VISITOR INFORMATION

The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands covering over 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. The capital is Rarotonga.

The islands are situated in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle and have a total population is approximately 16,000 people, attracting approx 90,000 visitors a year.

The Polynesians are well known for their friendly welcoming manner. They have their own language and own currency, but English is the main language, and New Zealand dollars is the main currency, accepted everywhere. The Cook Islands offer a unique opportunity to experience the complete tranquillity of a tropical island with no hype, no sky rises. The islands hold incredible charm and beauty, and this is enhanced by the friendliness of the people. It is a very uncomplicated life, with an easy pace.

Religion is very strong in the Cook Islands, with Christianity being very important, and Sunday is put aside to be with the family, celebrate and pray. A result of this is a lot of businesses are closed on a Sunday, including some restaurants. Always check this when making dining plans on a Sunday.

Rarotonga is circular in shape, with a mountain peak being the main feature in the middle, covered in lush green rain forest, which spread to the white sandy beaches out to the clear blue lagoon waters. The lagoon is nearly completely surrounded by a reef, great safe place for people to swim.

The main town in Rarotonga is Avarua, and it is the commercial centre of The Cook Islands. There is a good selection of shops, providing for most needs required while on the island.

The island is 32km right round the island, so everything is very easy to get to! There are two main roads. One is on the water’s edge, which is where most people travel. The second road is further inland.

Motor scooters are a fun way to get around the island. But if that is not your style, there are bikes, cars and jeeps available. There is also a local bus that regularly goes around the island in both directions that provides another inexpensive way of transportation.

Aitutaki is 220 km north of Rarotonga. It is accessible by flight in under an hour from Rarotonga International Airport. The lagoon is quite amazing, approximately 45km around, with a number of small uninhabited islands (Motu). This is a very laid back place to go visit, so be ready to relax. There are accommodation options available and a few shops, restaurants and bars. There are also day trips available.

Beneath the surface
Not all of the beauty is above the surface. There is a whole new life again under water. For snorkelling or scuba diving, it is an underwater paradise. It involves a very short boat ride of no more than 15mins, and it all begins! There is also great fishing, windsurfing, sailing, boat rides, and kayaking available on the water. There is a number of other things to do on the island, including sightseeing, safari tours, tennis, squash, golf, hiking, gentle walks, lawn bowls and scenic flights around the island. Just ask your host for more details. They can help you with bookings.

Food
There are many restaurants, most licensed, and bars scattered all over the island. They offer a wide range of menus to suit a great variety of budgets. It ranges from high class international cuisine, down to cafes offering an expresso coffee and a snack. There are a couple of restaurants walking distance, or venture further a field very easily into town for a greater range of options available. Just ask your host for more details. They can help you with bookings.

Arts and Craft
If you are looking for unique presents for yourself and others, then you are in the right place. There is a huge variety of handicraft, art, jewellery and clothing for sale that is original to the Cook Islands, and locally made. You will find a number of items offered regularly. One is the pareu. It is a 2m length of cloth in a colourful fabric. It is great in the hot climate. The most famous of all is the black pearl.

Black pearls
The Cook Islands are famous for the Black pearl. Occurs naturally in the lagoons of Manihiki and Penrhyn –with pearl farming operations. They are highly sought after ranging in size from 8mm to 14mm. Over 12mm is rare, and more reflective they are, the higher the cost to obtain. The cultivation of the pearl is a long process, taking up to 2 years to harvest. Most of the pearls are sent overseas, but there is a small but strong local market. Often sold loose, or set into rings, pendants, earrings or necklaces. Just ask your host for more details and advice.

Climate
Temperature: Warm and sunny all year round. Average 22-28C.
November – March: warmer months – with the odd tropical rain shower expected and higher humidity.
June – August: cooler months with less humidity. Due to the high humidity at times, lightweight cottons and natural fibres are more comfortable to wear.
When packing: T-shirts and shorts are standard dress attire, sunhats, sunscreen and sun glasses. Even when it rains it is still warm. A very light rain shell can be handy, as rain showers come and go.

Getting there
At this stage, there are two international airlines servicing the Cook Islands. Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue. For their flight schedules visit your nearest travel agent, or visit www.airnz.co.nz or www.virginblue.com.au.
Services to the Southern group of islands are regularly operated by Air Rarotonga. There is an infrequent service to the Northern Group of islands.

Entry requirements
As a visitor you will need a valid passport and a return ticket. You may stay for up to 31 days. Extensions are possible.
You may bring in 200 cigarettes, or up to 250 grams of tobacco, or up to 50 cigars. 2 litres of spirits or wine, or 4.5 litres of beer. Goods in excess of NZ$250 are liable for duty.

Departure tax:
Per adult $55
Infants under 2 exempt

.

Currency:
The main currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar. There is a unique local currency, but this cannot be used outside the Cook Islands.

Banking:
There is Westpac and ANZ banks downtown in Avarua open Monday-Friday from 9am – 3pm. There are ATM machines around the island, and there are Eftpos facilities in some stores and hotels. All major credit cards are accepted around the island.

Driving:
You drive on the left hand side of the road. In town the speed limit is 30kmph, 50kmph in unpopulated areas. Every driver is required to gain a Cook Islands licence. Cost is $20, and if you want to ride a scooter there is an additional $5 for a practical road test.