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Travel guide – cook islands

cook islands
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Overview

The 15 Cook Islands are scattered across the south Pacific over about two million square kilometres, an area the size of India. These unspoilt Polynesian tropical gems have a combined population of an average country town: about 14,000 unique and friendly souls. Most Cook Islanders dwell on the capital island of Rarotonga, which is also where most of the 70,000-odd annual visitors stop off, arriving at the island's international airport.

Circular Rarotonga is almost completely enclosed by a reef, harbouring a lagoon of clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The small island is dominated by a high mountain peak from which lush rain forests cascade down to the palm-fringed shore. The commercial centre of the islands is the friendly, bustling town of Avarua on Rarotonga, which has banks, shops and tourist facilities as well as a busy port and yacht basin. The outer islands are becoming increasingly popular for excursions, but remain largely unspoiled by tourism.

The Cook Islanders have their own language and government, and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Even if you go no further than Rarotonga, though, you will be ensured of a dream 'South Seas' holiday experience on the pristine beaches, snorkelling the reef, or exploring the island by bus, motor scooter, bicycle or jeep.

Climate

The climate in the Cook Islands is equable. The rainy season is between November and March, but the rain usually falls in the form of late afternoon storms which cool the air temperature, which averages around 82ºF (28ºC) this time of year. The cooler, dry season, when temperatures range from 70ºF to 80ºF (20ºC to 26ºC), runs from April to October. Severe weather is seldom experienced.

Health

There is little risk of disease on the Cook Islands, but visitors should take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. Recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A, hepatitis B (infants and children), typhoid and rabies. Locals consider the tap water safe, but boiled or bottled water is advised for visitors, particularly in rural areas. A range of medical and dental services are available on Rarotonga, including a hospital and various pharmacies, but medical facilities in the Cook Islands in general are limited and a comprehensive medical insurance is advised to include air evacuation for emergencies.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT 10.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz; the same as New Zealand and Australia. A two-pin adapter is required at some establishments.

Language

Cook Island Maori is widely spoken by locals, but English is in common use.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom.

Safety

Visits to the Cook Islands are usually trouble-free. There is relatively little crime, but it is advisable to protect your valuables.

Customs

Inhabitants of the Cook Islands are very religious and frown upon inappropriate dress. Beachwear should not be worn in town, and topless sunbathing is a definite ‘no-no’.

Communications

The country code for the Cook Islands is +682, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. International Direct Dialling is available, but operator assistance may be required. In the main town of Avarua there is a telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands) offering international telephone, fax, email, Internet connections and other services. GSM cellular mobile services are only available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Duty Free

The following goods may accompany travellers over 18 years to the Cook Islands: 2 litres of spirits or 2 litres of wine or a combination of the two, or 4 half-litres of beer; 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars. Only travellers from New Zealand are permitted to import fruit, meat and livestock. No firearms, cartridges or cartridge cases, gunpowder, bullets, and other forms of ammunition are allowed without prior permission from the Minister of Police.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.