Cook Islands

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.

Climate

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.

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 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.

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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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, 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.

Embassy Consulates

• 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 (0)20 7930 8422.
• New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Cook Islands): +1 613 238 5991.
• Cook Islands Consulate, Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9907 6567.
• Cook Islands High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 5126.

Foreign Embassies

• 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.