Cook Islands

 
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Discover the Cook Islands

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The pristine weather and laid-back locals are waiting to welcome you to the Cook Islands. Shimmering turquoise waters, filled with vibrant sea life and coral gardens, are surrounded by swaying palm trees and sandy beaches. Just beyond, you'll find colorful flowers, lush tropical greens, and a plethora of island wildlife. Truly experience the richness of Polynesian culture in a place unspoiled by over-development. In fact, there are no buildings in the Cook Islands taller than a palm tree, and yet there is no shortage of things to do! Spend the day hiking the island of Rarotonga, kayak the lagoon waters of Aitutaki, lounge in the sun, and dine under the stars - how you choose to explore is up to you.

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Overview

The Cook Islands are an unspoiled South Pacific paradise. Here you will find a collection of atolls and motus surrounding 15 islands, preserved by the coral reefs. This geographical feature creates some of the most transparent turquoise waters in the world. The colorful fish in the surrounding lagoons provide endless entertainment to swimmers, snorkelers, and divers alike.

Rarotonga, the largest and tallest island, is the population center for the archipelago. Rarotonga has so much to experience and explore, yet it remains completely unspoiled. There are no traffic lights, fast food restaurants, and no building taller than the highest coconut tree.

In contrast, Aitutaki is a secluded and romantic island paradise. Home to less than 2,000 people, Aitutaki is a spectacular island with one of the world's most breathtaking lagoons. Here, visitors spend leisurely days relaxing under coconut palms, swimming in the waters, and soaking in the incredible views.

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Before You Go

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and two to three hours prior to departure for international flights. For domestic flights within the Cook Islands, you are required to check in one hour prior to departure.

Required Documents: Passports are required for international travel. You will not be permitted to depart without necessary documentation. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as vaccinations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Passport and entry requirements are subject to change at any time without notice. For the most current information on passport and entry requirements, please visit the Government of Canada official website at http://travel.gc.ca. Special travel documents are required for children traveling with or without their parents. If you are traveling with children, please check with the airline or cruise line prior to departure. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulate of the country you are visiting.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require you to present a marriage certificate or licence for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring your marriage documentation with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling, please provide the appropriate travel documents for the trip. Review required documents here, https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/children-travel.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.ca/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to Canada the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs for more information.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or https://travel.gc.ca for advice and advisories.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation, you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.
  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the Government of Canada official website at https://travel.gc.ca.

Climate:
Average Celsius Temperature:
  • December through February: 30° to 31° (Winter)
  • March through May: 31° to 31° (Spring)
  • June through August: 30° to 30° (Summer)
  • September through November: 30° to 31° (Autumn)

Water Safety: Bottled water is recommended.

Local Currency: New Zealand Dollar

Currency Information: The airport, banks and most hotels have currency exchange facilities. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Electricity: The voltage is 240DC/50 cycle. A universal adapter/converter is recommended.

Time Zone: Cook Islands Standard Time. The Cook Islands do not observe daylight saving time.

Local Language: English | Maori

Attire: Although dress is informal, brief attire is not recommended when visiting towns or villages.

Do Not Forget: Visitors are reminded to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, reef walking shoes, swimwear, insect repellent and after-bite medication, personal prescriptions, a camera, film/memory card, an extra camera battery and a disposable underwater camera. During the rainy season, lightweight rainwear is advised.