Cook Islands - General Info

Exclusive Resorts | Outer Islands | Rarotonga | General Info

KIA ORANA

Scattered over a vast expanse of the South Pacific Ocean, are 15 amazing islands that are the epitome of your tropical island dream.  They beckon like sparkling jewels cast upon an indigo sea.

Here, where the coconut palms softly sway to the rhythm of the trade winds, you will find a generous welcome from warm and friendly people who live life at a gentle easy pace.

Rarotonga and Aitutaki are the most visited of the Cook Islands and offer the visitor all that could be expected of a perfect tropical vacation from wonderful white sandy beaches, mountains, rain forests and warm inviting waters that are all a part of a stunning natural environment.  Polynesian hospitality, history portrayed in song and dance plus unique arts and crafts are some of the experiences to cherish. Add to this a great selection of accommodations and you have all the ingredients of the 'recipe for true paradise'.

LOCATION

The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, they lie virtually in the center of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas and to the east by Tahiti and the island of French Polynesia.  The Cook Islands are in the same time zone as Hawaii and are the same distance south of the equator as Hawaii is north.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

United States citizens must have a valid passport but do not require an entry permit providing they are in possession of a return or onward airline ticket and do not intend staying more than 30 days.  Extensions may be granted on a monthly basis for up to 3 months (available on application to the local Immigration Department no later than 14days prior to expiration of current permit)

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

200 cigarettes, or up to 250 grams of tobacco, or up to 50 cigars.  Plus 2 litres of spirits or wines,or 4.5 litres of beer.  Goods in excess of NZ$250 are liable for duty. Liquor and cigarettes are available for purchase on arrival.

DEPARTURE TAXES

NZ $25 per adult/ NZ $20 per child (age 2 to11) infants under 2-exempt.

CURRENCY

The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar, supplemented by notes and coinage minted for local use.  The unique local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the islands, but are keenly sought by collectors worldwide.

BANKING

Westpac and ANZ banks in downtown Avarua are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm.  Westpac is also open Saturday mornings.  A banking service is available at the airport for international flights.  Western Union in Avarua is open from 830am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to noon Saturday for money exchange and transfers.

LANGUAGE

Cook Islands Maori is the local language but everyone also speaks English.

CLOTHING

Although the dress code is informal, brief attire should not be worn when visiting towns or villages.  Nude or topless sunbathing will cause offence.  A light sweater may come in handy for the cooler evenings.

ELECTRICITY

230 volts 50 Hz, with three-pin plugs.  Remember to pack an adapter and transformer.

DRINKING WATER

The tap water is safe to drink on Rarotonga.  It is recommended to always ask your host when checking in.  Bottled waters are available at supermarkets and stores.

DRIVING

Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road.  Drivers of all vehicles are required to have a current Cook Islands Drivers License which can be obtained from the Police Station at Avarua for NZ $10 on presentation of your own license.

TRANSPORTATION

Regular scheduled air services to Aitutaki and outlying islands are operated by Air Rarotonga. 

A BRIEF HISTORY

The first settlers arrived in the Cook Islands around 800AD during the great Polynesian Migration.  In the 11th century a chief named Toi built the first road in Rarotonga.  Two centuries later the great chiefs Tangiia Nui from Tahiti and Karika from Samoa met and joined forces at sea to conquer the earlier inhabitants.

The first European was the Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana who sighted Pukapuka in 1595; followed by Pedro Fernandez de Quiros who sighted Rakahanga in 1606.  There was no further European contact for over 160 years, when Captain James Cook, for whom the group was eventually named, sighted Manuae atoll in 1773.  On a later voyage in 1977 he also discovered Palmerston, Tukutea, Atiu and Mangaia.

FISHING  IN THE COOK ISLANDS

Click here for fishing information

COUNTRY FLAG OF THE COOK ISLANDS