RARO MOUNTAIN SAFARI TOURS
Rarotonga’s flat, fertile coastal strip, where most of the people live, makes up only about one-fifth of the island. The rest is mostly rugged mountainous interior. On this 4-wheel drive safari tour, local guides and well-known characters including Sam “Uncle Sam” Crocombe take you off-the beaten-track along the island’s back roads, up inland valleys and up steep mountain tracks to gain incredible vistas out into the blue Pacific. The pace is gentle enough to spend time on learning about traditional sacred sites, local myths and legends, and native plants used for traditional medicine, for food, as building materials, for weapons, for costumes, and as sources of light in the days before electricity.
Morning and afternoon half-day tours operate Monday to Friday, and Sunday departing at 12noon. The 4WD Raro Mountain Safari takes about 3 ½ hours and includes a delicious fresh fish Beach BBQ Lunch. The tour costs NZ$60 per person, NZ$30 per child aged 6-12 years, children under 6 years are free. Cost includes lBBQ Lunch and return Resort transfers. Tours can be pre-arranged for Saturday morning for groups of 5 adults or more; lunch not provided on this tour. Adults cost $55pp & children $25pp.
The 4WD Raro Mountain Safari Tour can be booked through the Front Des, dial “0”, or on 23629, 50259 or 22627.
Email sambo@rarosafaristours.co.ck
Being exciting, informative and funny has made it Rarotonga’s most popular tour, an absolute must-do, don’t miss it!
RECEPTION
For your convenience we provide a 24-hour Reception service, dial “0”.
For any assistance or information you require during your stay, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Front Desk. We are pleased to help in any way we can. If you require further assistance, please ask at the Front Desk for the Duty Manager or Resort Manager.
REEF SUB
If you’re fascinated by tropical marine life you may want to go that bit further and head out on the island’s only semi-submersible Reef Sub, which has a series of viewing windows in its steel hull. If you’re not a diver then this is a great way to see undersea life beyond the reef, including a variety of fish, corals, sand rivers, drop offs, a shipwreck, and if you’re lucky, spotted eagle rays, schools of porcupine fish and maybe the odd green turtle! Plus you get a fantastic view of Rarotonga island and its majestic mountain peaks from out at sea. The Reef Sub cruise times are daily 10am, 12noon and 2pm (depending on sea conditions), and last about 1 ½ hours. The Reef Sub costs NZ$65 per adult, and NZ$35 per child (under 2yr olds free of charge). For bookings phone 25 837 or mobile 55 138.
REEF WALKING
You’ll need a pair of reef shoes or a sturdy old pair of running shoes or sneakers for walking on the reef. The coral is very sharp and coral cuts are notorious for getting infected. If you haven’t brought your own you can borrow a pair of reef shoes from the Activities Hut. Among the things you may see are the yellowish or greenish Slate-Spined Sea Urchins, so-called because today’s island grandmothers and grandfathers used to write their school lessons on slates using the spines of these sea urchins as ‘chalk’! Octopus also often burrow into their lairs along the reef. Please remember at all times never to walk on living coral, and to respect the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve by not touching, disturbing or catching any living or dead marine life, corals, shells, reef fish, etc. The Raui Golden Rule is ‘Look but Don’t Touch’. Please call the Activities Hut on 8061 for further information.
RENTAL CARS & TOUR BOOKINGS
For information and bookings for rental cars, island adventures, tours and attractions, please ask at the Front Desk, or dial ‘0’. Guests must be 21 years or over and hold a current Cook Islands Drivers Licence in order to rent a car or motorcycle. To obtain your Cook Islands Drivers Licence for a car or motorbike, please present your current Drivers Licence plus your NZ$10 fee at the Police Station in central Avarua. If you need to sit a test for your motorbike licence, there is an additional fee of NZ$6. The Police Station Drivers Licensing desk is open from Monday to Friday, 8.30am-3pm, and Saturday, 8.30am-2.30pm. The Police Station is open 24hours for emergency services.
Please note that the Resort has designated parking areas for your convenience, including a signposted Motorcycle Parking area for motorbikes and bicycles, and car parking across the Circle Island Road from the Resort. Vehicles are prohibited to be driven on and around the resort grounds and rooms, or parked in or beside the porte cochere in front of the Lobby.
