Emergency Numbers and Essential Contacts for Your Rarotonga Trip.

Sarah Steiner

12 months ago

Rarotonga is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. But even in paradise, it’s wise to have a plan for an emergency. If you need an ambulance or the police in Rarotonga, tourists can dial 999 for Cook Islands General Emergency Services. For other, less urgent numbers, please read on and have your notebook handy.

Whether it’s a medical issue, a lost passport, or a simple question about a prescription, knowing who to call can save you time and stress. It’s worthwhile being prepared for your visit to Rarotonga in case of an emergency.

No one plans for accidents, but having the right information at hand is extremely handy at time-critical emergencies. This guide provides a quick reference to the most important emergency numbers and contacts on the island.

Hey! We are Away with the Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga?

Is Rarotonga Safe?

Rarotonga is widely considered a very safe destination for travellers. You’ll find the vast majority of people to be friendly and welcoming with your chances of encountering an incident of violent crime extremely rare.

Government travel advisories, including those from the U.S. and New Zealand, typically recommend exercising normal safety precautions, similar to what you would in your home country.

As with in any travel destination, it’s wise to secure your valuables. Petty crime, such as theft from unlocked scooters, cars, or accommodation, does occur occasionally. But violent crime is rare.

Beyond crime, the main safety considerations are related to the natural environment. Be cautious with swimming, as rip currents and strong tides can be present in lagoons and channels. It’s also essential to be aware of the weather, particularly during cyclone season from November to April, and to use insect repellent to guard against mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue Fever.

With a little care and perspective though, these won’t case you many problems.

Read about Dengue Fever in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

Rarotonga Hospital in Nikao, Avarua. — Rarotonga Hospital.

Emergency Services in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

For Any Emergency Call: 999
Visit the Cook Islands Ministry of Health (Te Marae Ora) website for a full registry of Community Health Clinics and locations across the Cook Islands.

For any immediate, life-threatening emergency on Rarotonga, the system is designed to be simple and easy to remember.

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, and Ambulance): Dial 999. 
This is the central emergency number for the Cook Islands and will connect you to the appropriate service for a medical emergency, a fire, or a police matter. It’s the single most important number to have committed to memory.

MEDICAL SERVICES: When You Need a Doctor in Rarotonga

For medical needs that are urgent but not life-threatening, you have a few options. The main Rarotonga Hospital (Nikao) and Outpatient Clinic (Tupapa) are your best bets.

Rarotonga Hospital: The main hospital is located in Nikao, near the airport and Blackrock. The direct phone number for the hospital is (+682) 22 664. The hospital is open 24/7 and is where you should go for any serious medical incident that requires immediate attention. It also provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, general medicine, and surgery.

Tupapa Outpatient Clinic: For non-urgent health issues, the Tupapa Outpatient Clinic is an excellent resource. When on Rarotonga, visitors are encouraged to visit the Tupapa Outpatient for any medical assistance. Contact the Outpatient on: +682 22664.

There are also general practitioner services in Rarotonga (Avarua):

Private GP Services: Rarotonga Medical Centre offers general practitioner and dental services. They can be reached at (+682) 23 229. Their operating hours are typically Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

PHARMACY INFORMATION: Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Needs in Rarotonga

If you need to fill a prescription or simply grab some over-the-counter medication, there are several pharmacies on the island. The main ones are CITC Pharmacy located in Avarua and the Hospital Pharmacy:

CITC Pharmacy: This is one of the most well-known pharmacies in Rarotonga, located in the Avarua Shopping Centre. They can be reached at (+682) 29 292. It’s an essential stop for a variety of health and wellness products and is open most days, including Saturdays.

Hospital Pharmacy: The hospital also has its own pharmacy, which dispenses medicines, especially those related to hospital care.

Cook Islands Pharmacy: Another option is the Cook Islands Pharmacy, located in Muri. Their hours can be more limited, so it’s best to check in advance.

Pharmacies in Rarotonga

Cook Islands Pharmacy (Avarua, Rarotonga +682 27577)
Cook Islands Pharmacy (Muri, Rarotonga +682 27577)
CITC Pharmacy (Avarua, Rarotonga, +682 29292 or +682 54144)
Hospital Pharmacy (Tupapa, Rarotonga, +682 20097).

CITC Pharmacy in Avarua Shopping Centre.

CONSULAR ASSISTANCE: Your High Commission in Rarotonga

If you are a citizen of a country that has a High Commission in the Cook Islands, they are your first point of contact for consular assistance, such as a lost passport, emergency travel arrangements, or other issues.

New Zealand High Commission: Located in Avarua, the New Zealand High Commission can be reached at (+682) 22 201. They provide a range of consular services for New Zealand citizens and often assist citizens from other Commonwealth countries.

Australian High Commission: For Australian citizens, the Australian High Commission in Avarua can be reached at (+682) 22 223.

Before you travel, it’s always a good idea to register your travel plans with your home country’s diplomatic mission. This makes it easier for them to assist you in an emergency.

Remember, while a quick call can often sort things out, having comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is the best way to prepare for any eventuality.

Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration:

Location: Head Office in Avarua, Rarotonga.
Contact: +682 29 345
Email: secfa@cookislands.gov.ck, immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – Emergency Contacts in Rarotonga

Should I purchase medical insurance before travelling to the Cook Islands?

Yes. Visitors must meet their own medical costs during their time in the Cook Islands, including medical evacuation to New Zealand if specialist care is required. We recommend visitors take out health insurance to cover unexpected costs.

World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!

More about Travel Planning for Cook Islands and Beyond

These are the companies we use and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.

Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. Easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for.
Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!