How to Get Internet & WiFi in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

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Cook Islands Vodafone Hotspots and How to Use Them

As Vodafone Cook Islands has a monopoly on phone and internet networks in the Cook Islands, the only public WiFi hotspots available are through them. Luckily, their WiFi hotspot network is extensive across Rarotonga and Aitutaki, where most people visit in the Cook Islands.

How Much Does a WiFi Cost in the Cook Islands?

Standard rates for a WiFi pass for Vodafone’s WiFi hotspots are as follows (note that prices are subject to change):

• NZ$10: 2.5 GB for 7 days
• NZ$20: 5 GB for 10 days
• NZ$30: 7.5 GB for 14 days
• NZ$50: 13 GB for 20 days.

See how these prices compare to using data through a Cook Islands SIM card in The Best SIM Card in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for Travellers.

Bear in mind that Vodafone Cook Islands often has a “Promo Pass” for their WiFi hotspot passes, so be sure to ask when purchasing your voucher if there are any Promo Passes on at the moment. For example, our Cook Islands Pocket Guide research team used a Promo Pass of NZ$10 for 15 GB over 6 days during their last visit.

How to Get a Vodafone WiFi Hotspot Voucher in the Cook Islands?

Vodafone WiFi vouchers are incredibly easy to obtain and can be purchased at most supermarkets and convenience stores around Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with many accommodations also serving as resellers.

Simply visit a Vodafone outlet or reseller (they are easily identifiable by their red “Recharge Here” or “WiFi Hotspot” signs outside) and ask to purchase a Vodafone WiFi voucher. Select the pass you want (do not forget to ask about Promo Passes) and pay the appropriate fee.

You will be given a voucher printout that provides instructions on how to get connected. Launch your browser and insert the username and password given on your voucher into the Vodafone WiFi access login page. Note that it is normal for it to take several attempts to work; the website is somewhat buggy, and some WiFi hotspots can experience connection issues. Yay, Vodafone.

Vodafone WiFi hotspot vouchers can also be purchased online at vodafone.co.ck/prepay-internet or on the My Vodafone app. The latter of which is compatible with local SIM cards (see The Best SIM Card in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for Travellers).

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Where to Buy a WiFi Voucher on Rarotonga

Vodafone WiFi hotspot vouchers can be purchased from the following locations on Rarotonga, as well as at the Vodafone outlets. Note that resellers are not limited to the ones listed below.

Vodafone Outlets on Rarotonga:

Vodafone outlets are typically open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm. The outlets that most visitors will use are:

• Vodafone head office: Parekura, Avarua, Rarotonga
• Office at the CITC Shopping Centre, Avarua, Rarotonga
• Outside of the arrivals area of Rarotonga International Airport (only open for arrival flights)
• Punanga Nui Market, Avarua, Rarotonga (Saturday morning).

Rarotonga Supermarkets and Convenience Stores with WiFi Vouchers:

• CITC Foodland, Avarua
• CITC Supermarket, Avarua
• The Convenience Store, Avarua
• Super Brown, Tupapa
• KS Enterprise Store, Matavera
• Kia Orana Store, Ngatangiia
• The Convenience Store, Muri
• CITC Kavera Central, Arurangi
• Blackrock Store, Arorangi
• Woo Store, Titikaveka & Arorangi.

Rarotonga Petrol Stations with WiFi Vouchers:

• Super Brown, Nikao
• Triad Panama Petrol Station, Airport
• Pandanus Petrol, Avarua
• CITC Oasis, Airport.

Rarotonga Restaurants and Cafes with WiFi Vouchers:

• Tamarind House Restaurant & Bar, Tupapa
• Raro Fried Chicken, Avarua
• La Casita Cafe, Muri
• RSC Restaurant, Muri
• Vaima Restaurant, Nikao.

Rarotonga Accommodations with WiFi Vouchers:

• KiiKii Inn & Suites, Tupapa
• Ikurangi Eco Retreat, Matavera
• Tropical Sands, Matavera
• Aroko Bungalows, Muri
• Muri Beachcomber, Muri
• Moana Sands Villas, Vaimaanga
• Bella’s Beach Bungalow, Titikaveka
• Sea Change Villas, Titikaveka
• Palm Grove, Vaimaanga
• Lagoon Breeze Villas, Arorangi
• Manuia Beach Resort, Arorangi
• Crown Beach Resort, Arorangi
• Reefcomber Sunset Beach, Arorangi
• The Islander Hotel, Airport.

