AIR CONDITIONING
All the Resort guestrooms, suites, bungalow and villas offer individual air conditioning as well as a ceiling or wall fan for maximum guest comfort. To operate your air conditioning system, please follow these simple instructions:
- To turn your air conditioning ON or OFF, take the remote control out of its holder on the wall, point it at the unit and press the top right button.
- To ADJUST the TEMPERATURE, slide back the cover on your remote then press the BLACK arrow buttons down to lower the temperature, or up to increase the temperature. To begin with we suggest you set it at about 22 degrees Celsius. To maintain a comfortable temperature after the room has cooled down, please re-adjust it to about 25 degrees, and enjoy!
- To ensure your air-conditioning unit works at its best please always KEEP ALL WINDOWS & DOORS CLOSED when operating the air conditioning. If windows and doors are left open with the air conditioning running the unit will most likely fail. The first sign will be that the air conditioning unit begins to leak and if this continues it will eventually freeze up and fail.
- Do remember when leaving your room in the 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 villages that the air conditioning unit might be situated just outside the door (i.e. if you’re a tall person, please mind your head)
- PLEASE DO YOUR BIT! To do your bit to prevent further global warming and reduce power consumption please remember to TURN OFF your air conditioning when you leave your room.
- Please DO NOT REMOVE the remote control or any batteries from your room.
Rarotonga is a special slice of paradise, and we are sure you will want to do all that you can to keep it that way. Please bear in mind that on the island, power is generated by imported, non-renewable diesel, and costs about 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, as opposed to about 5 cents per kWh in your home. We encourage you to please use the air conditioning only when necessary, and always turn it off (and all lights and other electrical appliances) when you leave your room. Meitaki Maata (many thanks) for your assistance in keeping Rarotonga beautiful and Planet Earth healthy.
In order to conserve energy, your Room Attendant will turn off your air conditioning if your room is not occupied. If you require assistance with your air conditioning controls please contact Front Desk or our Duty Manager by pressing the icon (i.e. pictorial feature) on your phone or dial “0”.
AIRLINES & INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS
Air New Zealand |
Reservations & Ticket Office |
PH 26 300 |
Pacific Blue |
Enquiries |
PH 22 888 |
Air Rarotonga |
|
PH 22 888 (6 lines) |
Island Hopper Vacations Ltd |
Reservations & Enquiries |
PH 22 026 |
Jetsave Travel |
Reservations & Enquiries |
PH 27 707, a/h 20 710 |
Tipani Tours |
Reservations & Enquiries |
PH 25 266 |
Matina Travel |
Reservations & Enquiries |
PH 21 780 |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Transfers to the Airport can be booked through the Front Desk. Pick-ups are usually about 2 hours prior to departure, but have been known to be as much as 4 hours prior, so please do check with Front Desk in advance. The bus picks you up from the Resort Lobby entrance, please ensure you have your transfer tickets and voucher ready prior to pick-up. If you do not have a transfer booked and would like one, please contact Front Desk. You can call to have your luggage collected from your room in readiness for your departure; please give as much notice as possible of your need for assistance with the collection of your bags.
AITUTAKI
Situated 45 minutes flight away from Rarotonga is the truly idyllic island of Aitutaki with a lagoon heralded by many to be ‘the world’s most beautiful’. The vast, pristine lagoon sparkles in a myriad of shades of turquoise which will take your breath away. A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without a visit to the jewel of Aitutaki, with several flights every day except Sundays.
