2 Cook Islands Logistics Infrastructure
Overall the current logistics infrastructure is coping with current demands however there are challenges.
ROAD NETWORKS total 295 km of which 70% are sealed. Increased traffic on Rarotonga together with tourist traffic, including an increase in cycling, has created the need for a substantially improved foundation and road surface. A significant factor in road damage is the lack of control of axle weights and the operation of overweight vehicles on the road system The service provider for maintenance is Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), a Government body. New road construction is tendered to the private sector. Constraints to improvement are the limited right of way (about 10 m), and the minimal roadside drainage. On the Outer Islands, other than Aitutaki, most roads are unsealed. The service provider for maintenance on the Outer Islands is each Outer Island’s governing body (Island Council).
Cook Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), a State Owned Enterprise (SOE), manages AIRPORTS on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. A new terminal was opened at the Rarotonga International Airport in 2010 and the airport generally operates efficiently and copes with current demand. The Outer Island airports (Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro in the Southern Group and Manihiki, Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Northern Group) have crushed coral runways and are managed by their respective Island Councils Administration Community Groups with technical support from The Ministry Of Infrastructure Cook Islands (MICI) and CIAA. Most have scheduled flights. Only 3 of the outer inhabited islands do not have airstrips.
The Cook Island Ports Authority manages the main PORTS. It is a Crown-owned statutory corporation. Following recent major reconstruction of Avatiu Port together with climate proofing and extension to storage and operational areas, the principal port on Rarotonga is adequate for the next 20 years or so. The port handles about 90% of food imports and 100% of the country’s fuel supply. Currently cargo tonnages are in excess of 150,000 tonnes per annum, comprising petroleum products, building materials, vehicles and assorted consumer commodities.
Blue Sky controls the TELEPHONE network. The government owns 40% of the company, and shareholders 60%. It has a physical presence in all 11 of the populated islands. Connectivity is currently via satellite however there are plans to connect to the Manatua submarine cable. Currently Rarotonga and Atutaki have 4G coverage, and the outer islands have GSM and data through wireless hotspots. BlueSky has a satellite phone for emergencies. Additionally, Red Cross provides a satellite phone to each island.
ELECTRICITY on the island of Rarotonga is generated, distributed and retailed by Te Aponga Uira (TAU), a state-owned enterprise. The power utility provides 90% of the Cook Islands electricity demand. Its goal is the conversion to renewably-sourced electricity by 2020. The outer Islands will all be self-reliant on solar power to every household by end of 2018. Conversion of distribution lines to underground is ongoing.
Energy is currently the only infrastructure sub-sector with a regulating commissioner overseeing the performance of the service provider.
WATER supply is surface-fed from 12 catchment streams distributed over the island, filtered at source and gravity fed to all households. A pipeline and storage reservoir upgrade are underway and the estimated date of completion is 2020. Eastern regions are subject to annual shortages (drought), and supplies are tanked over from the Western side of the island. Water can be sourced from bores but may not be suitable for drinking (brackish).
The Cook Islands face challenges in the provision of infrastructure. The economy is small and open, and economic performance is vulnerable to changes in international markets (particularly tourism source markets). Alongside the economic constraints other issues include the small, decreasing population, dispersed islands, fragile natural environment vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards, and dependence on imported fuel and other goods.
The government is cautious in relation to new borrowing, given projected levels of net debt servicing and the fiscal responsibility ratios.
2.1 Cook Islands Ports
The country has two ports of entry, the main port, Port of Avatiu on Rarotonga and Port of Arutanga, which serves the island of Aitutaki.
Port of Avatiu is capable of accommodating container and fuel tanker vessels up to 200 m in length and is responsible for handling almost all the country’s export and import cargo. A small percentage is taken directly to Aitutaki to service the needs of the locals and tourist resorts there, however large vessels cannot berth and cargo must be transhipped to shore by barge.
All the Outer Island harbours are small and shallow; freight shipped to these islands must be transferred to barges or other small vessels to be landed.
2.1.1 Cook Islands Port of Avatiu
Port Overview
The Ports Authority is a Crown owned Statutory Corporation established by Act of the Cook Islands Parliament. The objective of the Ports Authority is to provide commercially viable port facilities and develop growth opportunities from its assets which include Crown Land and buildings, wharves, port facilities, tug boats, barges, plant and equipment, storage sheds and open storage space
Port website: www.ports.co.ck/amenities.html
Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
| Port Location and Contact | |
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Province or District |
Rarotonga |
|
Nearest Town or City Distance from Port |
Avarua 0.5km |
|
Port's Complete Name |
Port Of Avarua |
|
Latitude |
|
|
Longitude |
159° 46' 0" W |
|
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Cook Islands Ports Authority |
|
Management Contact Person |
Nooroa (Bim)
Tou |
|
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Rarotonga International Airport Air NZ, Virgin Australia, Jet Star, Air Tahiti |
Port Picture
1 International Terminal 2 International Cargo (shed 2) 3 Origin Gas Terminal
4 Ports Workshop & Canteen Room 5 Domestic Cargo (shed 1) 6 Domestic Terminal
7 Southern Wall Wharf 8 Maritime Surveillance 9 Police Launch Berth 10 Tug Berth 11 Pleasure and fishing boats
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
The Ports Authority is responsible for the port. Its assets include buildings, wharves, port facilities, tugboats, plant and equipment, storage/transit sheds, open storage areas, and stacking areas for commercial purposes. It also maintains the channel, approach, berth depths, navigational aids, and wharves (piers, jetties).
It provides marshalling services for the movement of containerised, break-bulk and homogeneous cargoes. It also provides cargo handling equipment for containers and general cargo, and a container cleaning service.
There is a single stevedoring company; Cook Islands General Transport Ltd and a devanning company: HPM De-vanning that unpacks containers.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
Port Performance
Channel draft is from 30m from outside reef to 13m before entrance. Inside entrance at breakwaters is 10m depth.
