Q. How do I get to the Cook Islands ?
A. The International Airport is located on the main
island Rarotonga, 4.5km from Avarua. For international transport to the
Cook Islands, see Air New Zealand or Pacific Blues website or contact your local travel agent.
Q. What is the climate like ?
A. To view the climate, please click here and have a look at the time of year you are considering going.
Q. What type of telecommunications does the Cook Islands have ?
A. International telephone, phonecards, fax, email,
internet connections and services are available 24 hours from the
Telecom Cook Islands Office in the main township of Avarua.
- When phoning the Cook Islands from other countries dial 682 then the number.
- Most accommodation also has IDD facilities.
- Postal Services at Cook Islands Post Office and Telepost in
Avarua, Rarotonga; Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm, Saturday 8am - 12noon.
Airmail goes out daily. Telepost also provides an international courier
service, fast fax and email service.
Q. What Currency is used in the Cook Islands ?
A. The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand
dollar, supplemented by notes and coinage minted for local use. The
unique local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the Cook
Islands, but are keenly sought by collectors worldwide.
Q. How much is Departure Tax ?
A. Upon departure all visitors will be charged the following taxes:
- Children under 12 years NZ$15,
- Children 2 years and under are exempt.
-
Q. What side of the road do you drive on in the Cook Islands
A. Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road.
- The maximum road speed limit is 40kph in the town and villages and 60kph outside of populated areas.
-
Q. Do I need a Cook Island Drivers Licence to drive there ?
A. Drivers of all vehicles are required to have a current
Cook Islands Drivers Licence, which can be obtained from the Police
Station in Avarua at a cost of NZ$10 on presentation of your own
license. If you would like to hire a motor scooter, there is an
additional charge of NZ$6 for the compulsory practical test.
- Helmets are legally required when travelling over 40kph.
-
Q. What type of electricity do the Cook Islands have ?
A. Wattage is 220 AC/50 cycle, the same as Australia and New Zealand.
In some cases a two pin adaptor may be required.
- Some hotels and motels have provisions for 110 volt AC electric razors.
- Northern Hemisphere travellers will need adpator plugs
suited for New Zealand to use dual-voltage applicances, such as
hairdryers.
-
Q. What Medical Services are there in the Cook Islands ?
A. Medical and dental services are available and
there is a well equipped hospital with New Zealand trained staff
situated in Rarotonga, with a smaller hospital in Aitutaki.
- Some specialists and alternative medical practitioners are
available in the Cook Islands and can be located through the telephone
book.
- Various pharmacies are available for prescription medicine.
Aitutaki also has a hospital and emergency services.
Mosquito repellent is essential and we recommend reef shoes to all our visitors.
In an emergency phone:
Police 999
Fire 996
Ambulance 998
-
Q. What is required to enter the Cook Islands ?
A. The main point of entry to The Cook Islands is Rarotonga International Airport.
This is a fully functional airport, operating since 1974, catering to the increased tourist numbers arriving each year.
- Stays of up to 31 days require a valid passport and a return
ticket. Adequate financial means of supporting stay, and suitable
accommodation. Extensions are granted on a monthly basis - up to five
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 (15 years and older),
- Up to five months NZ$120 (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.
For further information contact the Department of Immigration, phone 682 29347 or email tutai@immigration.gov.ck
Q. What type of public transport is there on the Islands ?
A. Cook's Island Bus Passenger Transport Limited
offer convenient low cost transport, operating a regular schedule around
Rarotonga both clockwise and anticlockwise.
- Clockwise bus departs Cook's Corner on the hour from 7am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.
- Evening bus departs Cook's Corner clockwise only, every hour
Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. Friday evenings from
6pm to 10pm and 12 midnight to 2am. No Sunday evening service.
- Sunday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
- Note: No bus service on Christmas day, News Years day or Good Friday (day or night).
- Anti-clockwise bus departs Cook's Corner at 25 minutes past the hour from 8.25am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. No Sunday service.
- Note: Bus loops back from the Airport to Avatiu back road, Monday to Friday.
- It will pick you up and drop you off anywhere on request.
Q. What are the taxes in the Cook Islands and do we tip ?
A. Every price for goods and services has the tax included.
- It’s also worth noting that tipping isn’t expected and is
contrary to Cook Island’s custom. However if you receive excellent
service and want to acknowledge it, please feel free to do so.
