Make the most of your holiday! The islands of Rarotonga is the Cook Islands' largest and most populated island. The island is oval in shape, is approximately 32 km around and has a coastal road, which makes traveling around the island very easy. All the resorts are within about 10-15 minutes drive from the airport near Avarua (town ), however our wedding is on Muri Beach which is between Ngatagiia and Titikaveka, 25 minutes from the Airport.
The island is surrounded by a fringing reef, which makes great snorkeling and safe for swimming.
Flights:
Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Is the only airline that operates a regular service to and from Rarotonga from Auckland.
Pacific Blue http://www.flypacificblue.com/
Pacific Blue http://www.flypacificblue.com/
Also flies twice weekly from Auckland.
The actual
flight time is approximately 4 hours from Auckland, and as Rarotonga is across the dateline it is a full day behind New Zealand. You therefore must give back the day gained on the retuning trip back into New Zealand. Airport taxes are included in your flight tickets out of Auckland, however there is a departure tax fee to pay. For adults $30, children age 2-12yrs $15 and infant (under 2yrs) exempt, this can be purchased at Westpac Avarua (town), or from the departure tax booth in the arrivals area at the airport of Rarotonga.
flight time is approximately 4 hours from Auckland, and as Rarotonga is across the dateline it is a full day behind New Zealand. You therefore must give back the day gained on the retuning trip back into New Zealand. Airport taxes are included in your flight tickets out of Auckland, however there is a departure tax fee to pay. For adults $30, children age 2-12yrs $15 and infant (under 2yrs) exempt, this can be purchased at Westpac Avarua (town), or from the departure tax booth in the arrivals area at the airport of Rarotonga.Getting Around:
Getting around Rarotonga is easy - the island is just 32km in circumference.
Drive on the left side of the road. Maximum speed is 30km/hr in town and 40km/hr in villages; 60km/hr outside populated areas. A Cook Islands driver's licence must be obtained from police headquarters in Avarua (town) for $20. A practical test is required for all intending motorbike drivers, this is an additional cost of approx $5, (this is really easy, just practice a little around your accommodation, head into town and you'll be fine). If you get caught driving without a Cook Islands driver's licence, you get fined $40 (they take the key off you and you have to walk back to the Police Station to pick up your key, or catch the next bus).... just kidding. Please remember to take your NZ licence with you.
Rentals:
Budget Rentals http://www.budjet.co.ck/
Our contact person in Rarotonga has advised us that she is able to reserve rental cars, vans, motor scooters and bicycles at a competitive price with a large booking. We will need to advise her the quantities we require, and if you would like your vehicle waiting for you on arrival into the
Cook Island's at the airport this can be arranged, on departure you can leave it at the airport. There are 6 Budget hire locations on the island to pick up your vehicle. August/September is the final date we are to submit our request for rentals. Let us know what you would like and we'll source the information nevski04@hotmail.com or you can submit you request directly with them.
Cook Island's at the airport this can be arranged, on departure you can leave it at the airport. There are 6 Budget hire locations on the island to pick up your vehicle. August/September is the final date we are to submit our request for rentals. Let us know what you would like and we'll source the information nevski04@hotmail.com or you can submit you request directly with them.Look for specials on the side of the road when you travel around the island. Sometimes you can get a better deal.... but then again it's the peak season time of the year and vehicles may not be available?
As well as watching out for pedestrians on the road, also watch out for dogs who like the sound of your bike and may like to taste your shoe! It is not currently law in the Cooks, you do not have to wear a helmet or use your seat belt... but if you have an accident before the wedding, please stay out of the photos..... just kidding... please be careful it is very safe, just don't be stupid.
Polynesian Bike Hire Ltd: http://www.polybike.co.ck/
Island Car & Bike Hire: http://www.islandcarhire.co.ck/
BT Rentals: http://www.btrentacar.co.ck/
Avis Rental: email rentacar@avis.co.ck
Buses:
Buses are a low-cost way to travel to town, or to see the sights around the island. Cooks Buses will pick you up and drop you off anywhere on request. There is no button to push on the bus to let the driver know you want to get off, you must tell your driver when you pay the name of your accommodation and they will stop there for you. Buses depart from town from Cooks Corner Depot. There are no night buses on a Sunday.
Clockwise Bus: Departs Cook's Corner on the hour from 7am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday 8am -12pm, 2pm - 4pm.
Anticlockwise Bus: Departs Cook's Corner at 25 minutes past the hour from 8.25am -4.30pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30am -12.30 Saturdays only.
Bus ticket costs: Adult one way is $4, return is $6. Child $2 one way, return $3. Family Day Pass: $25 (2 adults, 2 children) Day Pass $15 per person. 10 Concession Tickets $22.
