’t go astray.

  • Mosquito repellent is helpful, especially at dusk. (as at May 2025, there is a dengue fever outbreak)

🌊 Know the Lagoon vs. the Passage

• The lagoon (inside the reef) is great for swimming and snorkeling, and theres some spectacular beaches for sunbathing and snorkeling (Best spots are listed in our Guide). Some parts of the lagoon may look calm but have sneaky currents so if you’re unsure, ask locals or accommodation staff before heading in.

• Passages are deep breaks in the reef/lagoons where water flows in/out - they have strong currents and can be deadly - we don't say this lightly. Avoid swimming near them & look out for any warning signs before swimming. Turtle Tours run in the passages - only go with a company, never ever ever attempt without an official guide.

🏥 Health & Medical in Rarotonga

Rarotonga has one hospital, the Rarotonga Hospital it's open 24/7. There are pharmacies, smaller medical clinics, 1 home help company, dentists etc.

📞 Dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance. Helpful sites for more info:

www.rarotongamedical.com & www.health.gov.ck

🌴 Bonus Tips

• Drive left & go slow (max 30- 50km/h depending on the area) - everyone’s easy going here but the locals really don't appreciate speedsters/erratic drivers.

• Sundays are quiet: Most shops close, the island life is even slower. (alcohol is only sold at resorts/restaurants- you may notice big metal chains on the alcohol fridges). Sundays are the perfect day for the beach or a lagoon cruise!

• Respect local culture: Dress modestly in villages/churches and always ask before photographing people.

See our Full Guide here with over 120 locations/tips, its the best Rarotonga planning guide out (in our humble opinion 😁) www.rexby.com/NZ_Adventures/cookislands

Note - This free guide is made from our personal experiences and research, make sure to do your own thorough up-to-date research to ensure a smooth a wonderful trip to the Cook Islands!

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Happy Travels!!🌴🏖️