Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a fantastic vacation destination due to its mild tropical climate, clear beaches protected by lagoons, and opulent but relaxed lodgings. The Cook Islands’ 15 largest islands span 850,000 square miles of the South Pacific Ocean. However, most tourists stay on Rarotonga, the biggest of the Cook Islands, which is still relatively tiny. This page contains all the information you need to journey to the Cook Islands, including instructions, the best time to go, and visa requirements.
Document checklist for Cook Islands
Essential Cook Islands travel information
Currency– The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of the Cook Islands. Currently, 0.62 US dollars are equal to one New Zealand dollar.
Daily budget per person– NZ$250.
Languages– English and Cook Islands Māori are the two renowned languages of the Cook Islands.
Socket type – On the Cook Islands, type I plugs for electricity are utilized. 240 V is the standard electricity, and its frequency is 50 Hz.
Time zone– time zone in Cayman is (GMT -10)
Top 3 cities to visit– Avarua, Mangarei, Omoka
Top 3 landmarks/monuments– Taputapuatea, Para O Tane Palace, Julian Dashwood’s House
Essential Cook Islands travel information
Currency– The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of the Cook Islands. Currently, 0.62 US dollars are equal to one New Zealand dollar.
Daily budget per person– NZ$250.
Languages– English and Cook Islands Māori are the two renowned languages of the Cook Islands.
Socket type – On the Cook Islands, type I plugs for electricity are utilized. 240 V is the standard electricity, and its frequency is 50 Hz.
Time zone– time zone in Cayman is (GMT -10)
Top 3 cities to visit– Avarua, Mangarei, Omoka
Top 3 landmarks/monuments– Taputapuatea, Para O Tane Palace, Julian Dashwood’s House
Transport and ways to travel around the Cook Islands
In the Cook Islands, taxis are easily accessible everywhere. Keep an eye out for neon green automobiles. With a minimal price of 10 NZD, it costs about 3 NZD per mile.
Rarotonga’s most popular mode of transportation is the bus. A bus departs from the Circle Island Bus Stop every hour or so and travels in a circle around the island. One-way tickets cost 5 NZD, round-trip tickets cost 8 NZD, and a 10-ride permit costs 30 NZD. Day permits are also offered and cost 16 NZD. Tickets and passes are available for buy on the bus.
Bicycles are yet another inexpensive mode of transportation in the Cook Islands. The majority of hotels and lodgings on Aitutaki Island provide bicycle rentals.
Safety in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are incredibly secure. Even the likelihood of small-time crime like pickpocketing is highly minimal here. However, always keep valuables on the shore and keep your belongings safe and out of sight when traveling by bus. Female tourists traveling alone should feel secure here, but the usual security measures still apply.
Weather in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are always warm, so there isn’t a “bad time” to travel there. Planning your journey between June and August, the height of the dry season when humidity and rainfall are at their lowest is the best option if you’re hoping for great weather. However, given that it’s also the busiest time of year for tourists, expect increased costs and some crowding in the most picturesque locations.
Famous Cities and Towns in the Cook Islands
In the Cook Islands, Avarua is the biggest municipality. It is situated on the island of Rarotonga and serves as the Cook Islands’ governmental center. In addition, the Cook Islands’ major harbor, the nation’s only international airport, and some of the earliest still-standing structures are all located in this area.
Arorangi, the second-largest settlement in the Cook Islands, sprawls along the entire west shore of Rarotonga. Nine taperes make it up. (sub-districts). The beach in Arorangi is lined with numerous resorts and lodging options, and the major road is lined with cafes and tourist sites.
Must do and see in Cook Island
Visit the island of Aitutaki.
This island, which is only one hour away from Rarotonga, has the most extensive coral waters in the world, home to giant clams and colorful tropical fish. Additionally, it has an endless stretch of pristine shores. The environment is perfect for relaxation.
Enjoy a legendary dance show.
Te Vara Nui Village is the area’s cultural center, where you can learn more about the history of the local indigenous population. Ura Po is the most well-liked sport, a meal and show of singing and dance on fixed and floating stages surrounded by botanical gardens and cascades.
Rarotonga hiking
The finest trekking trails in the Rarotonga area include Avana Valley, Raemaru Lookout, and the Papua Waterfall. The Cross-Island Track is a challenging but rewarding hike. Pa’s Trek also provides guided treks.
Vaccine information for the Cook Islands
There is no quarantine for entrance into the Cook Islands, nor is it necessary for visitors to the Cook Islands to show a null COVID-19 antigen test result upon arrival.
Despite the restrictions of COVID-19, it is best to avoid putting your health or safety at risk by staying away from unhealthy sources while traveling.
Fun facts about the Cook Islands
Fun facts about the Cook Islands
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