So were those people on your return flight doing the immediate turnaround? Did they manage it?
My concern was always that if you cannot check in online for an international flight, by the time you land at the destination, race off the plane and find a transfer desk, the time for check-in will be closed. They may not even be able to check you in airside as its such an unusual occurrence and trying to quickly explain to ground staff what you are doing won't speed up the process!
On my flight there wasn't anyone doing a turnaround, however the following day Tuhin and Fraser did do the turnaround, they checked in when they landed at AKL and got their BP's before the RAR - AKL.
There would be not time and you would definitely miss your returning flight if you decided to check in at RAR, Immi will question why you are there and as the case of Tuhin and Fraser, a officer came to the gate as we were boarding to ask if they had just landed and if they were leaving, she then took their passports back to arrivals to adjust information as they were in the system to enter the country.
If anyone wants to do the immediate turnaround then they
MUST obtain a BP when at AKL. Once you get off the plane make sure to find a gate that VA is boarding from and get there ASAP.
If you are doing the
turnaround, once you get off the plane walk towards the entry doors, straight ahead will be a small duty free shop, to the right of that is a little door for transit.
If you are
staying in RAR, once you get off the plane walk towards the entry doors, straight ahead will be a small duty free shop, to the left will be Immi, theres 2 lanes, the left one is a general lane and the right one is dedicated to parents and special needs (if my brain serves me right).
Immi will want to see a itinerary with a departing flight, after that is the baggage carousel, after that is customs.
Don't stress about travel arrangements as there are taxi's, tour and shuttle operators to greet you when you walk out, they will ask where you are staying and direct you to the designated shuttle operator. There are ANZ and Westpac ATM at the airport and around the island. Currency is NZD and I would advise not to buy currency at the airport (in transit), purchase it before at the no commission booths or use a CC.
There is WIFI on the island (yay
) but it comes at a price heading north. I had a vodafone (IP5) and telstra (ipad) sim which didn't work. Telstra managed to pick up carrier on the island but that was about it.
Best way to travel around the island would be by scooter, like the locals. It cost's 25 - 35 a day and gets cheaper if its a longer rental. A scooter licence can be obtained by picking one up from the local police station (they will issue you a temporary one to get there). Cost around $15. No need for helmets as the general speed on the island is 50KM. Police seem friendly, I got pulled over, asked if I had anything to drink, said nope, and then told me to take care and have a good night. People on the island are friendly as well, everyone waved at us as we were driving along the road (could be the fact we were the only Asian couple on the island :mrgreen
I would recommend the best snorkelling spot to be the beach at Fruits of Rarotonga. FOR is a cafe which serves smoothies, burgers and fish and chips, as well as sell bread for the fish.
You can hire snorkel gear from them for $10 per person or sneak the gear from your hotel.
Opposite FOR is the beach, warm and still waters and PLENTY of fish, big, small, and a diverse range of colors. The snorkelling tours bring their guests to this beach to snorkel, there are stray dogs on the island, they are friendly and curious so no need to worry. Make sure you pack sunscreen!!!!
