The 15 Cook Islands are scattered across the south Pacific over about 772,204 square miles (2 million sq km), 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 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, 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.

The climate in the Cook Islands is fairly constant. The rainy season is between November and March, but the rain usually falls in the form of late afternoon storms, cooling 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.

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

Local time is GMT -10.

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 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 travellers cheques in small denominations as well as major foreign currencies can be exchanged at larger shops and hotels. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Australian dollars are the preferred currency for travellers cheques.

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.

Ireland

Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

United Kingdom

UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

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

Canada

Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

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

United States

US nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

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

New Zealand

New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for the intended period of stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

New Zealand High Commission, Rarotonga: +682 22 201.

South Africa

South African nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

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

Australia

Australian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, extensions of 31 days each are possible for a maximum of six months.

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

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, therefore a good arsenal of mosquito repellent and protective clothing is advised. Locals consider the tap water safe, but boiled or bottled water is advised for visitors, particularly to the 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.

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

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

The main business centre is Avarua on Rarotonga Island. 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 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

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 900 cellular mobile services are only available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

The following goods may accompany travellers over 18 years to the Cook Islands: 2 litres of spirits; 2 litres of wine or 4 and a half litres of beer, 200 cigarettes; 20 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 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.