Maximum length for vessel of more than 120m and up to 200m can either enter bow into berth and reverse out, or reverse into berth and exit bow first.
There is no congestion currently with about 60% occupancy. It does experience congestion from time to time when domestic vessels, international cargo vessels, expedition cruise ships and yachts (during yacht season, May–August) are all present. There is no established priority for humanitarian cargoes at present however there is in emergency situations.
Average waiting time between arrival and berthing, dependant on weather, is 1 – 2 hours. Winds over 20 knots will result in vessels being held offshore until they abate. This happens occasionally and irregularly.
|
Seasonal Constraints |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
|
Rainy Season |
Yes |
From April to July but no constraint |
|
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
|
|
Other Comments |
Vessels will not be unloaded on Sundays (Unless it is during cyclone season, Nov. to March, and prior permission is sought and received from the Island’s religious leaders) |
|
|
Handling Figures for 2018 |
|
|---|---|
|
Vessel Calls |
25 Container vessels 17 Tanker vessels |
|
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
3,632 |
|
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for 2018 (excluding container cargo) |
|
|---|---|
|
Bulk (MT) |
19,000 Revenue Ton 24,0004.611 litres (Fuel) |
|
Break bulk (MT) |
22,025 revenue Ton |
Fuel can be discharged from tanker vessels directly to the nearby fuel farms via underground pipe from the wharf.
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: www.ports.co.ck
Berthing Specifications
|
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conventional Berth |
1 |
160 |
7 |
Maximum turning diameter in Port is 135m. Due to presence in airport flight path, air draft restriction of 27m |
|
Container Berth |
|
|||
|
Silo Berth |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Berthing Tugs |
1 |
20 |
3 |
Berths at the Marina |
|
Water Barges |
1 |
50 |
3 |
Berths at the Marina |
General Cargo Handling Berths
|
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
|
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
|
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
N/a |
|
Other Imports |
Port Handling Equipment
Equipment is owned and managed by the Ports Authority. Maintenance and repairs is carried out by external contractors
|
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dockside Crane |
No |
||
|
Container Gantries |
No |
||
|
Mobile Cranes |
No |
||
|
Reachstacker |
Yes |
1 x 12 mt |
Maintained |
|
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
||
|
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
||
|
Transtainer |
No |
||
|
Forklifts |
Yes |
4 x 3 mt 1 x 40 mt |
Maintained |
Container Facilities
Containers are stacked (up to 3 high) on a tar sealed open-air storage area.
|
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
|---|---|---|
|
Container Facilities Available |
Storage areas for up to 238 TEU |
|
|
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/a |
N/A |
|
Refrigerated Container Stations |
20 refrigerated container power point sites |
|
|
Other Capacity Details |
||
|
Daily Take Off Capacity |
Capacity generally limited to trucking companies capacity. There are limited side lifters on the island (approximately 4). |
|
|
Number of Reefer Stations |
20 total |
|
|
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
150-200 (Provided there is space on the wharf area to stack them (238 TEU maximum) |
|
|
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
150-200 (Provided there is space on the wharf area to stack them (238 TEU maximum) |
|
Customs Guidance
Customs require:
- 5 days notice for cargo shipping
- 48 hours for cruise passengers (clearance procedures are required to be made at port of departure prior to Rarotonga)
Average clearance time for cargo shipping 1-2 hours.
Customs are available 24 hours if required (not available on Sundays)
For more information on customs in the Cook Islands, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Terminal Information
Multipurpose Terminal
There is one terminal. It is used for discharging/loading containerised and/or palletised cargo. It does not have Ro-Ro facilities. It does not have dockside cranes; ships’ cranes must be used.
Grain and Bulk Handling
There are no facilities available for grain and bulk handling at this Port.
Main Storage Terminal
There are 2 warehouse storage units on the international terminal and 1 on the domestic terminal. All these warehouse facilities are leased out to private companies. They are generally at 80% capacity.
There is no permanent cool store facility at the port. Goods requiring refrigeration are bought in chilled from offsite and loaded directly into refrigerated containers within 24 hours of their shipping date.
|
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bagged Cargo |
Covered (3 sheds). Generally 80% full. Uncovered |
1,800 5,000 |
|
General Cargo |
||
|
Refrigerated Cargo |
19 connection points for Reefer containers. No other refrigerated storage facilities |
N/a |
Stevedoring
There is only one stevedoring company. They are responsible for unloading vessels using ships’ cranes. All marshalling and stacking of containers, once dockside, is carried out by the Ports Authority using their own equipment.
Hinterland Information
Containers are moved from the port using side lifter trucks owned by private companies. Currently (2018) there are only 4 side lifter trucks on the Island. Other cargo is unloaded from containers and loaded to small trucks for local distribution. Containers may be left on the wharf for 3 days at no charge, demurrage is charged after this time.
Port Security
Port security is in compliance with the ISPS Code and Cook Islands Customs Act. There is security present 24/7 at the International Terminal.
|
Security |
|
|---|---|
|
ISPS Compliant |
Yes |
|
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
|
Police Boats |
Yes. x 1 |
|
Fire Engines |
Yes (Rescue Fire Service) |
|
Port Location and Contact |
|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Province or District |
Rarotonga |
|
Nearest Town or City Distance from Port |
Avarua 0.5km |
|
Port's Complete Name |
Port Of Avarua |
|
Latitude |
|
|
Longitude |
159° 46' 0" W |
|
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Cook Islands Ports Authority |
|
Management Contact Person |
Nooroa (Bim) Tou |
|
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Rarotonga International Airport Air NZ, Virgin Australia, Jet Star, Air Tahiti |
2.1.2 Cook Islands Port of Arutanga, Aitutaki
Port Overview
Arutanga Harbour is the only mainstream operation port that serves Aitutaki internationally. It is managed by the Cook Islands Ports Authority, they also own and manage the equipment used dock-side and the barges.
