ABOUT THE COOK ISLANDS

The culture of the Cook Islands stems from the Polynesians, who migrated there around 800AD.  There are 15 islands that make up the chain, and they are located in the center of the Polynesian Triangle.  To the west lie the islands of Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga, to the east you will find the islands of French Polynesia, and to the south-west is New Zealand.

Considered one the best kept secrets of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands have all the beauty of its better known neighbors, Tahiti and Fiji, as well as all the necessary factors required to host tourists of all types. 

Cook Islanders are considered among the finest Polynesian singers and dancers and awards come often in international contests. Unlike most Western dancers, Polynesians tell a story with their bodies that matches the words of the song. Cook Islands dancing is fast, frenzied and erotic, with hip swinging and suggestive gestures.

CLIMATE

The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate all year round. June to August are the cooler months, whilst November to March marks the warmer season, with occasional tropical showers expected. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 78.8°F, whilst the warmer, more humid and damp season runs from December to March. During this season the temperature ranges between 71.2°F and 82.4°F.

The table below indicates the prevalence of sunshine and even temperatures. Severe weather is rare and infrequent.

CUSTOMS

No duty is levied on clothing or personal effects (including sports equipment). In addition, each visitor may bring the following items, free of duty, into the Cook Islands: 200 cigarettes or up to ½ pound (1 kg) of tobacco or up to 50 cigars, 2 litres of spirit or wine or 41/2 litres of beer.

Goods with total value of up to NZ$250 are not open to duties, however goods in excess of NZ$250 are liable to duty.

Fruits and plants are not allowed into the country. You are permitted to bring frozen food, canned food and vacum packed products. These must be declared to Customs on arrival. If not declared, Customs have the right to confiscated any items/products.

DEPARTURE TAX

Upon departure all visitors will be charged the following taxes:

Adults NZ$30, Children under 12 years NZ$15, Children 2 years and under are free of charge. This must be paid upon departure, and is not included as part of prepaid taxes with airline tickets.

DRIVING

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

ELECTRICITY

Voltage is 220 AC/50 cycle, the same as New Zealand and Australia. In some cases, a two pin adapter may be required. Some hotels and motels have provisions for 110 volt AC electric razors. Although some visitors prefer to boil water before use, it is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / VISAS

A bona-fide visitor (any person who enters the Cook Islands solely for recreation or vacation/holiday), does not require an entry permit, provided he/she possesses proof of onward passage (booked and paid) for stays of not more than 31 days. Extension permits are usually granted for visitors wanting to stay over 31 days.

All visitors are required to have a valid passport, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means of supporting stay, and suitable accommodation.

Applications can be made upon arrival at the Immigration Department. Extensions are granted on a monthly basis, up to 5 additional months only.

A fee is payable with each application within 14 days prior to the expiration of the permit. Extensions are granted at two levels. Up to three months NZ$70 (15 years and older), up to five months NZ$120 (15 years and older). Children under 15 years of age are exempt from charges but must report to Immigration for official paperwork to be completed.

For those wanting to stay in the Cook Islands longer than 6 months, must apply for a visa from their home territory, prior to their arrival in the Cook Islands.

Please direct applications to:

Principal Immigration Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
PO Box 105
Rarotonga Ph: (682) 29347
COOK ISLANDS Fax: (682) 21247

FLYING TIMES TO COOK ISLANDS

Flights leave from Los Angeles via Tahiti.  Time to Tahiti is 9 hours, then another 2 hours from Tahiti to Rarotonga. 

Please note that flights out of Los Angeles to the Cook Islands do not leave every day.

FOOD

Restaurants range from high class to friendly island style' cafe restaurants. The food selection includes superb international cuisine through to the old favourites - Chinese, Italian and Continental. Much of the food used in restaurants comes from New Zealand and is flown in fresh or frozen, Generally fresh local vegetables are used, as well as seafood. Most restaurants have their own fish suppliers and what is on the menu will reflect the catch of the day. The main fish on the menu will be tuna, mahi mahi (dolphin fish) and parrot fish. Another seafood specialty is curried octopus. Along with fresh fish and vegetables, visitors should sample the tantalising tropical fruits. Even if you don't try the fruit at night, you will find pineapples, pawpaw (papaya) and bananas make a delicious breakfast. The overall quality), and presentation of food in the Cook Islands is very high, and a variety of international dishes are available.

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

All taxes are included in prices.

HEALTH SERVICES

A range of medical and dental services are available on Rarotonga. This includes a hospital and emergency services, as well as an optometrist. Various pharmacies are available for prescription medicine.

HISTORY

The first settlers to the Cook Islands were Polynesians who arrived about 800AD from Raiatea, in what is now French Polynesia. They came in great double hulled canoes, navigating by using familiar stars and wave movements and temperature. These colonizers were believed to have been the last wave of the Polynesian Migration from Asia that began in 1500BC. Pukapuka in the north was the first island discovered by Europeans, sighted by the Spaniard Captain Alvaro de Mendana on August 20, 1595.