|
The Cook Islands stretch over 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, consisting of 15 islands. The stunning delight known as the Cook Islands is located in the heart of the South Pacific. This tropical paradise of lush islands and atolls, white sand beaches and blue lagoons, provides the ideal location for any holiday. The Cook Islands population is quite small with less than 20,000 people. Many of the islands feature breathtaking lagoons and atolls, the most famous being Aitutaki, known for its beauty and one of the most popular honeymoon and wedding destinations in the world.
Rarotonga is the capital of the Cook Islands, featuring an international airport and offers many accommodation options for all travelers. Rarotonga is a popular holiday destination for those seeking anidyllic South Pacific escape. The island is 32 km wide and roughly circular. A narrow coastal belt rises to stunning central highland peaks of around 650 metres high. Those on holiday on Rarotonga can enjoy hiking a beautiful cross-island trail roughly north south. Around the coastline is an almost continuous white sand beach, trimmed by coconut palms. Rarotonga has a fringing coral reef that protects an inner lagoon ideal for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Aitutaki is spectacularly beautiful, offering a great holiday destination. The vast expanse of the lagoon is bounded by the islands and its coral islets. The warm, clear waters of the lagoon are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The white sand beaches and coconut palms make Aitutaki a favourite for romantic vacations, honeymoons and tropical island weddings. Air Rarotonga offers daily flights to Aitutaki.
|
Getting You Started
The Cook Island are situated 3,500km northeast of New Zealand and 1,000km southwest of Tahiti, forming part of Polynesia. The 15 islands fall into two groups: the scattered Northern Group are all coral atolls while the Southern Group is of volcanic origin. The international country code for Cook Islands is 682.
Cook Islands is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Entry & Visa Requirements (subject to change)
Recreational visitors with proof of onward passage do not require an entry permit to the Cook Islands for stays of not more than 31 days. Please check with the appropriate authorities for the most up to date requirements.
Medical & Health Requirements
There are no dangerous animals or insects and there is no recompression chamber in Cook Islands, the closest one is located in New Zealand. It is recommended to have Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid vaccinations when travelling to the Cook Islands. Remember that some medications can make you sun sensitive, so extra care must be taken to ensure that skin is protected from sun burn. Please check with your physician for the best precautions to be taken. (For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).
Currency
The currency of Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express credit cards are accepted at most hotels.
1 AUD = approximately 1.25 NZD (August 2010)
Banking:
Trading banks are ANZ and Westpac which is located downtown. Banking hours are 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday, with Western Union also opening Saturday mornings for limited hours. There are exchange facilities at the airport and EFTPOS and ATM machines on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. If taking Traveller’s Cheques, NZD is recommended.
Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Air New Zealand- 20kg + 10kg for sporting.
Pacific Blue- 20kg (which 5kg is allocated for sporting goods regardless of the actual weight of the item).Domestic carriers are often restricted to 16kg.
(Subject to change without notice)
Duty Free
The allowance is 200 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco, 2 litres of spirits or wine or 4.5 litres of beer and goods up to the value of NZD$250.
|
Weather
The climate can be quite changeable from day to day and varies throughout the islands. The heaviest rainfall and humidity is from November to February, average 22-28°C. The drier months are April to October with an average temperature of 26°C.
Clothing
The emphasis is on light and casual clothing but not too brief in public places. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings. Remember to cover up with light cotton clothing at dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites. Sun protection is absolutely essential.
Electricity
220 - 2 4 0 volts AC, Plug I – same as Australia.
(for further details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).
Language
The official languages are English and Cook Island Maori.
Religion
Christian influence is predominant throughout the Cook Islands, also influences of Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints and Seventh Day Adventists are found.
Water
The water is relatively safe to drink, however it is recommended to purchase bottled water. In the tropics it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.
Shopping
There is a good choice of retail outlets along with some more traditional and unique items of handicraft, jewelry, art and clothing which is available for sale throughout the islands.
Tipping
There is no tipping or bargaining, it goes against local tradition.
Diving
Cook Islands provides divers with excellent visibility and a plentitude of dive sites including drop-offs, caves, bommies, small wrecks with a variety of corals and fish life. Water temperature ranges between 23- 29°C. A 3-5mm suit is recommended.
Departure Tax
A local tax of NZD$55.00 per adult and NZD$25.00 per child (2 to 11 years) is payable at the airport upon your departure. |