It is a small harbour inside the reef with a narrow pass (about 30m wide) and shallow (about 1.6m)
Large ships anchor off and all cargo is shipped to dock by barge.
A concept proposal for the Port of Aitutaki involving the enlargement and deepening of the Aitutaki main entrance channel to accommodate local inter-Island ships and visiting yachts, and deepening the area in front of the existing fishing club for use as a marina, is to be undertaken as a long term project. No dates have been set for this work.
Port website: No port website
Key port information can also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com
| Port Location and Contact | |
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Province or District |
Aitutaki |
|
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port |
Arutanga Adjacent |
|
Port's Complete Name |
Arutanga Port |
|
Latitude |
18.51S |
|
Longitude |
159.49W, |
|
Managing Company or Port Authority |
Cook Islands Ports Authority |
|
Management Contact Person |
Nooroa (Bim)
Tou |
|
Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures |
Rarotonga International Airport Air NZ, Jetstar, Virgin Australia |
Port Picture
1 CIPO office and storage 2 Container stacking area
3 Barge berth and container unloading area
4 Container stacking area
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
The port is is managed by the Cook Islands Ports Authority, they also own and manage the equipment used dockside and the barges used to transfer from larger ships to wharf. Stevedoring services are supplied by Baxter Boys Seana B Ltd.
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List here.
Port Performance
The port links Aitutaki to the main Island Rarotonga and New Zealand. The port is not congested and receives ships on average every 6 weeks. The shallow channel draft means all shipping anchors off and cargo is transferred to wharf by barge. General turnaround time is 20 containers per day (2/barge trip/hour) however in rough or windy weather unloading may be restricted or not possible at all.
|
Seasonal Constraints |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Occurs |
Time Frame |
|
|
Rainy Season |
No |
|
|
Major Import Campaigns |
No |
|
|
Other Comments |
|
|
|
Handling Figures for 2018 |
|
|---|---|
|
Vessel Calls |
12 |
|
Container Traffic (TEUs) |
470 |
|
Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk for |
|
|---|---|
|
Bulk (MT) |
N/a |
|
Break bulk (MT) |
67MT |
Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges
For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: www.ports.co.ck
Berthing Specifications
|
Type of Berth |
Quantity |
Length (m) |
Maximum Draft (m) |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conventional Berth |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
A 1.6 m draft at harbour entrance means no ships enter. |
|
Container Berth |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
|
|
Silo Berth |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
|
|
Berthing Tugs |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
|
|
Water Barges |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
|
General Cargo Handling Berths
|
Cargo Type |
Berth Identification |
|
Imports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
|
Exports - Bagged Cargo |
N/a |
|
Imports and Exports - RoRo |
N/a |
|
Other Imports |
N/a |
Port Handling Equipment
The port handling equipment, including barges, is owned and operated by the Ports Authority
|
Equipment |
Available |
Total Quantity and Capacity Available |
Comments on Current Condition and Actual Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dockside Crane |
No |
N/a |
|
|
Container Gantries |
No |
N/a |
|
|
Mobile Cranes |
Yes |
20T |
Maintained |
|
Reachstacker |
No |
N/a |
|
|
RoRo Tugmaster (with Trailer) |
No |
N/a |
|
|
Grain Elevator with Bagging Machines |
No |
N/a |
|
|
Transtainer |
No |
N/a |
|
|
Forklifts |
Yes |
|
Maintained |
Container Facilities
|
Facilities |
20 ft |
40 ft |
|---|---|---|
|
Container Facilities Available |
Uncovered stacking areas dockside for approximately 60 TEU
|
|
|
Container Freight Station (CFS) |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Refrigerated Container Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Other Capacity Details |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Daily Take Off Capacity |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Number of Reefer Stations |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Emergency Take-off Capacity |
20/day |
10/day |
|
Off take Capacity of Gang Shift |
20/day |
10/day |
Customs Guidance
Customs have an officer based full time on the island who will be available to clear any shipping arrivals. Generally ships pass through the Port of Avatiu (Rarotonga) en route so customs clearance will have taken place there. They are capable of immigration and quarantine duties as necessary.
For more information on customs in the Cook Islands, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Terminal Information
Multipurpose Terminal
There are no multipurpose terminals available. Large ships are anchored off and unloaded to wharf via barge 2 x 20’ containers maximum load at a time.
Grain and Bulk Handling
There is no bagged or bulk grain handling facilities.
Main Storage Terminal
There is a covered and secure storage building that also houses the Port Authority offices on a mezzanine floor.
|
Storage Type |
Number of Storage Facilities |
Area (m2) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bagged Cargo |
1 |
300 |
|
Refrigerated Cargo |
There are no refrigerated container points |
N/a |
|
General Cargo |
1 (same as for bagged above) |
|
Stevedoring
Stevedoring services are supplied by Baxter Boys Seana B Ltd. a local firm. Local labour is sourced. They are responsible for operating shipboard cranes used to load cargo onto the barges. The Ports Authority employees are responsible for stacking and marshalling container and break bulk cargo once it has been unloaded from the ship to the barge and then wharf. No unloading can occur on a Sunday due to religious beliefs.
Hinterland Information
There is one side lifter truck available for transportation of 20’ containers around the island. Generally cargo is unloaded from containers in the dock area and transferred to small trucks for distribution.