As the only resort set directly on the world’s most beautiful lagoon, The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers one of the world’s most romantic resort destinations. The resort’s exclusive private island, Motu Akitua, is reached by a small private ferry, just a 2 minute ferry ride from the main island of Aitutaki. Encircled by broad champagne sand beaches lapped by the turquoise lagoon waters, and traced by swaying coconut palms, this is one of the South Seas’ ultimate romantic retreats. Sister resort to the Cook Islands’ iconic Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is an intimate all-bungalow resort offering the Cook Islands’ only Overwater Bungalows complete with direct access to the lagoon via a private landing, spellbinding lagoon views, two outdoor showers, his & hers vanities and a super king bed. The resort also offers a new spa retreat, Villa Te Arau ~ Grand Honeymoon Pool Villa, which is enclosed in its own lush tropical garden and features a pool, daybed, open-air spa, private outdoor shower, romantic 4-poster bed, generous verandah with outdoor dining, and charming full kitchen with outdoor servery. This villa is unique to Aitutaki and provides a whole exciting new private romantic retreat experience for couples in love. In addition The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa also offers a range of other bungalow types to suit your style, including the very spacious Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows set directly on the pearlescent sands with spectacular views of the blue lagoon and tiny motu (isles) dotted on the horizon, the Beachfront Bungalows overlooking the aqua waters of the Full Moon Channel, and the Garden Bungalows nestled amidst tall coconut palms. Resort features and facilities include SpaPolynesia, a fully-serviced tropical spa therapy centre with professionally-qualified therapists, spacious Jacuzzi whirlpool spa bath and couple’s sauna, the Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill which offers the best dining views in Aitutaki, the Bounty Restaurant named after the first European credited with discovering Aitutaki, Captain William Bligh and his HMS Bounty, memorable Island Night drum dance shows on the sand, complete with authentic Umu (earthoven) feasts, conference room, swimming pool, gift boutique, tour & car hire service, guest library, and a complimentary Daily Activities Programme including fish feeding, snorkelling, guided nature walks, crab hunting & crab racing, kayaks, windsurfing, life-size chess, a range of cultural activities and free-of-charge bicycles. For more information or images of The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, please visit www.theaitutakilagoonresort.com or www.therarotongan.com , phone 31 203 or ask for one of our Sales Team at The Rarotongan’s Front Desk.
ANIMAL WELFARE
The Cook Islands Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CISPCA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to animal welfare in the Cook Islands. Run by volunteers, it relies entirely on donations. CISPCA operates an animal shelter, and is located beside the children’s playground across from the South Seas store in Avarua town. Anyone interested in learning more about CISPCA or its projects in the Cook Islands, please stop by or phone 25 005 between 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12noon, Saturday. Visitors are welcome and assistance is most appreciated.
The Esther Honey Foundation (telephone 22 336) is a veterinary clinic devoted to providing excellent animal welfare in the Cook Islands. Founded in 1995 by an American traveller, Cathy Sue Amunsen, the clinic is a non-profit organisation run entirely on donations. Manned by a group of volunteers mainly from North America and the United Kingdom, the clinic provides free veterinary care for all animals. They are based in Nikao by the Rarotonga Golf Club, or see them at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturdays. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 12noon and 4pm to 5.30pm, and Saturday 2 to 5pm. All visitors, donations and offers of voluntary assistance are most welcome.
For any concerns regarding animal mistreatment or neglect, please contact CISPCA on 25 005.
ART GALLERIES
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has a gallery of inspirational local art located within the restaurant area opposite the Hibiscus Hut.
Included in the gallery and also located around the Lobby area of The Rarotongan are the unique works by leading local artist, Mahiriki Tangaroa, who is represented in private and public collections around the world. Mahiriki majored in photography at the Canterbury University School of Fine Arts documenting the vanishing Cook Islands cultural heritage in her photographic assignments. In 1999 she began to paint and is now one of a small group of contemporary women artists in the Cook Islands.
Each of her pieces contains a distinctly cultural theme, whether it is in the style, subject, or commentary. These works showcase the abundant artistic and creative talent alive and well in the Cooks.
For more information on local artists and their works, the following is a list of local galleries that are open to the general public, as well as a fascinating tour of art galleries and places of artistic and creative interest:
A-RIKI ART & CULTURE TOUR
Established two years ago, this popular tour is described as: “An inspiring tour that offers something for everyone”. Enjoy a round the island journey of discovery that follows the development of Cook Islands Art from the Mauri (life-force) to Tatau (polynesian tattooing), the ancient art of canoe-building, traditional stone & wood sculpture to present day art forms such as painting. One of the Pacific’s foremost carvers & artists, Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, will take you to visit ancient and contemporary sites around the island of Rarotonga, to meet artists and learn about what inspires them to create. Tour operates Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm, and costs NZ$60 per person. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and chilled filtered water during the tour. Tours take a minimum of 4 and maximum 20 people. Personalized tours by arrangement. For further information or to book, please dial Front Desk “0”.
