Rarotonga : Profile

Location

Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands and is where government resides. Circular and only 32 km in circumference, it is dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rain forests provide a dramatic backdrop to a palm-fringed shore.

The island is almost completely encircled by a reef, however there is no navigable lagoon, or free anchoring here.

A huge harbour realignment and dredging project is underway in Avatiu Harbour to straighten the east quay, and dredge the basin to 10m. Currently pile driving has commenced which is a little noisy. This new project has further restricted the space available for yachts and is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

A number of cruisers report that they are less than happy with the challenging conditions in Avatiu harbor currently - mainly due to crowding, traffic and noise coming from the harbor reconstruction.

Last updated August 2011.

Clearance

Fly the Q flag.

Clearance can be done at Avatiu, the commercial harbour. Contact Rarotonga Harbourmaster on VHF channel 16 for berthing instructions. If no contact, try Rarotonga Radio, also on channel 16.

Rarotonga Radio(ZKR) monitors 2182 KHz and 4125 MHz as well as Channel 16.

The harbourmaster's office is in the two-storied blue building adjacent to the harbour. He handles customs and immigration and generally the health and quarantine inspectors and will call by if you have the quarantine flag hoisted.

There is a fumigation and departure tax fee to pay.

Last updated April 2011.

Docking

See this excellent report Tips for Mooring in Avatiu Harbour for some very useful advice.

Be prepared to use the dinghy to take lines ashore when mooring up, but cruisers warn that the access ladder is now so damaged that it is dangerous to use.

Surge in Avatiu harbour may be a problem as it is quite exposed to the open ocean.

A height restriction is in place at the north end of the wharf as yacht masts obstruct aircraft taking off from the nearby airport.

The Harbourmaster is very accommodating but has many boats to take care of so expect some moving around during your stay. Email hbrmstr@oyster.net.ck. Harbour dues are charged on a daily rate.

Last updated June 2011.

Harbour Master
Ports Authority, PO Box 84, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tel:+682 28814, Fax:+682 21191
hrbrmstr@oyster.net.ck
Contact this office for Cook Islands maritime queries. They also sell charts for the Cook Islands.
The office is between Avatiu Harbour and the road, conveniently across from the Coconut Bar.

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