Port Security
Whilst security is not heavy at the port, due to the isolated and compact nature of the island and its population it is not overly required. However the Ports Authority have ensured it is ISP compliant.
|
Security |
|
|---|---|
|
ISPS Compliant |
Yes |
|
Current ISPS Level |
1 |
|
Police Boats |
No |
|
Fire Engines |
No |
2.2 Cook Islands Aviation
Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/
The official source for all aeronautical information including airports and air navigation services is the Cook Islands Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). The AIP can be downloaded free of charge from https://shop.aeropath.aero/collections/cook-islands and www.transport.gov.ck
The Cook Islands are served my several international carriers using Rarotonga International Airport with daily international flights from New Zealand, twice weekly from Tahiti and weekly non-stop flights from Los Angeles and Sydney. Aitutaki Island handles on average five domestic flight arrivals from Rarotonga daily, the outer islands are served by domestic flights less regularly and for the less populated and more distant islands, service is by charter.
The Cook Islands Airport Authority (CIAA) is responsible for management of Rarotonga International and Aitutaki Airports. It is a state-owned but independently operated enterprise responsible for:
• Management – Lead the managing and direction of the Airport Authority.
• Air Traffic Services
• Administration and Finance
• Commercial Operations and Quality Assurance Services
• Airport Security Services
• Rescue Fire Services
• Maintenance
• Terminal Services
CIAA have some oversight of the Outer Islands airports however these airports are non-certified aerodromes with crushed coral runways, run by their respective Island Council’s who manage the state of the runway and daily administration.
Rarotonga International Airport provides efficient service satisfying current demand and has ongoing upgrade plans that includes improvement to passenger and cargo terminals. This development is supported by growing tourist numbers.
Ground handling services are provided by Air New Zealand.
The potential for significantly growing national capacity within the island group is constrained by large distances and small populations.
Cook Islands Airports
|
Airport name |
|||
|
Aitutaki (Araura) |
NCAI |
AIT |
Aitutaki Airport(Araura Airport) |
|
Atiu (Enua Manu) |
NCAT |
AIU |
|
|
Mangaia (Auau Enua) |
NCMG |
MGS |
|
|
Manihiki (Humphrey Island) |
NCMH |
MHX |
|
|
Mauke (Akatoka Manava) |
NCMK |
MUK |
|
|
Mitiaro (Nukuroa) |
NCMR |
MOI |
Mitiaro Airport(Nukuroa Airport) |
|
Penrhyn Island(Tongareva) |
NCPY |
PYE |
|
|
NCPK |
|||
|
NCRG |
RAR |
For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List
Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft
International flights into, from or over Cook Islands territory shall be subject to the current Cook Islands regulations relating to civil aviation. These regulations correspond in all essentials to the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Aircraft flying into or departing from Cook Islands territory shall make their first landing at, or final departure from Rarotonga International Airport.
The Cook Islands’ Civil Aviation Act 2002, Section 25 details the legislative requirements for aircraft to be registered in the Cook Islands. Foreign registered aircraft are able to operate in the Cook Islands in accordance with the notification and requests for approval requirements as published in the Cook Islands AIP, sections GEN 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.
Application to register an aircraft is made to the Director of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport on form MOT24047/01. Forms can be download from www.transport.gov.ck
Cook Islands Civil Aviation Rules (CICAR) Part 47 “Aircraft Registration and Markings’ contains the detailed requirements for registering an aircraft onto the Cook Islands Civil Aircraft Register.
Before a Cook Islands registered aircraft can be flown it must also be issued an Airworthiness Certificate. CICAR Part 21 contains the detailed requirements for obtaining Airworthiness
The CICAR can be downloaded from http://www.transport.gov.ck/aviation/rules/
For more information on procedures for foreign registered aircraft, please see the following attachments:
Annex 5.6 Part 2 Entry into the civil aviation system, (25) Requirement to register aircraft
2.2.1 Cook Islands Rarotonga International Airport
Airport Overview
Rarotonga International Airport is capable of handling aircraft up to Boeing B789’s and B747’s. The Terminal has two gates that can accommodate two international aircraft at a time. The apron can be congested at times but apron can accommodate up to 3 internationals provided two aircraft are of medium category and the other a heavy category aircraft. Because the Terminal is small, there can be congestion at the check-in area if there are 3 international airlines checking in at the same time and at screening.
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Province or District |
Te Au O Tonga |
|
Nearest Town or City |
Avarua 3 (km) |
|
Airport’s Complete Name |
Rarotonga International Airport |
|
Latitude |
21° 12’ 05”S |
|
Longitude |
159° 47’ 57”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
19 ft / 6 m |
|
IATA Code |
RAR |
|
ICAO Code |
NCRG |
|
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Cook Islands Airport Authority |
|
Management Contact Person |
Joseph Ngamata |
|
Open From (hours) |
ADMINISTRATION 0800 hrs. |
|
Open To (hours) |
1600 hrs. (Except during Public holidays) |
Airport Picture
List of Areas identified in image:
Aviation Security services office
Rescue Fire Services
Airport Authority Administration & Operations
Customs, Immigration, Quarantine offices
Rental vehicles office
Air New Zealand office
Air Rarotonga office
Cargo
Air Rarotonga Hangar
DHL Courier services
Freight Service Fedex
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
International airlines that serve Rarotonga International airport are Air New Zealand, JETSTAR, Virgin Australia and Air Tahiti. JETSTAR, Virgin Australia and Air Tahiti. Ground handling services are handled by Air Rarotonga.
For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List
Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
There has been a steady increase of passenger and cargo arrivals into Rarotonga over the years. The airport is in the planning process of building a new cargo facility. The size of the new building will be similar the current one.
|
Performance for YEAR 2017 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Per Year |
Per Month |
Per Day |
|
|
Total Aircraft Movements |
1929 |
160 |
6 |
|
Total Passengers |
348,017 |
29,000 |
966 |
|
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT) |
6,700 MT |
560 MT |
20 MT |
|
Current Activity of the Airport (MT) |
Av. 3,360 MT |
Av.280 MT |
Varies 2 – 15 MT |
|
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS) |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
The Air NZ Cargo office is not capable of holding multiple units of cargo e.g. a fully laden 777-200 aircraft with about 10 PMCs (Prorate Manual-Cargo), would stretch total storage capacity hence large or regular Importers are asked to uplift their cargo immediately on unloading to allow temporary storage of the balance.