Other Stores in Rarotonga with WiFi Vouchers:

• Vonnia’s Warehouse, Avarua
• Te Ara Museum, Muri
• Inspirations of Rarotonga, Vaimaanga.

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Where to Buy a WiFi Voucher in Aitutaki

Vodafone WiFi hotspot vouchers can be purchased from the following locations on Aitutaki, as well as at the Aitutaki Vodafone Store located in the centre of Arutanga.

Aitutaki Convenience Stores, Petrol Stations and Cafes with WiFi Vouchers:

• Neibaa’s Store, Vaipae
• Baxter’s Waterworld, between Arutanga and Vaipae
• TNM Store, Arutanga
• Aquila Store, Amuri
• Spider Petrol Station, opposite the old airport runway
• Koru Cafe, Ootu Beach.

Aitutaki Accommodations with WiFi Vouchers:

• Matriki Beach Huts
• Etu Moana
• Aitutaki Escape
• Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas, Ootu Beach
• Ranginui’s Retreat, Ootu Beach.

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Where to Buy WiFi Vouchers in the Cook Islands

If you’re on one of the less-visited outer islands, Vodafone WiFi hotspots are a little harder to come by. They are mostly found in the main village of each island at the island’s one designated Vodafone outlet and/or Island Administration buildings.

Vodafone has outlets on all the islands of the Cook Islands, except Takutea, Manuae, Suwarrow and Nassau. For a full list of Vodafone offices across all of the islands, see Information, Shops & Services in the Cook Islands.

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WiFi at Your Accommodation

Free WiFi isn’t a given at Cook Islands’ accommodations, but it’s becoming increasingly available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Some places still require you to pay for data or purchase a Vodafone WiFi hotspot voucher (see the “Rarotonga Accommodations with WiFi Vouchers” above).

Some resorts have hooked up to Starlink, providing fast internet, but only a limited few offer this service for free to guests.

If you’re keen on staying connected without breaking the bank, check out our list of 10 Accommodations in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands with Free WiFi. You’ll find our favourite spots that won’t charge you extra for staying in touch!

Accommodation Providing Starlink WiFi

Here’s a list of accommodations that offer super-fast and reliable Starlink WiFi so you can enjoy your island holiday without missing a beat online!

Note that each individual business’s WiFi price and policy may change from time to time, and although we try to keep this list as accurate as possible, if you rely on WiFi for your livelihood, like a teen on TikTok, contact the accommodation to confirm the info below.

Eateries and Galleries Providing Starlink WiFi

If you’re craving a side of scrolling with your meal, we have compiled these cafés and eateries in the Cook Islands that offer Starlink so you can savour local flavours while staying connected! Again, fees may apply.

These lists were compiled with the help of Te Tuhi Kelly from Kuki Airani Starlink Users and are updated regularly.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Using WiFi Through the Local Phone Network

Another way you can access the internet in the Cook Islands is to purchase a local SIM card and use mobile data. If you need to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, use WiFi tethering on your phone.

Although the local phone network in the Cook Islands is the same as the network providing the WiFi hotspots, Vodafone Cook Islands, some of their prepaid plans for internet data can be more cost-effective compared to using their WiFi hotspots. What’s more, you will get more coverage and a more reliable internet connection through data roaming compared to trying to get within range of a WiFi hotspot.

We go through all the prepaid plans and how to ensure your phone works with a local SIM card in our comprehensive guide, The Best SIM Card in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for Travellers.

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Free WiFi at Rarotonga Airport

On a final and fun note, Rarotonga International Airport offers free WiFi in both the Arrival and Departure Lounges.

You’ll get 60 minutes of complimentary internet access upon arrival, perfect for those essential tasks like contacting your accommodation or checking local transport options. To get online, simply connect to the “Vodafone Hotspot” network. It’s a handy way to stay connected as soon as you touch down in paradise.

And don’t worry about missing out on those last-minute social media updates before your flight home – there’s free WiFi in the departure lounge too!