ARASENA - Banana Court, Avarua. Original fine art, local crafts, woodcarving and tivaevae. Phone 26 486Beachcomber Gallery - Main Road, Avarua. Email: benb@oyster.net.ck website: www.artcookislands.co.ck phone: 21 939 fax: 22 939. Open 9.30am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
Gina Keenan-Williams, Hand Paints Punanga Nui Market. Phone 24 011
Jillian Sobieska – located in Matavera. Phone 21 079
Kenwall Gallery – Watson House, Avarua. Original art, limited edition prints, mostly local and Pacific artists, framing, souvenir items, postcards/magnets, full range of Cook Islands Natural Heritage posters. Phone: 25 526 email: kwalters@kenwall.co.ck
Teariki Gallery – Portraits, murals, hand printed T-shirts, singlets and pareus. Phone: 20 059 Fax: 20 096
The Arts Studio - Contemporary Pacific art by Ian and Kay George including sculptures, hand painted clothing and silk. Open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm. Arorangi, Phone: 22 510 email: ikgeorge@oyster.net.ck
AVARUA TOWNSHIP
Rarotonga is the capital of the Cook Islands, and the main township on Rarotonga is Avarua. Avarua offers such essential services as the Post Office, banks (ANZ, Westpac, Western Union and the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI)), pharmacies, the Police Station (for your NZ$10 Cook Islands Driver’s License or your scooter license), supermarkets, Punanga Nui Market for local produce and crafts, a department store, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Please note there are There are four ATM money machines on Rarotonga. ANZ ATM machines are located outside the ANZ Bank in Avarua town and at Wigmore's Superstore (located approximately 3km east of The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, past the proposed Hilton Rarotonga hotel). Westpac has one ATM machine located outside its main branch in Avarua, as well as another located within the Oasis Energy 24-hour service station. Aitutaki also has an ATM machine on the island.
On Rarotonga, business hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, and Saturday from around 8am til 12noon. Please note that banks close at 3pm. Westpac is the only bank that opens on Saturday mornings from 9am to 12noon for teller services only. Supermarkets are open to 4pm on Saturdays, small local grocery stores keep longer hours, usually from around 7am to approx 9pm, the Six/Eleven stores around the island are open 6am to 11pm daily, and there are also two 24/7 hour stores (one in Nikao and one in Matavera). Saturday is market day at the Punanga Nui Market (beside Rarotonga Wharf) which is open from 6am to about 11.30am or so (but usually starts to wind down around 11am - we recommend you get there early!) The market offers a wide range of fresh local produce, cooked food & treats, drinking coconuts, arts, jewellery, carvings, handicrafts, T-shirts and pareus, and bands often perform live. Almost all facilities are closed on Sundays for religious observance, or operate on restricted hours; however the Treasure Chest and CITC gift shops at The Rarotongan are open throughout the weekend.
BABY COTS/CRIBS
To arrange a cot (crib) for your baby please contact Front Desk by pressing your phone icon or dialling “0”. This service is free of charge.
Travellers Tip! Coco Tots is a local baby equipment hireage service. You can arrive at The Rarotongan and your baby or toddler’s equipment requirements will be set up and ready to go. The wide range of equipment includes buggies ready to explore the beautiful bush and beaches or a walk through town, baby backpacks, highchairs, and baby carseats. For those rainy days in, or while mum and dad are relaxing with a good book, Coco Tots can provide toy baskets catering to different age groups. Contact Tamsyn Dearlove on phone 56 968 or website www.cocotots.com for a full range of available products or to make a booking.
BABYSITTING
To arrange babysitting please contact Front Desk (press your phone icon or dial “0”). This service costs NZ$12 per hour inclusive of Government Value Added Tax, and NZ$18 per hour after 11pm and for any extensions past the agreed babysitting finish time. A transportation allowance of NZ$5 per booking applies, and a meal allowance of NZ$14.80 applies to each 4 hour period completed. Due to the popularity of this service, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required. This service is available only to in-house guests, and is subject to the availability of babysitters. A maximum number of two children per babysitter applies.
BANKS
Full banking services are available at ANZ, Westpac and Bank of the Cook Islands in Avarua town, and your NZ$30 Departure Tax can also be prepaid at the Westpac Bank to avoid airport delays. There is also a Westpac Bank branch at the Airport, which opens for international flight arrivals and departures.
Western Union/Global Ex in Avarua provides foreign currency exchange and money transfer services.
There are four ATM money machines on Rarotonga. ANZ ATM machines are located outside the ANZ Bank in Avarua town and at Wigmore's Superstore (located approximately 3km east of The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa). Westpac has one ATM machine located outside its main branch in Avarua, as well as another located within the Oasis Energy 24-hour service station.
ANZ
Avarua Town Mon-Thur, 9am-3pm PH 21 750
Friday, 9am – 4pm
Westpac
Avarua Town Mon-Thur, 9am-3pm PH 22 014
Friday, 9am – 3pm
Sat, 9am-12noon
Bank of the Cook Islands Mon-Thur, 9am-3pm PH 29 341
Friday, 9am – 3pm
Western Union
Avarua Town Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm PH 29907
Sat, 8.30am – 12.30pm
Travellers Tip! Because there are only four cash point (ATM) machines in Rarotonga, always make sure you’ve got enough ready cash for making purchases where credit cards aren’t accepted, such as at the Punanga Nui Market stalls, small local stores, outer islands etc.
