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Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga

Los Angeles...
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Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga
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Hi! I've been scouring the threads and have learned so much. Thank you to all the regular posters for sharing your wisdom! I am hoping you can help me work out the logistics of our Sunday layover. We arrive on the Air NewZealand flight from LAX which lands at 630am on a Sunday. We are then booked on the 11:15am flight to Aitutaki. We were hoping to pick up some food to take with us but I'm not sure how best to do that.

Does Ocean Fresh still open on Sundays? Is it easy to walk to?

Are there grocery stores within walking distance or would you suggest something else like a taxi or rental car or ???

I would love to make it to Wigmore, would that be pushing it?

Thank you!

New Zealand
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for Norfolk Island, Noosaville, Rarotonga
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1. Re: Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga
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Hi mirthfuljoy

Yes, Ocean Fresh is still open on Sundays - as long as they have fish that is. If they run out - they close. The only thing with buying it and then taking it to Aitutaki is keeping it cold. Fish can go off very quickly as you know. And, yes, it is within walking distance.

Wigmore's is certainly your best option but you could also consider Super Brown in Tupapa which is closer and is actually open 24/7.

I wouldn't consider getting a rental for a few hours - even it were possible. I'd suggest getting a taxi at the airport to take you to Wigmore's or Super Brown. Ask it to wait and then to take you to Ocean Fresh and then back to the airport. You could then take your bags with you or, alternatively, you could see if Air Raro is open to store them for you. But I doubt they'll be open that early on a Sunday morning.

You may also want to consider buying any duty free you want before leaving the airport. They are only open for international flights for passengers before they enter the country (ie go through customs and immigration). Alcohol is not sold anywhere else on a Sunday except in restaurants with meals.

Others may have different suggestions.

Auckland, New...
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2. Re: Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga
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Perhaps try to arrange with a local taxi company in advance? Tell them what you want and they may give you a price for a certain amount of time. Wigmores has a fantastic range of products and if possible, I would definitely suggest going there. It would take about 20 minutes each way (maybe less) so plenty of time to get to and from there before your flight.

What food specifically are you wanting to buy to take to Aitutaki? There are shops there, just a little more expensive. Don't forget that you can also bring certain food with you as you are flying directly into Rarotonga - just no fruit or vegetables.

Paso Robles...
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3. Re: Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga
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Keep in mind your weight allowance for your bags on Air Raro.

The main market on Aitutaki I don't believe is open on Sundays. Maina traders superstore is the largest grocery store on the island located right next to the main 4 way stop at the pier.

They stock canned goods and frozen stuff but not the best for veggies or fruits. Good supply of beverages, chips and cheeses.

Rarotonga, Cook...
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for Rarotonga, Waiheke Island, Southern Cook Islands, Auckland Central, New Zealand, North Island, Cook Islands
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4. Re: Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga
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Ocean Fresh is open early on Sunday mornings. They have had consistent supplies of fresh fish this year; albeit limited to fewer species of fish at times.

The small Panama store just beyond Ocean Freesh is open on Sunday mornings until 9:00am> But I recommend CITC Oasis which is a 24/7 grocery shop about 600 metres past the airport. Lots of people shop there on Sundays including locals and visitors. They have a great variety for a convenience store. Easy walking distance along the beach front or roadside.

Many transfer passengers go over to The Islander hotel to store their luggage before venturing out for a stroll when the LAX flight arrives. Bags are stored for $5.00 a piece. Le Rendezvous across from the Islander opens from 8:00am on Sundays and serves breakfast, light meals and coffee.

Aitutaki, Cook...
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5. Re: Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga
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On Aitutaki the Neibaa store is open on Sunday. It is located on the east side of the island in Vaipae. It is one of the better stocked stores on the island. Depending on the season, they usually have a good variety of vegetables and fruit. Many of the accommodations on Aitutaki will take their arriving guests on Sunday shopping to pick up supplies.

6. Re: Help with Sunday layover in Rarotonga

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