Runways
The condition of the runway is good. Plans are already in place for runway rejuvenation and to improve sealing. An extension to one side of the runway 26, RESA, is expected to be completed by year 2020.
|
Single runway |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
2329 (m) X 45 (m) |
|
Orientation |
Runway 08/26 |
|
Surface |
Concrete |
Helicopter Pad(s)
There are no designated helicopter pads. The apron in front of the terminal has been used for landings in the past and there is ample space to park on the grassed areas adjacent to the runway if overnight parking is required.
|
Helipad #1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Present |
No |
|
Largest Helicopter that can Land |
Any size |
|
Width and Length (m) |
N/a |
|
Surface |
N/a |
Airport Infrastructure Details
The Airfield is kept in good condition. A new ILS has just been installed with duel PAPI replacing the TVASIS.
|
Customs |
Yes |
JET A-1 fuel |
Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Immigration |
Yes |
AVGAS 100 |
No |
|
Terminal Building |
Yes |
Single Point Refuelling |
Yes |
|
Passenger Terminal |
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
|
Cargo terminal |
Yes |
Ground Power (mobile) |
Yes |
|
Pax Transport to Airfield |
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
|
Control Tower |
Yes |
Latrine Servicing |
Yes |
|
Weather Facilities |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) |
CATEGORY 8 |
|
Catering Services |
Yes |
De-icing Equipment |
No |
|
Base Operating Room |
Yes |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
|
Airport Radar |
No |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes no lead in lights |
|
NDB |
Yes |
VOR |
Yes |
|
ILS |
Yes |
Airport Operating Details
|
Operating Details |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo |
777-300 |
||
|
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet |
777-300 |
||
|
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²) |
7,500 |
||
|
Storage Area (m3 and MT) |
1600m3 |
||
|
Handling Equipment |
|||
|
Elevators / Hi Loaders |
No |
Max Capacity (MT) |
N/a |
|
Max Height (m) |
N/a |
||
|
Loading Ramps |
No |
||
|
Other Comments |
They have a 2.5 tonne forklift to load and unload cargo. |
||
Customs Guidance
Passengers arriving and staying in Cook Islands must clear customs at Rarotonga International Airport including passengers transiting en-route to an outer island. Administration hours of work are from 0800-1600 hours Mon-Friday and during international arrivals and departures at Rarotonga International airport. .
For more information on customs in Rarotonga, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information
Email: www.customs.info@cookislands.gov.ck
Website: www.customs.gov.ck
Storage Facilities
Storage facilities are limited on the airport, and currently operating at capacity.
Airfield Costs
Navigation Charges
Payments for landing charges are to be paid to Cook Islands Airport Authority Administration building in Finance and Accounts section. This can be paid either through handling agent or direct.
| Charges | Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg) | ||
|
0 - 7,000 |
Under 400,000kg |
Over 400,000kg |
|
|
Navigation (per journey) USD - $ |
NIL (Upper airspace charges with Auckland Oceanic) |
NIL (Upper airspace charges with Auckland Oceanic) |
NIL (Upper airspace charges with Auckland Oceanic) |
|
Landing USD - $ |
$1.59 |
$9.09 |
$14.25 |
|
Night Landing USD - $ |
same as above + $35.18 |
same as above + $35.18 |
same as above + $35.18 |
|
Night Take-Off USD - $ |
same as above + $35.18 |
same as above + $35.18 |
same as above + $35.18 |
|
Parking |
first 4 hours free, Each hour thereafter is $10/hour |
first 4 hours free, Each hour thereafter is $10/hour |
first 4 hours free, Each hour thereafter is $10/hour |
|
Handling Charges (INTL Pax Terminal charge per handling arriving & departing passenger) |
$4.64 |
$4.64 |
$4.64 |
Fuel Services Charges
The main refueller is Pacific Energy. There are various rates depending on the Customer’s annual volumes. Regular customers are the Airlines that operate in/out of Rarotonga. Adhoc (non-schedule flights) will usually work with international bulk fuel agents that have contracts with PACENERGY:
- WFS
- UVair
- Jetex
- AEG or
- Avfuel
The PAP prices(posted airport price) as follows:
|
Price per Litre USD - $ |
|
|---|---|
|
Jet A-1 |
435.78 USC/Gal |
|
Avgas |
N/a |
Cargo Terminal Charges
|
Import Charges |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Type of Charge |
Rate NZD -$ per Kg or Unit |
Rate NZD -$ per Kg or Unit incl. VAT |
|
Cargo Administration Fee Applies to all import port master air waybills processed through the Air NZ Cargo terminals in Rarotonga |
$25.00 |
$28.75 |
|
Storage General Cargo Fee Storage is free for general cargo for the 96 hours following actual arrival time of the aircraft thereafter the storage charge is applicable |
$25 Minimum / 20 cents per Kg |
$28.75 Minimum / 23 cents per Kg |
|
Storage Consolidated / Chilled & Valuable Cargo Fee Storage is free for Consolidated Cargo for the 24 hours following actual arrival time of the aircraft thereafter the storage charge is applicable. |
$25 Minimum / 20 cents per Kg |
$28.75 Minimum / 23 cents per Kg |
|
Bag Tag Customs Bond Fee Handling of Customs held Baggage in bonded area |
$30 per piece |
$34.50 per piece |
|
Loose Handling Fee Import Applies to all Import cargo requiring breaking down for delivery |
$5 Minimum / 5 cents per Kg |
$5.75 Minimum / 5.75 cents per Kg |
|
AVI Handling Fee Import Handling charges for Import Dog & Cat shipments |
$30 per piece |
$34.50 per piece |
|
Delivery After-hours Fee |
Pricing on request and by agreement only |
|
|
Export Charges |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Type of Charge |
Rate NZD -$ per Kg or Unit |
Rate NZD -$ per Kg or Unit incl. VAT |
|
Cargo Administration Fee Applies to all export master air waybills processed through the Air NZ Cargo terminals in Rarotonga |
$25.00 |
$28.75 |
|
Terminal Security Fee Applies to all outbound shipments |
$15 Minimum / 3 cents per Kg (Minimum retail only) |
