Travel Tips - Cook Island Vacations by Pacific For Less


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Cook Island -» Rarotonga » Aitutaki

Cook Islands

For years isolated from major tourist routes, the Cook Islands offer the visitor untouched beauty and a peaceful way of life. Here you'll stroll along beaches edged with swaying palms and swim in warm lagoons protected by coral reefs. The islands divide naturally into two groups. The eight islands of the southern Cooks include the destinations of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The Cook Island group was named after Captain James Cook, who sighted the Manua atoll (Hervey Island) in 1773.

The ill fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitutaki in 1789, and mutineer Fletcher Christian, Rarotonga, on the same boat (the Bounty), shortly after the famous mutiny on April 28.1789. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a "must see" extension to your Rarotonga holidays. Atiu is a fascinating island riddled with caves and surrounded with raised coral cliffs and white sand beaches. Mangaia is the southernmost island of the Cook group and is also surrounded by coral cliffs with an interior of several swamps and a small lake. Limestone and volcanic samples on the island date back eighteen million years. Mauke has beautiful white beaches with the reef close to the island, so the lagoon is shallow. Subterranean caves are found in the interior with easy access from the road encircling the island.

Cook Island Travel Tips

As visa and health requirements are subject to change without notice, we recommend that passengers verify existing foreign visa and health regulations prior to travel. (See also general Terms and Conditions )

Entry requirements: New Zealand citizens do not require passports for stays of up to 31 days, however they must produce their passports upon re-entering New Zealand. All other visitors must have a current passport. A bona-fide visitor does not require an entry-permit provided he or she possesses onward passage, and does not intend staying more than 31 days. Extensions of stays may be granted on a monthly basis for up to 3 months. Available on application to the local Immigration Department 14 days prior to expiration of permit.

Departure tax: The airport departure tax is NZ$ 25 for adults, NZ$ 10 for children 2 -11 years.

Medical services: Medical and dental services are available. There are no poisonous animals and insects in the Cook Islands.

Electricity: Voltage is 220 DC/50 cycle, the same as New Zealand and Australia.

Telecommunications: Mail and telegrams are available from the Post Office. International telex, telephone and facsimile services are available through Telecom Cook Islands.

Banking/Currency: The Cook Island 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 Cook Islands, but are keenly sought by collectors worldwide. Westpac and ANZ Banks in Avarua are open Monday to Friday, 09.00 am to 03.00 p.m.

Tipping: Tipping is contrary to Cook Island custom.

Driving: Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Drivers of all vehicles are required to have a current Cook Islands Driver's License available from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of your own license. Cost. NZ$ 10.

Water: Water straight from the tap is perfectly acceptable. Bottled water also available.