Where to stay:
There are loads of places to stay on Rarotonga, ranging from large resorts, boutique style accommodation and self-contained cottages to motel-style budget rooms and shared backpacker type accommodation.
There are loads of places to stay on Rarotonga, ranging from large resorts, boutique style accommodation and self-contained cottages to motel-style budget rooms and shared backpacker type accommodation.
We'll start with where the wedding and reception will be:
Pacific Resort, Muri Beach see their website http://www.pacificresort.com/
If you would like to stay at the Pacific Resort, please contact Ani; and let her know that you are our wedding guests (Neville Cryer and Tiraa Teono-January 9, 2010). Ani is overseeing all bookings made.
Neville and
I will be arriving into Rarotonga (hopefully on) December 31 2009, or early January 2010. We will be renting a holiday home which is a 10 minute walk to the resort, then on the night of the wedding staying at Pacific Resort, leaving the Resort and Rarotonga on Tuesday 12 January, 2010 to continue our travels and Honeymoon to the UK. I know the UK! It'll be cold, dark and wet there, that's ok, I need to see the other side of Neville. Hopefully, we'll end up somewhere in the sun on our way back to New Zealand; we'll see?
Neville and
I will be arriving into Rarotonga (hopefully on) December 31 2009, or early January 2010. We will be renting a holiday home which is a 10 minute walk to the resort, then on the night of the wedding staying at Pacific Resort, leaving the Resort and Rarotonga on Tuesday 12 January, 2010 to continue our travels and Honeymoon to the UK. I know the UK! It'll be cold, dark and wet there, that's ok, I need to see the other side of Neville. Hopefully, we'll end up somewhere in the sun on our way back to New Zealand; we'll see?
So back to accommodation options, firstly look around MURI BEACH:
Hotel and Resorts:
Muri Beach Club Hotel $349 http://www.muribeachclubhotel.com/
Muri Beach Resort $215 http://www.muribeachresort.com/
Muri Beach Club Hotel $349 http://www.muribeachclubhotel.com/
Muri Beach Resort $215 http://www.muribeachresort.com/
Muri Beachcomber $235 http://www.beachcomber.co.ck/
Muri Beach Hideaway $180 http://www.muribeachhideaway.com/
Muri Beach Villa $895 http://www.muribeachvilla.com/
Muri Heights Villa $150 www.rentraro.com/muriheight
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows $ 89 http://www.murilagoonviewbungalows.com/
Muri Shell Shop Bungalows $ 90 murishellas@hotmail.com
Guest House:
www.holidayhomes.co.nz/for rent/rarotonga
Banking:
ANZ: Monday to Thursday 9am-3pm, Friday 9am-4pm
Westpac: Monday to Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday 9am to 12 noon
Climate:
Warm and sunny all year round. December to March, wet and warmer season, 26C-29C average temperature.
Currency:
The New Zealand Dollar, $NZ
Dress:
Informal, cool and comfortable, brief attire is not acceptable in town or villages, a respectable standard of dress is required for church services. Leave your expensive brands at home, a lightweight raincoat is a good idea for the showers on the Island.
Electricity:
Our guests from the United Kingdom and Europe will need adaptor plugs suited for New Zealand to use.
Entry Requirement:
A valid passport is a good start, proof of onward passage or return ticket, (those coming from the UK must take their travel documents, don't put them in your check-in luggage).
Local Time: 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Medical and Dental Services:
There are no poisonous animals or insects in the Cook Islands, but cover yourself with mosquito repellent to prevent unwanted red spots all over your body. Also take loads of sunblock and a hat, we don't want you turning up like a beetroot on the day. Medical and dental services are available 24 hours a day... it's called panadol!
Public Toilets/Bathrooms/Washrooms:
Toilet tissue is not provided, so carry your own supplies.
Safety:
The Cook Islands are safe but never leave your personal belongings unattended and ensure your accommodation is locked at all times.
Visitor Information:
The Visitors Information Centre is located in Avarua (town), next to the ANZ Bank and is open Monday to Friday 8am-4pm and Saturdays 9am to 12 noon. Just ask to speak to Aunty Nane and she will help you, you might remember seeing her at the airport?
Water:
Some people like to boil their water before drinking, it's up to you. Your accommodation will let you know if it is safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available from local shops.
Language:
Cook Island Maori is the main language you'll hear, especially if they're talking about you. But most people speak English and it is nice to be able to say a few basic words in Cook Island like,
Kia Orana - hello Aere ra - goodbye Meitaki - thank you (good) 'Ae - yes Kare - no
Tane - man Vaine - women Manea - pretty/handsome 'Ura - to dance
Kai - food Moni - money
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