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    • Cook Islands

    Cook Islands travel guide

    Overview

    The 15 Cook Islands, formed by volcanic activity, are scattered across the south Pacific Ocean. These unspoilt Polynesian tropical gems have the combined population of around 20,000, comprised of unique and friendly people. Most Cook Islanders live on the capital island of Rarotonga, which is also where most of the 70,000-odd annual visitors stop off, arriving at the island's international airport.

    Circular Rarotonga is almost completely enclosed by a reef, harbouring a lagoon of clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The small island is dominated by a high mountain peak from where lush rain forests cascade down to the palm-fringed shore.

    The commercial centre of the islands is the friendly, bustling town of Avarua on Rarotonga, which has banks, shops, and tourist facilities as well as a busy port and yacht basin. The outer islands are becoming increasingly popular for excursions, remaining largely unspoiled by tourism.

    The Cook Islanders have their own language and government, and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Even if you go no further than Rarotonga, though, you will be ensured of a dream 'South Seas' holiday experience on the pristine beaches, snorkelling the reef, or exploring the island by bus, motor scooter, bicycle, or jeep.

    Phrase Book

    English Pronounciation

    The climate in the Cook Islands is tropical, fairly constant, and placid. The rainy season coincides with the hottest time of year, between November and March, but the rain usually falls in the form of late afternoon storms. These cool the air temperature and give some welcome relief from the heat which averages around 82ºF (28ºC) at this time of year.

    There is also a risk of cyclones and hurricanes during the hot season. Although these violent storms can do serious damage, the Cook Islands generally don't get hit too hard and extreme weather conditions are rare. The worst month for storms is February. The cooler, dry season, when temperatures range from 70ºF to 80ºF (20ºC to 26ºC), runs from April to October.

    The Cook Islands are a year-round destination because the weather ensures it is almost always suitable for swimming and beach lounging, which is the main reason people visit. Prices for accommodation and the like are pretty constant all year as there is not a 'peak season' for tourism. The best time to visit the Cook Islands is probably in the slightly cooler months when there is no chance of cyclones or serious storms.

    Rarotonga International Airport
    Location: The airport is situated two miles (3km) west of Avarua.
    Time: Local time is GMT -10.
    Getting to the city: Hotel courtesy buses meet every flight, and public buses service the island; the bus stop is across the car park from the terminal. Taxis are also available.
    Car Rental: Car rental is available and includes well-known companies such as Avis and Budget.
    Facilities: Facilities include a bureau de change and ATM, duty-free shopping, some small shops, and restaurants. Facilities for the disabled are also available. The airport is only open during arrival and departure times.
    Parking Only rental cars can park at the airport.
    Money:

    The currency of the Cook Islands is either the Cook Islands Dollar, which is divided into 100 cents, or the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), which is also divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency exchange is available at the airport and two banks in Avarua. ATMs are also available in Avarua and are slowly becoming more widespread. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at restaurants and hotels in the main towns, and major foreign currencies can be exchanged at larger shops and hotels. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm.

    Language:

    Cook Island Maori is widely spoken by locals, but English is in common use.

    Electricity:

    Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. The three-pin flat blade plug with two slanted pins are used.

    Entry Requirements:

    US nationals: US nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

    UK nationals: UK nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

    CA nationals: Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

    AU nationals: Australian nationals must have a passport valid for seven days beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

    ZA nationals: South African nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

    IR nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

    NZ nationals: New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for seven days beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.

    Passport/Visa Note:Visa:

    Proof of onward passage, adequate financial means to support the stay, and proof of confirmed accommodation are required on entry into the Cook Islands. We recommend that passports be valid for six months beyond intended period of travel. Visa extensions are possible.

    Travel Health:

    There is little risk of disease on the Cook Islands, but visitors should take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. Outbreaks of dengue fever can occur so a good arsenal of mosquito repellent and protective clothing is advised.

    Although no vaccinations are required, one or two may be recommended by your doctor as a precaution: vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended while a typhoid vaccination may also be required.

    Locals consider the tap water safe, but boiled or bottled water is advised for visitors, particularly in rural areas. A range of medical and dental services are available on Rarotonga, including a hospital and various pharmacies, but medical facilities in the Cook Islands in general are limited and comprehensive travel insurance is advised to include air evacuation for emergencies.

    If you require medication during your stay in the Cook Islands, it is best to take it with you. Make sure you have the necessary documents from your doctor to get the medication through customs.

    Tipping:

    Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom.

    Safety Information:

    Visits to the Cook Islands are usually trouble-free. There is relatively little crime, but it is always advisable to protect your valuables.

    Local Customs:

    Inhabitants of the Cook Islands are very religious and frown upon inappropriate dress. Beachwear should not be worn in town, and topless sunbathing is not acceptable behaviour.

    Business:

    The main business centre is Avarua on Rarotonga Island. The business environment in the Cook Islands is fairly casual and relaxed. However, punctuality is important and dress should be modest, particularly for women. Meetings will be conducted in English when foreigners are present, although islanders may speak to one another in Maori to clarify their understanding during proceedings. It is not meant as an offence. Meetings usually begin and end with a prayer. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

    Communications:

    The country code for the Cook Islands is +682. In the main town of Avarua, there is a telecommunications office, Telecom Cook Islands, offering international telephone, fax, email, internet connections, and other services.

    Duty Free:

    The following goods may accompany travellers over 18 years to the Cook Islands: 2 litres of alcoholic beverage or 4.5 litres of beer, and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. No firearms, cartridges or cartridge cases, gunpowder, bullets, and other forms of ammunition are allowed without prior permission from the Minister of Police.

    Useful Contacts:

    Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Rarotonga: +682 29 435 or www.cookislands.travel

    Cook Islands Embassies:

    Cook Islands Honorary Consul, Los Angeles, United States: +1 213 974 1307

    New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Cook Islands): +44 20 7930 8422

    New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Cook Islands): +1 613 238 5991

    Cook Islands Consulate, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9907 6567

    Cook Islands High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 5126

    Foreign Embassies in Cook Islands :

    United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Cook Islands): +64 (0)4 462 6000

    British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Cook Islands): +64 (0)4 924 2888

    Canadian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Cook Islands): +64 (0)4 473 9577

    Australian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Cook Islands): +64 (0)4 473 6411

    South African High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Cook Islands): +61 (0)2 6272 7300

    New Zealand High Commission, Rarotonga: +682 22 201

    Cook Islands Emergency Numbers : For emergencies that require police, dial 999. For emergencies that require an ambulance, dial 998. For fire-related emergencies, dial 996.
    Cook Islands