Cook Islands are a cluster of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, a democracy in free association with New Zealand. Cook Islands is located between the French Polynesia an Tonga, and consists of 15 islands spread over an area of 2.2 sq km of ocean. It is in the same time zone as Hawaii, except that it is on the southern hemisphere. It is said to resemble Hawaii before all the tourist development came onto the island. Visitors come to Cook Islands for its beautiful atolls and white sand beaches, as well as for hiking, snorkelling and caving.
Fast Facts about Cook Islands
Official Name: Cook Islands
Capital: Avarua (12,000)
Population of Cook Islands: 21,000
Languages: English (official) Maori
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Religions: Christian
Size: 240 sq km (92.7 sq miles)
Region: Oceania
When to visit Cook Islands
Cook Island has a pleasant climate and can be visited any time of the year. The best period, however, is between September and October as well as between March and April. If you want to see the local festivals, then you should go in early August, when the island celebrates independence.
What to wear in Cook Islands
Lightweight clothing is good enough for any time of the year in Cook Islands. An additional jacket may be useful for the evenings.
Getting into Cook Islands
Visitors to Cook Islands must have pre-arranged accommodation before arriving, or risk being deported on the next flight. Although the have since relaxed the rules and allow you to attempt booking a room upon arrival by phone, if no room can be secured, then you are looking at a seat on the next flight out. Having said that, flights to Cook Islands land at the Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), which has air connections to Auckland, Fiji and Papeete in the French Polynesia. At present, Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue are the two airlines flying to Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Entry Requirements
Visitors from US, Australia, Canada, Britain and other EU countries do not require a tourist visa if staying not more than 31 days.
Where to stay in Cook Islands
Click on the name of the towns listed below to view hostels and budget accommodation available for booking there.
Mangaia Island
Rarotonga
Titikaveka
Getting around in Cook Islands
There are domestic flights available through Air Rarotonga
Things to see and do in Cook Islands
Visit Papua (Wigmore) waterfall at Vaimaanga
Visit historical places in Cook Islands including Takamoa Mission House, believed to be the second-oldest building in the South Pacific, Palace of Makea at Taputapuatea, and Pa's Palace in Takitumu.
Go whale watching for humpback whales, between July and October.
Enjoy the scenery of Rarotonga by walking through any of its 13 marked trails.
Money matters in Cook Islands
The currency used in Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar, NZ$. NZ$1.00 = 100 cents. Banknotes are in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 while coins are in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Banking hours are from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Some banks open on Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am.
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