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Rarotonga Island (Avarua, Cook Islands NZ)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Rating:
Rarotonga Island cruise port

Region
Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time
2024-11-04 12:01

min: 68 °F (20 °C) / max: 75 °F (25 °C) 69°F
20.4°C
Wind: 79°/ 1.8 m/s Gust: 1.9 m/sWind: 79°/ 1.8 m/s Gust: 1.9 m/sLight breeze
1.8 m/s
Min / Max Temperature75 °F / 25 °C
68 °F / 21 °C
  Port Map

Port Rarotonga Island cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Rarotonga Island, Avarua, Cook Islands NZ. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
16 May, 2025
Friday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Sun07:0017:00
28 May, 2025
Wednesday
Ponant Cruises Cruises cruise linePaul Gauguin07:0017:00

Rarotonga Island is Cook Islands most populous (population around 11,000), with total area approx 67 km2 (26 mi2). The island was first discovered by Captain John Dibbs (Endeavour shiP) in August 1823.

Cook Islands' international airport and Parliament buildings are on Rarotonga. The island is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and plenty of resorts and hotels. Island's main town (Avarua) is on the north coast, and is also the capital city of Cook Islands.

Most of the island is fringed with palm-studded beaches. A cross-island walk connects Avatiu valley with the south coast, passing Te Rua Manga (needle-shaped rock). Hiking tours are organized to Raemaru (flat-top mountain). Other popular attractions on the track include Papua Falls (Wigmore Falls) and Arai te Tonga (ancient sacred place).

Island activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, bike riding, hiking, boat tours, deep-sea fishing, scenic flight tours, dancing, restaurants, live shows, playing tennis and squash, mopeds. The pace of life is relaxed. At night, people gather by the sea wall skirting the end of airport's runway.

Rarotonga Island cruise terminal

There are 3 harbours, Avarua, Avana and Avatiu, of which only the last is of any commercial significance. It serves a fleet of fishing and inter-island vessels. Cargo ships call regularly from New Zealand. Large cruise liners have to anchor off shore.

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