Longer stay on Cook Islands

hi

does anyone know if there is a possibility to rent a cottage/bungalow on a monthly rate on Rarotonga?
what are the prizes like?

thanks a lot for your answer!

It's possible but not easy nor is it likely to be inexpensive.

Your best bet is to find someone with a place that doesn't live there full time and try to rent it in the months they are absent. That's probably going to be in the off season from November to April.

Your first hurdle if you aren't a Cook Islander (with your passport suitably stamped to identify your eligibility if you are) is to apply to Immigration to extend a visitors entry permit (31 days) for a longer stay. You will need to apply to Immigration located in Avarua, Rarotonga - http://www.mfai.gov.ck/index.php/immigration/visitors.html
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Initially I suggest that you find short-term accommodation until you have secured your extended visa. The website http://www.ck has accommodation listings. The best way to find longer term accommodation is usually through the Cook Islands News, published Monday to Saturday. For a 1 br furnished flat or unit, expect to pay around NZ$200+ per week. If you are wanting to live in a prime beachfront area, the prices may be higher again.

Extending your 31day Tourist Visa (given to you upon arrival at the airport free) is no problem. You can extend up to 6 months, then you must leave. 3 months cost NZ$70 and the full 6 months costs NZ$120. This must be extended before your 31 day free visa expires. You fill out a simple form at the immigration office and show them your air ticket out and they will extend your visa up to that date. You may have to leave your passport a day or two with them. In the meantime, start looking for a house or flat you like. The Cook Islands News has them listed every day with Saturday having the largest listings. All rentals are quoted in NZ$ weekly. I never see a monthly quote. I rent my house year round but it was quoted weekly. Landlords expect to be paid weekly After you are there for awhile, suggest to then payment on a monthly basis. I love the Cooks and leave for two short visits back in the States a year. After a month there, I am redy to get back to my lovely house on Rarotonga. Enjoy your stay on Rarotonga.

Sorry, I forgot to tell you about prices. A house or unit on the beach expect to pay NZ$600-800/wk. Across the road from the beach NZ$500-600/wk. Inland on a side road or the back road NZ$300-500/wk. A house for NZ$200 will not be very nice. Be sure the house has window screens and a hot water booster (gas or electric) for solar for those days the sun don't shine. If you are responsible for the power (electric) bill which is paid monthly, expect to pay between NZ$100-200/month. Check to see who cuts the grass. I suggest you plan to rent a car or motorbike. Doing the bus thing is OK for a few days or a week stay, but then it is a pain, especially if you want to go grocery shopping. And of course, you probably already know, food is expensive as it is on all islands, but that's a topic for another time.

There are rental houses and flats available at $200 per week, but they will most likely be unfurnished. A bond of 2 weeks rental or thereabouts will likely be required. If there is no landline connection, use a Telecom C IS Kokanet prepay which could well work out cheaper compared to having a phone connected and installation charges to be paid.

If you are still looking for accommodation, place an advert in the Cook Islands News with an email address. Access emails at Telecom's Teleshop in the CITC complex Avarua, or at the main Telecom centre in Parekura (behind Avarua in Rarotonga. There are also internet cafes around Raro.

Incidentally you dont apply for/receive a Visa as such when entering the Cook Islands. It is called an Entry Permit. When are you considering arriving Rarotonga?