$17.25 Minimum/3.45 cents per Kg |
|
Security Screening Fee Applies to all outbound cargo |
$3.50 per piece |
$4.03 per piece |
|
Storage Valuable Cargo Fee Applies to all valuable shipments that are delivered to the cargo terminal more than 90 minutes prior to the scheduled aircraft departure time. Valuable cargo presented 90 minutes or less from the scheduled aircraft departure time is free of charge. |
$50 Minimum / 40 cents per Kg |
$57.50 Minimum / 46 cents per Kg |
|
Dangerous Goods Fee Applies to all export shipments that contain dangerous goods that require the certification and cargo checked. |
$70.00 |
$80.50 |
|
Dangerous Goods Fee IATA Agent – Dangerous goods certified Applies to all export shipments that contain dangerous goods that presented with all cargo and documents fully compliant with the IATA Dangerous Goods regulations. |
$52.00 |
$59.80 |
|
Loose Handling Fee Export Applies to all export cargo presented loose for carriage |
$5 Minimum / 5 cents per Kg |
$5.75 Minimum / 5.75 cents per Kg |
|
AVI Handling Fee Export Handling charges for export Dog & Cat shipments |
$30 per piece |
$34.50 per piece |
|
Acceptance After Hours Fees |
Pricing on request and by agreement only |
|
Air-bridge Charges
No air bridge available - only step ladder which airlines utilise for international movements for boarding or disembarking.
Security
Security procedure measures for aviation have been strengthened since 9/11. Security check procedures have been increased for flights to the US mainland. Check-in for passengers commences four hours prior to ETD as per TSA requirement. Airfield is fully fenced.
2.2.2 Cook Islands Atiutaki National Airport
Airport Overview
The original Aitutaki coral airstrip was constructed by American Marines during World War 2. The airport handles on average 5 flights daily from Rarotonga. It is served mainly by domestic airlines Air Rarotonga. Aitutaki Airport Terminal provides basic facilities for arriving and departing passengers. The runway was sealed in 2003 and a rejuvenation of sealing in 2012. It has two direct flights a week to the Island of Atiu.
1 Main Runway 2 Terminal 3 Disused (crushed coral) Runway
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Province or District |
Araura |
|
Nearest Town or City |
Arutanga 6 km |
|
Airport’s Complete Name |
Aitutaki or Araura Airport) |
|
Latitude |
18°49’52”S |
|
Longitude |
159°45’50”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
19FT / 5.79 m |
|
IATA Code |
AIT |
|
ICAO Code |
NCAI |
|
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Cook Islands Airport Authority |
|
Management Contact Person |
Joseph Ngamata |
|
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
No |
Runway(s)
|
Runway #1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1,824 m X 30 m |
|
Runway Orientation |
14/32 |
|
Runway Surface |
Asphalt |
|
Runway Condition |
Good |
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
Yes |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes Air Rarotonga |
|
Air Traffic Control |
No |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes RFF CATEGORY 4 |
|
Weather Information |
No |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes but limited |
|
Navigation Aids |
Yes NDB |
Perimeter Fencing |
Yes |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
Fuel Services Charges
There are no refuelling services available.
|
Price per Litre USD - $ |
|
|---|---|
|
Jet A-1 |
N/a |
|
Avgas |
N/a |
2.2.3 Cook Islands All Other National Airports
Airports Overview
The airports listed below have no facilities other than a crushed coral strip and a single small building that acts as cargo and passenger terminal and ticket office.
There is no security screening and refuelling facility in the outer islands, no runway lighting or perimeter fencing, no fire fighting equipment available and other than Penrhyn - no navigation aid. Weather information (AWS) is obtained from Rarotonga Met service or Rarotonga Air Traffic Control, Windsocks are on each of the islands located either end of runway, ground handling to these islands is arranged through Air Rarotonga, main domestic carrier. Aircraft parking is limited. Apart from Manihiki, Penrhn and Pukapuka the airports are located within a short distance of the main village on their respective Island. These airports are non-certified aerodromes, their respective Island Council’s manage state of runway.
2.2.4 Cook Islands Mangaia Island Airport
2.2.5 Cook Islands Mauke Island Airport
2.2.6 Cook Islands Atiu Island Airport
2.2.7 Cook Islands Penrhyn Island Airport
2.2.4 Cook Islands Mangaia Island Airport
Airport Overview
Mangaia - the southern most island in the Cook Islands, lies east south east of Rarotonga by 131 miles (114nm/211km).
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Province or District |
Mangaia Island |
|
Latitude |
21°53'37"S |
|
Longitude |
157°54'31"W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
MGS |
|
ICAO Code |
NCMG |
Runway
|
Runway |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1011m x 30m |
|
Runway Orientation |
10/28 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
This airport is a non-certified aerodrome.
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
No |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
2.2.5 Cook Islands Mauke Island Airport
Airport Overview
Mauke – lies 173 miles (150nm/278km) northeast of Rarotonga in a group of three islands collectively named Nga-pu-toru. Like Atiu, Mauke had an original short grass runway built in 1977 positioned in the island interior. In the early 1980's a new airstrip of compacted coral was built on the Northern coast. It is a non-certified aerodrome.
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Latitude |
20°08’14”S |
|
Longitude |
157°20’38”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
MUK |
|
ICAO Code |
NCMK |
Runway(s)
|
Runway #1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1592m x 30 metres |
|
Runway Orientation |
10/28 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
This airport is a non-certified aerodrome.
