Guest Guide & FAQs

Rarotonga is on the other side of the International Date Line — one full day behind New Zealand and Australia. If it’s Friday morning in NZ, it’s still Thursday here. Double-check dates for flights, accommodation, and tours using Cook Islands time.

No — we’re a peaceful inland retreat away from beach crowds and traffic. You’ll enjoy quiet gardens, a saltwater pool, and spa pools, with beaches and attractions only minutes away by car.

Book direct on our website for our Best Rate Guarantee and membership in the Kia Orana Villas Club (no cost) with exclusive perks. Breakfast savings available when you select the “Villa with tropical breakfast” rate.

• 30+ days before arrival: cancel for any reason — refund of amounts paid to us.
• Within 30 days: no refund; please claim on travel insurance.

Most visitors receive a visitor's visa or permit on arrival — no advance application required.

New Zealand passport holders are granted 90 days on arrival (visitor permit). Extensions are possible if you apply.

Australian and most other passport holders are granted 31 days on arrival (visitor visa). You can apply to extend your stay.

For full eligibility details, current rules, and information on extensions or longer stays, please check the official guidance from Immigration Cook Islands.

• Passport — valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from the Cook Islands.
• Onward or return ticket — proof of a valid outbound ticket to your port of origin.
• Accommodation confirmation — printed or digital copy of your booking with us.
• Sufficient funds — evidence that you have enough to support yourself for your stay.
• Travel insurance — strongly recommended, particularly to cover the cancellation window inside 30 days of arrival.

Direct flights to Rarotonga (RAR) are operated by several carriers. Routes and frequencies shift seasonally — always check the airline site for the latest.

Air New Zealand — Auckland ⇄ Rarotonga (daily most of the year). Easy connections via AKL from the rest of New Zealand and internationally. Higher fare types often include a checked bag.
Book Air New Zealand

Jetstar — Sydney ⇄ Rarotonga (several times weekly, with seasonal adjustments). Low-cost fares; add bags and meals as needed. Watch for sales.
Book Jetstar

Hawaiian Airlines — Honolulu ⇄ Rarotonga (usually 1× weekly; check dates). Good for US West Coast travellers connecting via HNL. Limited frequencies — book early.
Book Hawaiian

Air Rarotonga & Air Tahiti — Tahiti (Papeete) ⇄ Rarotonga (2–4× weekly depending on season). Best for French Polynesia or long-haul connections via PPT (including Air Tahiti Nui).
Book Air Rarotonga · Book Air Tahiti

We don't operate our own airport pickups, but we'll happily book a taxi for you with our preferred local operator — you pay the driver directly.

Or you can contact Atupa Taxis directly:

• +682 25517
• +682 58252

The Rarotonga airport is just 4 minutes from our property, so transfer time is short. Let us know your flight details ahead of time and we'll have a taxi waiting.

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed public holidays). Need help outside these hours? Please reach out — we’ll do our best to assist.

Please help us conserve energy: turn off lights and air-conditioning when not needed. Towels on rails = reuse; in the laundry basket = wash. Bed linen is changed every 4 days. We use only environmentally friendly products and do not bleach sheets or towels.

Use your villa’s lockbox when stepping out so keys don’t go missing. Each villa has a security gate with coded keypad for peace of mind. For eco reasons, inserting the key powers the air-conditioning and switches it off when you leave.

Each villa has one numbered parking space. Additional vehicles and visitors can park on Ariki Road near our back entrance.

We’re a tranquil retreat. If you’re celebrating, wonderful — please keep noise respectful so everyone can relax, especially 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.

Please observe the posted pool rules and supervise children at all times. Pool and spa pools are open for quiet enjoyment.

All villas, decks, and grounds are non-smoking and non-vaping. Designated areas are outside our entrances on Ariki Road. Thank you for keeping our environment fresh.

Please keep indoor furniture indoors; enjoy the rattan furniture on the decks. This preserves comfort and presentation for all guests.

• Check-in: after 2:00 p.m. (up to 2 hours earlier may be possible if available — please ask)
• Check-out: before 10:00 a.m. (late checkout up to 2 hours may be possible with prior arrangement)

Please share flight details with our GM, Sane Cowan, in advance so we can make your transition smooth.

• Coffee/Tea: complimentary tea bags, ground coffee, and 250ml milk on arrival
• Cooking: full kitchen, plus a Weber BBQ on the deck
• Electric current: 230V (check appliance compatibility)
• Emergency lighting: torches in villas; much outdoor lighting is solar
• Fire safety: smoke detectors in every villa; in an alarm, evacuate and call 999
• Hair dryers in each villa
• Housekeeping: daily (except Sundays & public holidays); linen every 3 days; extra cleaning $20/hour
• Iron & ironing board included
• Laundry: in-villa washer, dryer, and detergent
• Villa protection: double glazing and insect screens help with mosquitoes and harmless local insects

• Softer bed: latex topper available on request
• Two-bedroom villas: in specific villas, two king singles can be joined to make a king
• Garden Villa: fixed four-poster double; optional foldaway bed for a guest under 80 kg

Tropical continental breakfast is available Mon–Sat, 8:30–10:00 a.m. by pre-booking. Direct bookers can access special rates. See our Café page or email gm@kiaoranavillas.com.

We accept Visa/MasterCard for accommodation (3% surcharge), or direct credit to our bank accounts. We do not keep cash on site.

For ideas and bookings, visit our Experiences page. We can then help you lock in the tours, activities, and restaurants you want so you don’t miss out.

We offer road bikes for rent. Mountain bikes are available from Ride Rarotonga at +682 2 RIDE (27433).

Snowbird Laundry & Dry Cleaners offers one-day service with pickup/delivery on request (Arorangi: 20-952; Avarua: 21-952).

Free Starlink internet for in-house guests in all villas.

Our water is filtered and mostly collected from rooftops. We recommend boiling before drinking. Complimentary commercially filtered water is available at our Café.

• Emergency: 999
• NEOC: 22 261
• Emergency Management Cook Islands: 29609 or 54005
• Hospital: 22 664
• Rescue Fire Services: 25 890 or 55893

Evacuation: assemble in the rear car park. Tsunami warning: proceed up Ariki Road to high ground. Cyclones: nearby centres include Nikao Hall (20 318) and Tereora College (23 820). Ensure everyone has food, water, and warm clothing for at least 24 hours.

Tsunami: If sirens sound, evacuate immediately to higher ground (Ariki Road). Don’t go to the beach. Stay until authorities give the all-clear.

Earthquake: Stay calm, move away from glass, take cover under sturdy furniture or in a doorway. Outside: move away from buildings and lines. Follow staff and official instructions.

Vehicles often sell out in peak periods. We recommend booking early with Polynesian Rentals. We’re happy to help.

Cook Islands Bus runs clockwise/anti-clockwise loops around the island. Taxis are available — we recommend Atupa Taxis. Ask us for current timetables.

Currency is NZD. ATMs are in Avarua and at various island locations. We accept Visa/MasterCard (3% surcharge). Direct credit available for accommodation.

Vodafone Cook Islands provides SIMs and data packs. International calling codes and assistance services are available — ask at Reception for the latest info.

Dress is informal, but beachwear stays at the beach. Evenings (May–Sep) can be cool — bring light layers. Nudity and topless sunbathing are illegal.

• Wear reef shoes; avoid walking on coral.
• Avoid channels with strong currents; follow local signage.
• Do not catch/eat reef fish due to ciguatera risk.
• If stung or injured (e.g., stonefish), seek medical attention immediately.