COOK ISLAND GUIDE 

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The Cook Islands comprises 15 islands spread over 850,000 square miles (2.2 million square km) of ocean smack in the middle of the South Pacific between Tonga to the west and the Society Islands to the east.    The Cook Islands consists of two main groups, one in the north and one in the south. The southern group is nine "high" islands mainly of volcanic origin although some are virtually atolls. The majority of the population lives in the southern group. The northern group comprises six true atolls.

Getting there: Air New Zealand is the premier carrier. It operates several weekly scheduled flights from New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, Los Angeles and Fiji.

Please note these flights are seasonal and may not operate exactly as stated. For an Air New Zealand updated flight schedule, check here.Some other regular services are operated by Polynesian Airlines which flies to Western Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Internal air services are taken care of by Air Rarotonga which flies regularly to most of the northern and southern group. Aloha airlines departs from Honolulu to Rarotonga twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Seasons: The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasant warm and sunny climate year round. The drier months from April to November have an average maximum temperature of about 26 C while the warmer, more humid and damp season runs from December to March with a temperature range of 22- 28 C.

Rarotonga Island: Rarotonga is the vibrant center of the Cook Islands. As the entire island is only 32 kilometres in circumference, getting around is easy. There are two main roads on Rarotonga - you can circle the island on the Ara Tapu sealed road, through the villages and past the beaches; or you can take the older inland road, which winds through fields of taro, pawpaw, bananas and local farmlands.It's circular shapes dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rain forests cascade to a palm-fringed shore. The island is almost completely encircled by a reef, which harbors a lagoon of clear turquoise waters and many inviting white sand beaches. Beyond the reef, the indigo blue of the ocean provides a vivid contrast and a bountiful supply of fish. Avarua is the main town on the island and the commercial center of the Cook Islands. During business hours, it has a friendly, bustling atmosphere together with a good selection of shops, banks, cafes and visitor facilities. It is also the main port and host to many cruising yachts. The central mountainous region is unpopulated and its highest parts consist of cloud forest, an ecological wonderland. This area begins at about 1300 feet (400m) and contains many species of plants unique to the Cook Islands.
    Much valuable work has been done recently to conserve and protect native flora and fauna by the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Project. They have published a comprehensive guide for hikers and eco-tourists: Rarotonga's Mountain Tracks and Plants. For visitors wishing to explore the interior on foot there is a guided cross-island walk led by the inimitable Pa. For the less energetic there is a three-hour four-wheel drive safari which takes one through the mountains and into the rain forests. Aerial scenery can be enjoyed with a 20 minute scenic flight from the airport at a cost of NZ$55 (US$26).
    One of the main attractions of Rarotonga is that it is a real place, not a manufactured destination point for tourists. Real people live there and wrestle with all the problems that tiny countries face trying to cope with the modern world of instant communications and jet travel. It is an idyllic place for travellers seeking lost horizons and for those interested in the ways of Polynesia.

Aitutaki Island: A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing our beautiful island of Aitutaki. The breathtaking allure of it's crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday. This is a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and tranquility.  In this laid-back atmosphere you will find a variety of accommodation facilities, an assortment of different shops scattered throughout the villages and a number of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. As on Rarotonga, the popular mode of transport is the motor scooter. Day trips from Rarotonga can include an island tour and a lagoon cruise to visit Tapuaetai (One Foot Island). Lunch is prepared for you, whilst you relax and work on your tan, explore the beaches, go snorkeling or hand feed the fish - an unforgettable experience. Aitutaki is 220 km north of Rarotonga and a 1/2  hour's flight away. There are NO flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki on Sundays. It is partly volcanic and partly of atoll origin. It's highest hill, Maungapu is said to be the top of Rarotonga's Raemaru Peak, brought back by victorious warriors. The spectacular lagoon (45 km around) is abundant with colored fish of many varieties, it's perimeter sprinkled with many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus). As you turn through 360 degrees, all the lines of the land and sea are parallel with the horizon where the sky meets the sea. The endless lagoon is a continually changing palette of blues, greens and greys. The nearest horizon is the encircling reef.
  The high point of any visit to Aitutaki is a lagoon cruise. Several operators run these and most boats go to Tapuatae, One Foot Island, at the far south-eastern corner of the huge lagoon. This was once a pristine 'motu' or islet used solely for a quick picnic lunch for tourists, a walk across to the reef side of the island and some snorkeling in the channel at its north-eastern extremity. However, there is little in the way of interesting coral heads or fish in the immediate area. Keen snorkellers need to go much further east towards the reef before the coral begins to compare with that in Rarotonga's southern lagoon. However, the diving is excellent and the fish plentiful in the best spots.

