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Cook Islands Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Cook Islands, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Cook Islands Information

Overview

The Cook Islands are situated 3,500km (2,200 miles) northeast of New Zealand and 1,000km (600 miles) southwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia. The islands fall into two groups: the scattered Northern Group are all coral atolls while the Southern Group is of volcanic origin. Most of the larger islands include lagoons surrounded by small areas of fertile land above which rise volcanic hills. Unsurprisingly, given their beauty, the Cook Islands have been used as the setting for several films, the best known being Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.

People come to the Cook Islands for the beaches - and unspoiled ones, at that. The Cook Islands, despite covering a vast area, have a very small population, and the islands do not possess any of the large tourist resorts that some might expect from a lush holiday destination. Yet others might delight in the pristine, powdery beaches and the utter tranquillity. There are, of course, more developed resorts on certain islands than others, such as those on Rarotonga (where the airport is situated) and Aitutaki, which cater for various activities.

For those simply wanting to swim, the best beaches of all are at Muri Lagoon and Titikaveka. But it won’t take much to entice you to dive beneath those clear, turquoise waters, which are teeming with colourful fish and swaying coral reefs. Rarotonga also offers a variation in scenery, should you (unlikely though it is) grow tired of tropical paradise, since it is a mountainous island with plenty of verdant scenery. The older volcanic island of Kauai offers comparable treasures.

The islands were named after Captain James Cook, who became the first European to sight them in 1733. However, credit for the first discovery of these islands must go to the Polynesians who discovered them during their great migratory journeys across the Pacific in the seventh and eighth centuries. The main island, Rarotonga, was rediscovered by the Bounty Mutineers in 1789. In 1888 they became a British protectorate, and in 1901 became part of New Zealand. But in 1965, the islands achieved self-government as a New Zealand Dependency.

Top Things To See & Do

The best swimming beaches are at Muri Lagoon and Titikaveka.

A variety of tours are available, including inland trekking, historical tours, guided walking trips, sightseeing by air, and horse-drawn and motorised drives around the islands. Kayaking tours in the lagoon are also available, as are lagoon cruises to the coral reefs in glass-bottomed boats or in a semi-submersible vessel. The three-hour ‘cultural village tour’ offers the opportunity to enjoy demonstrations in weaving, coconut husking, fire making, carving and other Cook Islands’ traditions.

A scenic drive into the Takuvaine/Avatiu Valleys offers a panorama of lush tropical scenery.

Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall, the only waterfall on the island, is located at Vaimaanga. There are pony treks to the waterfall, an opportunity not to be missed – advance booking is recommended.

During the year, various festivals take place. These are generally celebrated with singing and dancing, often with a strange mixture of traditional ritual grafted on to the somewhat later Christian music and ceremony. The choirs of the Cook Islands are renowned.

Places of historical interest include: the Takamoa Mission House, built in 1842, and believed to be the second-oldest building in the South Pacific; the old Palace of Makea at Taputapuatea; Pa’s Palace in Takitumu, which is built of coral and lime; and Arai-Te-Tonga (Marae), consisting of stone structures which, in the islands’ pre-European history, formed a koutu, or royal court, where the investiture of chiefs took place. This spot is still regarded as sacred.

Scuba-diving and snorkelling are excellent. Visibility is seldom less than 30m (100ft) and the scenery is quite varied, with canyons, caves, 73 types of live coral and a rich marine life. Some of the best dive sites include the Matavera Drop-off; the Ngatangiia Swimthroughs (particularly well-known for its unusual and rare fish species); Koromiri Coral Garden; Mataora Wreck (purposely sunk in December 1990); Papua Canyon (known for its eagle ray population); and Sand River.

Whale watching can be practised in the Cook Islands: the humpback whale season is from July to October. In addition to observing the whales from a boat, it is possible to swim with them wearing a snorkel

Game fishing excursions are available. Visitors can also watch flying fish being netted at night in outrigger canoes equipped with bright lights. Aitutaki’s magnificent 50-sq-km (19-sq-mile) lagoon is suitable for fly and bait fishing. It holds the world all-tackle record for Hump Head Maori Wrasse.

The island of Rarotonga offers 13 marked trails. The most popular include the Cross Island Trek (through the centre of the island on trails known to be ancestral war paths); Pa’s Mountain Walk (through the lush interior); Te Kou Trek (with steep ascents and good views); and the Ikurangi Trek (for experienced hikers only, also providing the opportunity for rock climbing around the top of the mountain). The Takitumu Conservation Area Walk also offers birdwatching. Guided lagoon reef walks are possible at low tide along Rarotonga’s coral fringe.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

There are restaurants in hotels, and a variety of independent eating places as well, as a result of the increasing tourist trade. Local produce includes a wide variety of citrus and tropical fruits, island chestnuts and garden vegetables. Seafood features on many restaurant menus and so does coconut as the coconut palms produce an abundant supply of fruit all year round. Local meat and poultry are available.

National specialities:
• At larger resorts you can try the traditional Polynesian feast known as the ‘Umukai’, which involves baking food in an underground oven and is usually accompanied with traditional entertainment by local people.
• Matu rori (sea cucumber), served with lemon and cooked green banana. This dish is likened to spaghetti from the sea.

National drinks:
• Tumunu, traditionally brewed alcohol made from fermented oranges.

Tipping: Tradition says that all gifts require something in return and tipping is therefore not practised.

Nightlife

Island feast and dance groups feature at major hotels and details are available from local tourist information offices or hotel receptionists.

Shopping

Best buys are woodcarvings, pearls, shell craft, woven products, pottery, hats and baskets made out of coconut fibre. Coins and stamps are considered to be valuable collectors’ items. Another popular buy is a brightly coloured, all-purpose wrap-around cloth garment worn by both men and women called a Pareu, and ideal for casual wear in the hot climate. Island Craft (website: www.islandcraft.com) has factories in Avarua where hand-carved items can be purchased. The art of carving may be observed in Punanganui Market Place. There is also a wide range of duty-free items.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200. Some stores in tourist areas remain open for longer.

Climate

Weather can be quite changeable from day to day and varies throughout the islands. It is generally hot throughout the year, although the trade winds provide some moderating influence. Rainfall is heaviest in Rarotonga, while the northern atolls tend to be drier. The coolest months are June to August, while November to March marks the warmer season, which also has the highest rainfall.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1-2 Jan New Year.
21 Mar Good Friday.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
25 Apr ANZAC Day.
2 Jun Queen’s Birthday.
25 Jul Rarotonga Gospel Day.
4 Aug Constitution Day.
26 Oct National Gospel Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

2009
1-2 Jan New Year.
10 Apr Good Friday.
13 Apr Easter Monday.
25 Apr ANZAC Day.
1 Jun Queen’s Birthday.
Jul* Rarotonga Gospel Day.
4 Aug Constitution Day.
26 Oct National Gospel Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

* Dates to be confirmed.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. There is one government hospital (on Rarotonga).

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol NZ$) = 100 cents, supplemented by notes and coins minted for local use which are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, banks and in some larger stores and hotels. EFTPOS and ATM machines are available at both ANZ and Westpac banks on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and also major stores and restaurants.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted.

Traveller's Cheques

Accepted in hotels and some shops.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0900-1500; Fri 0900-1600. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1100.

Passport/Visa

British