Rarotonga is a paradise of sun-kissed beaches, lush tropical jungles, and beautiful beaches and lagoons. But beyond the natural beauty lies a vibrant, functioning community with all the essential services you need for a comfortable and stress-free holiday.
And trust us on that one – we live here! This is our second time living in Rarotonga as a family and we feel incredibly lucky to call the Cook Islands, HOME.
While arriving on holiday, it might at first feel like you’ve stepped back in time, Rarotonga is surprisingly well-equipped to cater to visitors. Knowing where to find the basics—from a pharmacy to a petrol station—will help you settle in and make the most of your time in this beautiful corner of the Pacific.
So, whether you’re looking to stock up on groceries for your self-catered accommodation, grab cash from an ATM, or stay connected with friends and family back home. This guide will help you navigate the practical side of island life.
- Information Centres
- Pharmacies in Rarotonga
- Medical Services in Rarotonga
- Banks and ATMs
- Fuel Stations in Rarotonga
- Supermarkets in Rarotonga
- Communication and SIM Cards
Information Centres
Your first point of call for any questions about the island should be the Cook Islands Tourism Information Centre. Located in Avarua, the main town, this is your hub for everything from maps and brochures to booking tours and getting local advice.
The friendly staff can provide invaluable insights into the best things to see and do, help you plan your itinerary, and point you in the right direction for local services.
Pharmacies and Medical Care – Essential Services in Rarotonga
While you hope not to need it, it’s comforting to know that medical services are available on the island.
For minor ailments, light medication, and toiletries, you can often find what you need at the main supermarkets. However, for a wider range of health supplies and prescription medications, Rarotonga has several dedicated pharmacies.
Pharmacies in Rarotonga
- Cook Islands Pharmacy, Avarua
- Cook Islands Pharmacy, Muri
- CITC Pharmacy, Avarua
- Hospital Pharmacy, Tupapa Clinic
Medical – Essential Services in Rarotonga
The main Rarotonga Hospital and Tupapa Clinic can handle more serious medical needs, and there are also private clinics available.
- 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.
Dental Care – Essential Services in Rarotonga
Rarotonga offers reliable dental services for both residents and visitors. There are three main dental clinics on Rarotonga.
Dental Services in Rarotonga
- Dr. Philip Nicholas
- Tupapa Outpatient Oral Care
- Rarotonga Medical Centre Dental
Dr. Philip Nicholas, a New Zealand-trained and NZDA registered dentist, provides professional general dentistry from his practice on Nikao Back Road. His clinic welcomes tourists for routine care and emergency appointments. (This is where we go to the dentist, living in Rarotonga!).
In addition to private practice, the Rarotonga Medical Centre in Avarua has recently expanded its services to include a full dental clinic. This facility offers a range of treatments from check-ups and fillings to more advanced procedures like orthodontics and bridges.
Or for those seeking publicly funded care, the Tupapa Outpatient Clinic is a key part of the Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health network, providing services primarily for the local community, with emergency options available for those in need.
Banks and ATMs – Essential Services in Rarotonga
Banking on Rarotonga is straightforward, with the main banks being ANZ, Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) and Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI):
These banks have branches and ATMs primarily located in Avarua. Though there are ATMs dotted around the island – usually in the convenience stores, at the airport arrivals area and beside the shops in Muri.
It’s a good idea to withdraw cash from an ATM when you see one. As while many businesses now accept card payments, smaller shops, market stalls, and some tour operators may be cash-only. Having a mix of both cash and card is the best strategy for getting around the island.
ATMs in Rarotonga
- Rarotonga Airport, Nikao
- CITC Oasis, Nikao
- Punanga Nui Market, Avarua
- CITC Supermarket, Avarua
- Edgewater Resort & Spa, Arorangi
- Aroa Nui Hall, Arorangi
- Wigmore’s Superstore, Vaimaanga
- KAPS Matavera, Matavera
- Super Brown, Tupapa
- TEMs Store, Muri
Fuel Stations – Essential Services in Rarotonga
Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres around. But you’ll still need to keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you’re exploring the more remote areas.