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
No |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
2.2.6 Cook Islands Mitiaro Island Airport
Airport Overview
Mitiaro in the Ngaputoru group is the northern most island of the three, with Atiu to the southwest and Mauke to the southeast. Originally built in 1977 the airstrip was later realigned to allow for an improved compacted coral surface and length in the early 1980's. It is a non-certified aerodrome.
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Latitude |
19°50’28”S |
|
Longitude |
157°42’37”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
MOI |
|
ICAO Code |
NCMR |
Runway
|
Runway |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1200m x 30m |
|
Runway Orientation |
09/27 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
This airport is a non-certified aerodrome.
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
No |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
2.2.6 Cook Islands Atiu Island Airport
Airport Overview
At 139 miles from Rarotonga (121nm/224km) Atiu (in the Ngaputoru group) has had air access since 1977 when a short grass runway was built near Areora in the middle for the island. Once local airlines re-equipped with larger aircraft a new airstrip of compacted coral was constructed on the northern coastline that became operational in 1983.
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Latitude |
19°58’00”S |
|
Longitude |
158°07’31”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
AIU |
|
ICAO Code |
NCAT |
Runway
|
Runway |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1255m x 30m |
|
Runway Orientation |
09/27 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
This airport is a non-certified aerodrome.
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
No |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
This airport has no facilities other than a crushed coral strip and a single small building that acts as cargo and passenger terminal and ticket office.
Weather information (AWS) is obtained from Rarotonga Met service or Rarotonga Air Traffic Control. Windsocks are on each of the islands located either end of runway, ground handling to these islands is arranged through Air Rarotonga, main domestic carrier.
2.2.7 Cook Islands Penrhyn Island Airport
Airport Overview
The Penrhyn runway was built during World War 2 as part of the allied military initiative along with Aitutaki and Tonga to create an alternative Eastern war time supply route from Hawaii through to Australia and New Zealand. The airstrip stretches along a narrow motu (islet) next to the village of Omoka. Penrhyn has an NDB (non directional beacon) which is operated on request.(O/R)
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Nearest Town or City |
Omoka |
|
Latitude |
09°00’22”S |
|
Longitude |
158°02’11”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
PYE |
|
ICAO Code |
NCPY |
Runway
|
Runway |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
2212m x 30m |
|
Runway Orientation |
14/32 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
The compacted coral runway was originally nearly 3000 metres long but has since been shortened.
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
Yes |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
2.2.8 Cook Islands Manihiki Island Airport
Airport Overview
The Manihiki airstrip was built in the early 1980's but not used commercially until 1991 when it was extended to a length sufficient for commercial flights. Nearby Rakahanga also had an airstrip however destroyed by successive hurricanes. Located on the Northeastern motu (islet) of Tukao, it is 750 miles (652nm/1208km) distance from Rarotonga. It is a non-certified aerodrome.
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Latitude |
10°22’28”S |
|
Longitude |
161°00’12”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
MHX |
|
ICAO Code |
NCMH |
Runway
|
Runway |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1700m x 30m |
|
Runway Orientation |
14/32 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
No |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
2.2.9 Cook Islands Pukapuka Island
Airport Overview
Built in 1993, the compacted coral airstrip is situated on the atoll’s southern motu. 750nm from Rarotonga and 370nm from Pago Pago, Pukapuka is the Cook Islands northwestern most island. It is a non-certified aerodrome.
|
Airport Location and Contact |
|
|---|---|
|
Country |
Cook Islands |
|
Latitude |
10°54’55”S |
|
Longitude |
165°50’43”W |
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
|
|
IATA Code |
PZK |
|
ICAO Code |
NCPK |
Runway(s)
|
Runway #1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
1393m x 30m |
|
Runway Orientation |
07/25 |
|
Runway Surface |
|
|
Runway Condition |
|
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Infrastructure |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
No |
Runway Lighting |
No |
|
Refueling Capacity |
No |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes (arranged through Air Rarotonga) |
|
Air Traffic Control |
n/a |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
No |
|
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes (but limited) |
|
Navigation Aids |
No |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
|
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
2.3 Cook Islands Road Network
Road networks total 295 km of which 70% are sealed.
Rarotonga has a sealed road around the entire island and as generally the population has tended to build close to the road, most households are easily accessed. Recently some high voltage electricity supply has been transferred to underground which has lessened the risk of road closures resulting from high winds felling power lines.
Increased traffic on Rarotonga together with tourist traffic, including an increase in cycling, has created the need for a substantially improved foundation and road surface. Significant factors in road damage is the lack of adequate pavement drainage and to a lesser degree control of axle weights and uncontrolled activities (such as trenching for services).There is not a lot of heavy truck traffic on the roads however the imposition of axle weight limits is under consideration.
The service provider for maintenance is Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) a Government body. New road construction is tendered to the private sector. Constraints to improvement are the limited right of way (about 10m), and the minimal roadside drainage. There are no major new developments planned however there is an ongoing maintenance and upgrade program to improve paved surfaces and better provide for pedestrian and cycle traffic.
On the Outer Islands, other than Aitutaki, most roads are unsealed, this does not present a hazard however as vehicle numbers are low on these islands. The service provider for maintenance on the outer islands is each Outer Island’s governing body (Island Council)
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List
Distance Matrix
The road that circles the whole island, the Ara Tapu, is only 32 kms long meaning that a non-stop drive right around the island at the designated maximum speed of 40kph can take just 45/50 minutes.
Avarua is the capital and main centre. There are no other major concentrations of population, rather an unbroken series of houses alongside the road for the entire circumference of the Island. The port is 600m from the centre of town.
For this reason the table below is barely relevant.
|
Avarua |
The Port of Avatiu |
Rarotonga International Airport |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Avarua |
600m |
2.8km |
|
|
The Port Avatiu |
600m |
2.2 km |
|
|
Rarotonga International Airport |
2.8km |
2.2km |
Travel Time Matrix
|
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (minutes) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Avarua |
Rarotonga International Airport |
|
|
Avarua |
5 |
|
|
Rarotonga International Airport |
5 |
|
Road Security
There are no issues with road security.
Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits
There are no weighbridges in the country. There are no axle load limits. Currently the Port Authority ‘unofficially’ monitors the weight of containers as they are unloaded at the port and will refuse to load trucks with containers they consider ‘overweight’ for the roads.
|
Axle Load Limits |
Cook Islands |
|---|---|
|
Truck with 2 Axles |
No axle weight restrictions |
|
Truck with 3 Axles |
No axle weight restrictions |
|
Truck with 4 Axles |
No axle weight restrictions |
|
Semi-trailer with 3 Axles |
No axle weight restrictions |
2.4 Cook Islands Railways
The Cook Islands has no railways.
2.5 Cook Islands Waterways
There are no ‘internal’ waterways in the Cook Islands however as a nation that is formed by an ‘Island Group’ interisland water transport along with air travel are the only forms of transportation for people and the main form of transport for goods within in the country.
Ferries and landing craft are used extensively for transportation of people and cargo. Many of the outer Islands do not have docking facilities for large ships and therefore transhipment using small boats and barges from ships anchored off, to beach or wharf is the norm. Landing craft are the preferred option for heavy cargo / vehicle transportation.
Private shipping companies operate non-scheduled inter-island cargo and passenger services, based on demand. Generally they visit the Northern Islands on a 2 monthly basis and the closer Southern Group weekly.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List
Company Information
There are 2 companies operating freight shipping services from the Port in Rarotonga, one of which, Taio Shipping Company, has duel purpose vessels fitted for passenger service as well. Due to the large distances and smaller cargo volumes to the outer islands services are cargo dependent on sailing frequency. The other, Cook Islands General Transport’s sea freight division, UMA shipping, operates a barge (landing craft) fitted with 5MT crane. They also have a 12m landing craft that is used to access shallow (5m draft) outer island harbours. A 40 MT mobile crane is used to launch the smaller landing craft from the barge and then load heavy cargo from barge to landing craft for transport to shore.
For more information on waterway company contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List
|
Passenger Carrying Capacity |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Taio Shipping Company |
Cook Islands General Transport (UMA Shipping) |
|
|
Number of Passenger Vessels < 20 Passengers |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Number of Passenger Vessels < 50 Passengers |
1 x 30 pax (M.V Lady Moana) |
N/a |
|
Number of Passenger Vessels < 100 Passengers |
1 x 50 pax M.V Maungaroa |
N/a |
|
Number of Passenger Vessels > 100 Passengers |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Cargo Carrying Capacity |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Taio Shipping Company |
Cook Islands General Transport |
|
|
Boats |
||
|
Number of Boats |
2 |
N/a |
|
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m3) |
M.V Lady Moana 180MT M.V Maungaroa 180MT |
N/a |
|
Barges / Landing Craft |
||
|
Number of Barges/Landing Craft |
N/a |
2 x Landing Craft |
|
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m3) |
N/a |
1 x 400MT 468m3 (12 x 20” containers) 1 x 12MT 39m3 (1 x 20’ container) |
|
Tugs |
||
|
Number of Tugs |
N/a |
N/a |
|
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m3) |
N/a |
N/a |
M.V Lady Moana
M.V Maungaroa
Cook Islands General Transport Barge (Landing Craft)
Travel Time Matrix
|
Travel Time from Main port to other Ports/Islands on Domestic Cargo Vessel, Fishing Vessels. Average of 7 knots. |
||
|---|---|---|
|
To |
FROM PORT AVATIU, RAROTONGA |
|
|
Distance: Note: All measurements are taken in nautical miles (nm) to the nearest point of land.
|
Sailing time: Note: Sailing time is worked on distance/average speed and pending on the weather. E.g. Aitutaki - 140nm/7knots = 20hours of sailing time to Aitutaki. |
|
|
Aitutaki |
140nm |
20 hours. |
|
Atiu |
116nm |
19.3 hours |
|
Manuae |
124nm |
17.7 hours
|
|
Mauke |
150nm |
21.4 hours |
|
Mangaiia |
110nm |
15.7 hours |
|
Mitiaro |
142nm |
20.2 hours |
|
Takutea |
116nm |
19.3 hours |
|
Manihiki |
650nm |
92.85 hours/3.8 days |
|
Nassau |
673nm |
96.14 hours/4.0 days |
|
Palmerston |
270nm |
38.5 hours/1.6 days |
|
Penrhyn |
737nm |
105.3 hours/4.4 days |
|
Pukapuka |
715nm |
102.14 hours/4.2 days |
|
Rakahanga |
674nm |
96.28 hours/4.0 days |
|
Suwarrow |
513nm |
73.28 hours/3.05 days |
As there are no ‘internal’ waterways in the Cook Islands, the remainder of this section is not applicable.
2.6 Cook Islands Storage
There is no commercial or public sector storage available for rent or lease on the main Island of Rarotonga. Shipping containers are the main form of storage used apart from some warehouses owned and fully utilised by private wholesale companies. Community halls or the community safety shelters would be utilised in case of a natural disaster.
A similar situation exists on the outer islands however there are many churches and community centres that could be utilised for storage in a disaster situation. In addition many islands have unused packing sheds left over from now defunct agricultural operations.
For more information on storage company contact details, please see the following link: 4.6 Storage and Milling Companies Contact List
Commercial Storage
There are no commercial storage facilities.
Storage Used by Humanitarian Organisations
Those humanitarian agencies present rely on shipping containers or privately owned buildings for storage of any disaster relief contingency stocks held in country.
Public Sector Storage
There is no public sector storage available.
Cold Chain
There are no cold chain storage facilities available. Refrigerated containers may be used.