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Cook Islands Travel Tips
When to Visit
The weather is perfect year round, with temperatures ranging between 22°C- 29°C and a water temperature between 24-28°C, there is no wrong time to go. Their drier months are April to November. If you want to go whale watching travel from July – October or for if Kitesurfing is your thing, the best time is May to October.
Language
Kia Orana! That’s the warm Cook Islands welcome, spoken in Cook Islands Māori (closely related to New Zealand Māori and Tahitian).
English is also widely used, but the local language brings the island’s stories, songs, and spirit to life.
Time Zone
Step into island time—Cook Islands style! Operating on UTC-10, it’s a dreamy rewind nearly a full day behind New Zealand and Australia! Think of it as time-travel to tranquility, where the sun lingers, and the pace of life is as slow as the island breeze.
At 20 hours behind Brisbane year-round (wow!) you will arrive to your island paradise and have a whole extra day to explore!
This can be tricky to get your head around the International Date line, but the rewind is worth it.
Currency
While the Cooks have their own unique currency, the main local currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Most major credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and transactions like the markets. ATMs are available on the main islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, but they may not be as readily available on the outer islands.
As for general costs, you can expect to spend around 50-100 NZD for a mid-range meal, while the night markets and local takeaway shops can be great choices if looking to stick to a budget for food.
Travel Insurance
While the Cook Islands boast a relatively low crime rate and health care facilities and doctoral training from New Zealand, travel insurance is still recommended to cover unexpected emergencies, medical expenses, and unforeseen cancellations. Ensure your insurance policy includes coverage for activities such as snorkelling, diving, and hiking, which are drawcards for tourists.
Electricity
Same-same but tropical! The Cook Islands also use Type I sockets and 240V voltage. Aussie devices can plug in and power up without a fuss.
How to get there & Entry Requirements
From Australia, we have regular flights operating to the Cook Islands. Some flights require a transit or stopover in New Zealand, other options fly direct from Sydney to Rarotonga. Ask our friendly team for more information on the best way to arrive into the Cook Islands!
For Australians planning to visit the Cook Islands, a valid passport is required with at least six months of validity from the date of entry.
Fortunately, Australian citizens do not need to obtain a visa to visit the Cook Islands, However, if you plan to stay for longer than a holiday, you may need to apply for an extension or visa. Middle names are not required for hotels or flights at this stage, but with immigration needs subject to change it is recommended to reconfirm this closer to booking.