Petrol stations are conveniently located along the main road (Ara Tapu) in key spots like Nikao, Arorangi, and Matavera. These stations are generally open during regular business hours. But it’s always wise to fill up before a long drive or at the end of the day, as hours can be shorter, especially on weekends.
Fuel Stations in Rarotonga
- Triad Tutakimoa Petrol Station, Avarua
- Pandanus Petrol, Avarua
- Maraerenga Petrol, Avarua
- Toa Petroleum Avarua, Nikao
- CITC Oasis, Nikao
- Super Brown Nikao, Nikao
- Blackrock Petrol, Nikao
- Wigmore’s Superstore, Vaimaanga
- Muri Gas Station, Muri
- KAPS Matavera, Matavera
- Super Brown Tupapa, Tupapa
Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
Shopping for groceries is an easy task on Rarotonga, with a good mix of large supermarkets and smaller convenience stores.
The two main supermarkets, CITC and Wigmore’s Superstore, are where you’ll find the widest range of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and a variety of imported goods. Though there are other supermarkets in Rarotonga that stock fresh and imported foods.
CITC has several locations, including a large complex in Avarua that also houses a liquor store next door. The CITC chain also has medium sized supermarkets in Nikao, Titikaveka and Matavera.
For quick top-ups and everyday items, convenience stores are dotted all around the island. These smaller shops are perfect for grabbing a cold drink, a snack, or a few basic supplies.
Remember that many shops, especially the smaller ones, have limited opening hours on Sundays. It’s a good practice to plan your grocery shopping accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Supermarkets in Rarotonga
- CITC, Avatiu
- Wigmores Supermarket, Vaimaanga
- Foodlands, Avarua
- Prime Foods, Avarua
- CITC Patai Store, Titikaveka
Convenience Stores in Rarotonga
- Super Brown, Tupapa
- CITC KAPS Store, Matavera
- CITC Kavera Store, Kavera
- Super Brown, Nikao
- Oasis, Nikao
Liquor Stores in Rarotonga
- The Bond Liquor Store, Avarua
- CITC Liquor Centre, Avarua
Liquor is also available at the duty-free stores at Rarotonga Airport.
Staying Connected
Staying in touch is easy thanks to Vodafone, the sole mobile network provider on the island. You can purchase a local SIM card and a data pack from one of the Vodafone stores upon arrival or at the airport.
There are main outlets in Avarua and at the airport. This is often a more affordable way to make local calls and access the internet than relying on Wi-Fi from your accommodation, which can sometimes be slow or costly.
Vodafone Offices in Rarotonga
- Vodafone Parekura Head Office, Avarua
- Vodafone at the CITC Shopping Centre, Avarua
- Vodafone Rarotonga Airport, Nikao
- Vodafone Punanga Nui Market, Avarua
Post Offices – Essential Services in Rarotonga
If you want to send a postcard home or mail a souvenir, the Rarotonga Post Office is located in Avarua. This is where you can buy stamps and send parcels.
It’s a great way to send a personal memento to friends and family, with beautiful Cook Islands stamps that make a perfect keepsake.
Other courier services in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands include:
- DHL Express, Rarotonga Airport
- FedEx, Rarotonga Freight Services Ltd, Rarotonga Airport
A Final Note
While Rarotonga offers all the modern conveniences you need, it operates at its own pace. Shops may close earlier than you’re used to, and some services may not be available on a Sunday.
Embracing this slower, more relaxed rhythm is part of the magic of a tropical island holiday. By keeping this guide in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the practicalities of your trip and focus on what really matters: soaking up the sun, exploring the stunning scenery, and making unforgettable memories.
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- 10 Foods To Try In Rarotonga.
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Hiring A Scooter In Rarotonga.
- Renting A Car In Rarotonga.
- How To Buy A Car In Rarotonga.
- Finding And Renting A House In Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
- Is Dengue Fever A Worry For Travel To Rarotonga?
- Transport And Getting Around 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!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