Travellers Tip! If you are unfamiliar with our roads, or are unused to driving motorcycles, we strongly recommend you travel in the greater safety of a car, convertible or sporty 4WD instead. Our island roads present unpredictable hazards without discrimination to locals and visitors alike – hazards such as chickens, dogs, pigs, cows, bulls, goats, horses, sharp corners, gravel, potholes, narrow roads with no footpaths, pedestrians, joggers, wandering toddlers, slow moving tractors or earth-moving equipment, and distracted motorists. Inexperienced motorcyclists are at special risk of grazes and scrapes from motorcycle mishaps – often called the “Honda Rash” by locals - and someone who is seen to have a “Rarotonga tattoo” on their calf, has in fact had a hot and painful encounter with a motorcycle exhaust pipe. However if you feel that the freedom and romance of a ride around the island on a motorcycle is for you, we strongly advise that you also hire a helmet – and by doing so, act as a great role-model to locals many of whom are slack about helmets. If you are responsible for a child’s life, do as you would at home; use a child’s safety car seat (bring your own if you can). For further information on vehicle hire please dial our Front Desk on extension “0”.
RESORT SITE INSPECTION
Planning your return stay at The Rarotongan? Wanting to recommend accommodation options at The Rarotongan to family or friends? Thinking about upgrading to a beachfront location or a self-contained suite? Or just curious? The Rarotongan offers regular Resort Site Inspections at 2pm Monday to Friday which you are welcome to join. Feel free to meet one of our friendly Sales or Front Office team members for a site inspection of our room categories (subject to room availability). Please call Front Desk on “0” for further information.
RESTAURANT, CAFÉ, BAR & ENTERTAINMENT
The Rarotongan offers a variety of dining experiences with an extensive selection of a la carte dining, dinner specials and buffet dinner shows. The Resort restaurants are open daily 7am to 9pm. We strongly recommend you make dinner reservations in advance, dial 8020.
Sampling the delights of the tropics is a must during any holiday in the South Pacific. Whether it be fresh seafood, tropical fruits or deliciously prepared traditional dishes, guests of The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa can try a wide array of exciting cuisine. You can select to eat or drink in a variety of locations to match your mood. The expansive verandah overlooking Aroa Lagoon (the Lagoon of Love) is perfect for a sunset cocktail or dinner under the stars. The TE VAKA Restaurant plays host to such buffet dinner shows as the electrifying ‘Legends of Polynesia’ Island Nights, and tropical buffet and a la carte breakfasts are enjoyed here too. Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill is just right for a café latte, flat white or drink anytime, for a casual lunch, snack or light meal, and for a relaxed a la carte dinner overlooking the pool. Captain Andy’s is open daily from 11am till late, with our daily Cocktail Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm.
Dinner Specials, All-Day Menu, Kids Menu, Room Service
As well as an extensive selection of a la carte menus including wines, beers, spirits, cocktails & mocktails, we also offer our popular Dinner Specials each evening at Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill, for which our chefs select the freshest seasonal produce from the gardens of Rarotonga to tempt your palate. To add to your enjoyment we also offer Room Service (available from 11am to 9pm daily, NZ$7 per room delivery), our attractive All-Day Menu (from 11am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday), a special Sunday Brunch & Dinner Menu and an appealing Kids ‘Gone Troppo!’ Menu (from 11am to 9pm).
If you have special dietary requirements, please do not hesitate to speak to the Restaurant Manager or Duty Manager. The Resort’s talented team of Chefs would be pleased to do all possible to oblige.
Please ensure you sign your account with the Restaurant or Bar staff or Cashier each time you dine.
Festive or Formal Gatherings
The Rarotongan offers a comprehensive range of on-site facilities and services that can be tailored to ensure the success of your festive or formal gathering, whether it be a cocktail party for 10, or a celebratory dinner for 100. Our Groups Manager would be delighted to help turn your plans into reality, please dial 8012.
Breakfast
A Tropical Breakfast Buffet (Continental Breakfast) of a variety of seasonal island fruits, homemade yoghurt, fresh-baked muffins, Danish pastries, croissants, toast, spreads, tropical juices, tea & coffee, is served for your enjoyment in the Restaurant from 7am to 10am daily. You can also select from a variety of cooked and light breakfast options from the Breakfast Menu.
Snacks & Lights Meals
Our All-Day Menu is available at Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill, Monday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm, offering a variety of snacks and light meals, as well as lunch, dinner and dessert selections.
