Cook Islands

The 15 Cook Islands are scattered across the south Pacific over about two million square kilometres, an area the size of India. These unspoilt Polynesian tropical gems have a combined population of an average country town: about 14,000 unique and friendly souls. Most Cook Islanders dwell 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 which 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, but remain 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.

Climate

The climate in the Cook Islands is equable. The rainy season is between November and March, but the rain usually falls in the form of late afternoon storms which cool the air temperature, which averages around 82ºF (28ºC) this time of year. The cooler, dry season, when temperatures range from 70ºF to 80ºF (20ºC to 26ºC), runs from April to October. Severe weather is seldom experienced.

Language

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

Time

Local time is GMT 10.

Money

The currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Foreign currency exchange is available at the airport and two banks in Avarua. ATMs are available in Avarua at the banks and at major stores and restaurants. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at restaurants and hotels in the main towns, and travellers cheques in small denominations as well as major foreign currencies can be exchanged at larger shops and hotels. Australian dollars are the preferred currency for travellers cheques.

Passport Visa

A passport valid for length of stay, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means to support the stay and proof of confirmed accommodation, are required on entry into the Cook Islands.

Entry Requirements

US nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes, a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days. UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for touristic purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days. Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days. Australian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days. South African nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days. Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days. New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for the intended period of stay. A Certificate of Identity is also accepted. If arriving for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a maximum stay of 31 days. If the nature of the visit is for business, a visa is required. This can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 21 days.

Embassy Consulates

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 6273 2424.

New Zealand Embassy, Rarotonga: +682 22 201.

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. Recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A, hepatitis B (infants and children), typhoid and rabies. 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 a comprehensive medical insurance is advised to include air evacuation for emergencies.

Safety

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

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz; the same as New Zealand and Australia. A two-pin adapter is required at some establishments.

Business

The main business centre is Avarua. Business in the Cook Islands is fairly casual, extending to dress (which should also be modest, particularly for women) and punctuality. 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, and is not meant as an offence. Meetings usually begin and end with a prayer. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Communications

The country code for the Cook Islands is +682, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. International Direct Dialling is available, but operator assistance may be required. In the main town of Avarua there is a telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands) offering international telephone, fax, email, Internet connections and other services. GSM cellular mobile services are only available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Duty Free

The following goods may accompany travellers over 18 years to the Cook Islands: 2 litres of spirits or 2 litres of wine or a combination of the two, or 4 and a half litres of beer; 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars. Only travellers from New Zealand are permitted to import fruit, meat and livestock. No firearms, cartridges or cartridge cases, gunpowder, bullets, and other forms of ammunition are allowed without prior permission from the Minister of Police.