Scattered and remote in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands offer a taste of tropical perfection.
At 3,234 km (2,009 miles) from the nearest major landmass, this is a far-flung destination for most travelers. However, those who make it all the way here will find it surprisingly straightforward to visit. The Cook Islanders are famously welcoming and friendly, English is widely spoken, and you’ll experience a harmonious blend of 21st-century sophistication and traditional Polynesian values.
Framed by the enchanting blue of the world’s largest ocean, these isolated isles stand out as one of the world’s great getaways. The key to a successful trip to the Cook Islands is to prepare ahead of time. Below are some pre-departure tips to help you plan an unforgettable visit to this captivating island nation.
1. Keep an Eye on the Weather
The Cook Islands are warm year-round, but certain seasons are more favorable for travel. May to October is widely regarded as the prime time to visit due to drier weather and lower humidity. From November to April, while the weather tends to be warmer, it is also wetter. Nonetheless, rain showers are often brief, allowing for quick returns to sunny skies. Notably, December to January marks the cyclone season—while storms can produce heavy rain and winds, the islands generally experience minimal annual impact.
2. Confirm Your Travel Dates
When flying to the Cook Islands from New Zealand, keep in mind that you will cross the international date line, arriving a day earlier than expected. Therefore, it’s essential to double-check your accommodation to ensure your dates are correct. Conversely, when traveling back to New Zealand from Rarotonga, travelers lose a day upon arrival in Auckland.
3. Direct Flight Options are Limited
Rarotonga is primarily linked by direct flights from Auckland, Sydney, Honolulu, and Tahiti, with only Air New Zealand offering daily international service from Auckland to Rarotonga. Once you arrive in Rarotonga, transportation becomes more convenient, as Air Rarotonga, the national airline, operates regular flights to various Outer Islands, including the popular Aitutaki and ‘Atiu.
4. Avoid Peak School Holiday Periods
The Cook Islands, especially Rarotonga, are bustling with vacationing families during the school holidays in New Zealand and Australia. These periods typically fall in the two weeks following Easter, the first two weeks in July, and early October. Check the holiday dates via New Zealand’s Ministry of Education website for specifics. Also, properties and airfares tend to increase during Christmas and New Year, as Cook Islanders residing in New Zealand often return home to celebrate with family.
5. Self-Catering Can Be Cost-Effective
While all-inclusive resorts abound in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, consider opting for a self-contained holiday home or beachside bungalow. This option allows you to utilize a fully-equipped kitchen and barbecue, making it easy to purchase local fish and fresh produce, particularly at Rarotonga’s Saturday morning Punanga Nui market. Although supermarkets are available, imported goods can be expensive, making self-catering an economical choice.
6. Get a Local SIM Card
Free Wi-Fi is hard to come by in the Cook Islands; however, Vodafone Cook Islands provides Wi-Fi hotspots around Rarotonga and Aitutaki at reasonable rates via prepaid vouchers. Additionally, they offer a Travel eSIM package that includes 10GB of data, 30 minutes of international calling, and 300 texts. These vouchers and travel SIMs can be purchased at Vodafone’s booth at Rarotonga airport.
7. Currency and Payments
The primary currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar, which can be withdrawn from ATMs in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. While most accommodations and rental car companies accept credit cards, cash remains essential for smaller shops and market transactions. Therefore, it’s wise to carry some cash for daily expenses.
8. Respect Local Customs on Sundays
Sunday is generally a day of rest in the Cook Islands, spent with family and attending church services. As most shops and businesses may close for some or all of the day, if you wish to experience a local church service, you are warmly welcomed and may even be invited to refreshments afterward.
9. Pack Casual Clothing
The dress code in the Cook Islands is notably casual—shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals or flip-flops will suffice for most occasions. However, if attending church services on Sunday, plan to wear a collared shirt and long trousers or a skirt as a sign of respect. For outdoor activities like hiking, lightweight shoes are advisable, while swimming gear should include reef shoes and a rash vest for sun protection.
10. Dress Modestly Away from the Water
While the Cook Islanders are friendly, the culture is relatively conservative. As such, it’s not appropriate to wear beachwear away from resort pools or lagoons. A sarong can be a useful clothing item to don after a swim to maintain respect for local customs.
11. Learn Basic Local Greetings
Even though most Cook Islanders possess excellent English skills, learning a few local phrases can enhance your experience. “Kia orana” is a common greeting meaning “may you live a long and fulfilling life.” Expressing gratitude with “meitaki” (thank you) is always appreciated.
12. Embrace Island Time
The Cook Islands operate on “island time,” meaning social engagements may not adhere to strict schedules. If meeting someone for coffee or a meal, don’t be surprised if they arrive a little late. Nevertheless, for organized activities or tours, punctuality is recommended.
13. Safety Precautions for Vehicles
While the Cook Islands are generally safe, opportunistic theft from rental cars parked in tourist areas can occur. Thus, never leave valuables, like cameras and smartphones, in unattended vehicles.
14. Scooter Safety
Renting a scooter is a favored mode of transport; however, ensure your travel insurance covers such activities. Helmets are mandatory, and roads may not be well-lit, so riding at night is inadvisable due to potential hazards like roaming animals.
15. Be Cautious of Local Currents
Before swimming, always check with locals regarding water safety. Some areas of Rarotonga’s lagoon can experience strong currents. Furthermore, the island may face tsunami risks from seismic activities—pay attention to warning sirens and evacuate if necessary.
16. Dengue Fever Precautions
Dengue fever, while not malaria, can occur in the Cook Islands due to mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent and ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of dengue, as complications can arise.
17. Protect Your Ears
The tropical climate and frequent swimming can lead to ear infections. After swimming, dry your ears thoroughly and consider packing ear drops in your travel first-aid kit.