Transportation: As well as the ubiquitous coconut palms, Rarotonga is home to many mature and beautiful tropical trees. Wandering down the back roads either on foot rented bicycle or motor scooter can be a rewarding experience. Poinciana, known locally as 'flamboyants', are an import from South America but look wonderful against the predominant greens and blues of Rarotonga. Massive old trees can be found in the quieter parts such as along the ancient Ara Metua, the Great Road of Toi, built about 1000 AD from coral slabs. There is a regular round-the-island bus service which runs in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Several companies offer bicycle, motor scooters and cars (automobiles) for rent. Allow about NZ$110 (approx US$46) per week for hire of a 100cc two-seater scooter. This is the most widely used means of transport on Rarotonga by visitors and locals. Rates for renting cars (automobiles) vary but rock bottom price per day for older models is about NZ$45 (approx US$19). It is worth checking out some of the smaller operators. Many hotels and motels rent out bicycles and scooters.

Visitor requirements:  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$70.00 (15 years and older), up to five months NZ$120.00 (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

Departure tax: Upon departure all visitors will be charged the following taxes: Adults NZ$25.00, Children under 12 years NZ$10.00, 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

Taxes & Tips:  All taxes are included in prices. Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands Customs

Water & 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. Bottled water is available from the local shops for those who wish to purchase

Dress: Although the dress code is informal, we do ask that brief attire not be worn when visiting town or villages. Nude or topless sunbathing will cause offence. A light sweater may come in handy for the cooler evenings during July and August

• English is spoken by everyone and Cook Islands Maori is the local language.

• Tipping is not the custom in the Cook Islands

• Bona fide visitors do not require entry permits provided they possess onward passage and do not intend staying for more than 31 days. They must have a valid passport, adequate financial means of supporting their stay, and suitable accommodation.

• Longer stays. Extension permits are usually granted for visitors wanting to stay over 31 days. Applications can be made on arrival at the Immigration Department. Extensions, for which there is a fee, are granted on a monthly basis, up to five additional months only. For up to three months the fee is NZ$70.00 (15 years and older), up to five months it is NZ$120.00 (15 years and older). Children under 15 are exempt from charges but must report to Immigration. for official paperwork to be completed. People who wish to stay longer than six months must apply for a visa from their home country, before their arrival to:-
  Principal Immigration Officer
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
  PO Box 105
  Rarotonga Ph: (682) 29347 COOK ISLANDS Fax: (682) 21247

• Entry for yachts. For mooring requests and information for seagoing vessels contact:-
  Ports Authority
  PO Box 84
  Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Ph: (682) 21-921 Fax: (682) 21-191.

• Camping is prohibited in the Cook Islands.

• Departure tax is US$16.25 (NZ$25) for adults and US$6.50 (NZ$10) for children between 2 and 11.

• Cars and motor scooters can be rented but all drivers must have a current Cook Islands licence -- this costs US$6.50 (NZ$10), is a great souvenir and an even better tax-raising device for the Cook Islands Government. The test itself is a formality and very few people have ever failed it. Rarotonga Rentals is opposite the airport and rents cars (automobiles) and scooters at reasonable prices.

• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

• Currency is the New Zealand dollar but you can buy souvenir Cook Islands coins and notes.

• Dress is casual but, in common with most Pacific islands and Asia, it is considered offensive to wear almost nothing when visiting towns or villages. Topless sunbathing is definitely a no-no.

• Most hotels have phone and fax facilities. Visitors can also get these, plus e-mail and internet services from Telecom Cook Islands in Avarua.

• Electrical power is 240 volts 50 cycles, as for New Zealand and Australia. In some cases, a two pin adapter may be required. Some accommodation providers can supply connections for 110 volt electric razors.

• Automatic teller machines are available on Rarotonga.  Cards acceptable for cash withdrawals are Visa, Mastercard or any card issued overseas carrying the logos Cirrus, Plus or Maestro.

• Rarotonga is a popular destination for couples wishing to get married and have their honeymoon in the South Pacific islands.