BAR
Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill is open daily from 11am until late with daily Cocktail Happy Hour service from 5pm – 6pm. Captain Andy’s offers an extensive selection of fine wines, international beers, liqueurs, spirits and a variety of teas and coffees. We are proud of our Cocktail & Mocktail Lists with a large selection of alcoholic and alcohol-free creations to tantalise your taste buds. For the youngsters we have their favourite fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes and soft drinks available. So join our friendly bar staff and your fellow guests and sit back and relax with a tropical cocktail or mocktail on the TE VAKA sundeck or terrace as the sun goes down – and the bar warms up! Phone Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill on 8021 for more information.
Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill also offers attractive monogrammed polos and tees ~ a great souvenir of your stay with us at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa!
BATH TOWELS
For additional bath towels please call Housekeeping on 8023, or after hours Front Desk on “0”. Please take care with cosmetics, banana and coconut as these can leave permanent stains on the towels.
BEACH TOWELS
Beach towels are available from the poolside Activities Hut for your use around the Resort pool and beach (we ask that you please not take them off the property). The hut is open daily 8am to 6pm, dial 8061. Please do not use your bath towel at the beach. All equipment borrowed is for a maximum of 2 hours use and must be returned to the Activities Hut by 5.45pm the same day. A fee of $5 per item will be charged to your room for late delivery, and $20 per towel for non-return.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
The Rarotongan offers players an international competition-standard court. The free Daily Activities Programme regularly offers fun, social beach volleyball games for all-comers and all standards of fitness. It’s a sport fast growing in popularity, and when you’ve had a go it’s easy to see why! Contact our friendly Activities team at the Hut on 8061.
BLACK PEARLS
There are a number of quality black pearl boutiques in Avarua town. One notable such merchant is the Beachcomber gallery which is located in a beautiful and painstakingly-restored coral and limestone building originally erected by the London Missionary Society as their Sunday School. Beachcomber offers an extensive selection of jewellery, carved black pearls, shell carvings, wood carvings, delicate blown glass pieces, finely woven hats and bags from Tongareva (Penrhyn), works by local painters and tivaevae quiltmakers. Phone 21 939. Beachcomber is a founding member of the Cook Islands Pearl Guild.
Travellers Tip! If you can afford it (and you like pearls!) do buy an exotic Cook Islands black pearl while on your holiday here, it will always be a treasured reminder of your time on Rarotonga.
Overall the quality, selection and cost of jewellery on Rarotonga is excellent, especially of gold jewellery. All stores that are members of the Cook Islands Pearl Guild will supply a certificate of authenticity with your newly- prized black pearl. Colour, lustre, size and regularity of shape determine the value of a Cook Islands black pearl; the bigger, rounder, more lustrous and with a variety of ‘lights’, the more expensive! Colours of genuine black pearls actually vary greatly, from pale golden pearls through to dark gold, pink-grays, peacock hues, right through to very deep, dark, mysterious orbs! Many of the pearl shops have a very informative brochure shwoing in detail the way a pearl is valued and the varieties available. Always remember though, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and if you like it, and it suits you, then yours is the last word!
BUSINESS CENTRE
Our Business Centre can assist with any typing, faxing, or photocopying services you may require during your stay with us here at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Services provided can be charged to your room account. The Business Centre is located opposite the Treasure Chest Gift Shop and is open Monday to Friday, 11am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. For assistance, please dial 8063.
There are two internet booths available for email and internet services 24 hours a day, located in the Resort Lobby. The charge is NZ$3 for 10 minutes, NZ$9 for ½ hour and NZ$18 per hour. Please ask at the Front Desk for assistance.
BUS
The Cooks Island Bus Company runs a circle-island bus service in both directions, timetable as follows:
The clockwise service:
- Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 4.30pm and 6.30pm to 11.30pm
- Sundays from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm (please note: clockwise service only on Sundays)
The anti-clockwise service:
- Monday to Friday between 8.50am and 4.50pm
- Saturday, from 8.50am to 12.50pm
A night-time clockwise bus service:
- Monday to Thursday 6.30pm to 11.30pm
- Friday 6.30pm to 10.30pm and 12.30am to 2.30am and
- Saturdays from 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Bus Fares & Passes:
- Adult fares are NZ$4 one-way, NZ$6 return
- Children 11 years, one way ticket NZ$2, return ticket NZ$3
- Day Pass, NZ$10 per person
- 10 Trip Pass, NZ$22 per adult, NZ$15 for 2 children
- Family Day Pass (2 adults & 2 children), NZ$25
