About Cook Islands

about cook islands

rarotonga

Rarotonga, is a beautiful volcanic island with lush tropical forests, stunning mountains, white sand beaches and tranquil lagoons. The largest of the fifteen Cook Islands and is the arrival point and activity hub to the Cooks, the main town is Avarua. Rarotonga is about 32km in circumference and the majority of villages, shops and restaurants are scattered around the coastal road that goes around the island.

How to get here?

Rarotonga Airport lies on the North West coast of Rarotonga, 3km from Avarua Town. Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia have international flights to the island. A visitor permit for 31 days is granted to all Nationals on arrival (a valid passport with expiry more than 6 months and presentation of a return or onward travel is required). Visas can be extended for up to six months at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Rarotonga.

What to do?

Rarotonga offers an incredible array of interesting things to do and discover. The island is a adventurers paradise, from the lush green mountain peaks to the tranquil clear water lagoon and beyond to the deep blue waters of the pacific.

Places of interest

Here are just a few of the many interesting places on the island.

te rua manga the needle

Black rock

muri beach

para o tane, palace of makae

cook island christian church cicc

punanga nui market

Wigmores waterfall

aitutaki island

things to do

There is always something to do on this island that we lovingly refer to as the "rock".

snorkeling

Diving

whale watching

Hiking

kite surfing

Kayaking

jet blast

Cycling

useful facts

Time Zone: Cook Islands time is 10 hours behind GMT (London), 22 hours behind NZ and 2 hours behind US West Coast.
International Dialing Code: (682) Your mobile phone network may not be accessible in the Cook Islands. Telecom Cook Islands sim cards and Kia Orana telephone cards are available at Telecom and numerous outlets in Rarotonga.
Internet: YWAM Cook Islands has a wifi "hotspot" and vouchers are available for purchase at our office. Internet services are available also at Telecom and various Internet outlets on the island.
Electricity: 240v / 40Hz (same voltage as Australia and NZ) with plugs being three flat pins (same as NZ). Visitors with other types of plugs will need to bring a converter.
Currency/Finance: The Cook Islands uses the NZ$ currency. Westpac and ANZ 24hr ATM cash machines can be found at the airport, in Avarua Town and around the island at various locations. Major credit cards Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most shops in Rarotonga and some will exchange travellers cheques and accept American Express as well.
Transport: Public buses travel uniquely clockwise and anti-clockwise from Avarua Town every half and hour until 4pm and thereafter every hour except Sundays. Taxis cost around NZ$2 per km. Car, scooter and bicycle hire is available from various rental agencies. A Cook Islands drivers license is required which can be obtained from the Police Station in Avarua for NZ$20 provided you are over 21 and can show your current home-country drivers license.
Medical Care: Rarotonga has a hospital and medical and dental facilities, we recommend that you have travel insurance.
Weather/Climate: Warmth and sunshine as well as water temperatures are pleasant all year round. Winter falls between July & September and Summer is from December to April but the difference in temperature is only a few degrees. Severe weather is rare and infrequent.

Average Temperature
Summer: 28°C (82F) max 22°C (71F) min
Winter: 25°C (77F) max 18°C (64F) min

Average Water Temperature
Summer: 30°C (86F) max 27°C (80F) min
Winter: 27°C (80F) max 23°C (75F) min

Cool/Dry Season
April – November

Wet/Humid Season
December – March