Lunch
Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill offers lunches from our All-Day Menu or Sunday Brunch Menu from 12noon to 2.30pm.
Family Dine Time
Bring the kids down for dinner between 5pm and 6pm and get a free ice cream for the kids!
Dinner
Our Dinner Specials Menu changes nightly and offers you a selection of tempting seasonal dishes and classic favourites from 6pm to 9pm, served at Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill or in TE VAKA Restaurant.
RESTAURANT THEME NIGHTS
The Rarotongan offers you a variety of theme nights throughout the week complete with such varied, quality live entertainment as the riveting Orama and E Matike Dance Troupes, Rangi Henry and his cool Pacific sounds, energetic Fire Dancers, contemporary Pacific performers Rama Nui, solo guitarist Tok, or Andre Tapena’s lounge sounds. Or make your own fun on Karaoke Night! Buffet dinner is served from 6.30pm except for the ‘Legends of Polynesia’ Island Night Buffets (Wednesday and Saturday), which are served from 7pm. Please note the TE VAKA Restaurant and Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill are non-smoking. To reserve your table please dial the Restaurant on 8020.
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS AROUND RAROTONGA
Rarotonga is also host to an exciting array of restaurants located around the island. The range of cuisine varies from Italian, Indian and Japanese to seafood and everything in between. Each restaurant offers its own individual ambience perfect for relaxing at the end of another day in Paradise. Some of the restaurants and cafes around the island include:
Alberto’s Steak House PH: 23 597
Aramoana Fish N Chips PH: 21 250
Blue Note Café PH: 23 236
Café Maori PH: 20 012
Café Salsa PH: 22 215
FBI (Fish Bites Incorporated) PH: 21 171
Flame Tree Restaurant PH: 25 123
Fruits of Rarotonga PH: 21 509
Japanese Sushi Restaurant PH: 25 045
Kaena Restaurant PH: 25 433
Kikau Hut Restaurant PH: 26 860
Lime Café PH: 27 632
Mac’s Café PH: 22 778
Maire Nui Gardens & Café PH: 22 796
Portofino PH: 26 480
Raviz Indian Cuisine PH: 22 289
Sails Restaurant & Bar PH: 27 349
Saltwater Café PH: 20 020
Staircase Restaurant & Bar PH: 21 254
Stefano’s Italian Cuisine (That’s Pasta) PH: 22 232
Tamarind House PH: 26 487
The Café PH: 21 283
Trader Jack’s Bar & Restaurant PH: 26 464
Tumunu Bar & Restaurant PH: 20 501
Vaima Restaurant & Bar PH: 26 123
Waterline Beach Bar & Grill PH: 22 161
Whatever! Bar & Grill PH: 22 299
Windjammer Restaurant PH: 23 950
ROOM SERVICE
For your added convenience and enjoyment Room Service is available daily from 11am to 9pm. A Mini Bar & Room Service Menu has been provided in your guest room. A charge of NZ$7.00 per room delivery applies. Please dial 8020 to place your order.
ROOM UPGRADES
During your stay you may wish to upgrade to a higher guestroom or suite category for an additional fee. We would be delighted to arrange this for you subject to room availability. Our guestroom and suite categories are: Two Bedroom Beachside Suite (self contained, accepts up to 4 adults or 2 adults + 4 children), Honeymoon Bungalow, Grand Beachfront Suite (self-contained, accepts up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 4 children), Honeymoon Bungalow, Deluxe Beachfront Suite, Beachfront Suite (new), Beachfront Room, Deluxe Beachside Suite, and Garden Room. All our guestrooms and suites offer: private verandah, individual air-conditioning, California super king bed (or twin beds), cable TV, in-house movies, DVD player, alarm clock radio / CD player, IDD phone with dataport, voicemail and auto wake-up, in-room safe, filtered & UV purified water on tap, mini fridge, coffee/tea making, shower, hairdryer, insect screen, fan, iron & board, daily housemaid service and room service. The Deluxe Beachside Suites, Deluxe Beachfront Suites and Grand Beachfront Suites all also offer a spa bath and an open-air shower. The Two-Bedroom Beachside Suite of course has the second bedroom, a spa bath and a separate full kitchen and lounge area, ideal for families or friends.
Please contact the Guest Services Team on 8055 or Front Desk on “0” for further information.
