The Cook Islands Travel Information

Cook Islands Geography

The Cook Islands, a stunning archipelago in the South Pacific, are renowned for their slow way of life, pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and stunning reefs. The Cook Islands are made up of 15 islands, three of which stand out for their unique blend of outdoor adventure, beach life, and welcoming nature: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Atiu. Rarotonga, the largest island, is characterized by its rugged internal mountain, dense rainforests, and sand beaches. Here you will find excellent, but challenging hikes, scenic waterfalls, and a vibrant lagoon for watersports. Aitutaki, famed for its breathtakingly beautiful lagoon, is a paradise for water lovers, with opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and romantic stays. Atiu is less developed and for the adventurous traveler who is interested in birdlife. Here you will find untouched beaches and limestone caves, which is ideal for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Come explore the Cook Islands Geography with Just Add Flights.

Best Time of Year to Travel to the Cook Islands

From January to March, the Cook Islands experience their summer season, characterized by hot and humid weather with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. This period is also the wet season, bringing increased humidity and frequent rain showers, often in the form of short, intense downpours. The lush landscapes thrive during this time, thanks to the abundant rainfall. However, this season also coincides with the cyclone season in the South Pacific, leading to a higher risk of tropical storms and cyclones that can impact the islands. Despite the potential for severe weather, the summer months still offer warm seas and vibrant, green scenery, making it a dynamic and lush time to visit, especially for those prepared for the occasional weather disruptions.
From April to June, the Cook Islands transition into a more temperate season with milder and more comfortable weather. Temperatures during this period range from the low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, and the humidity begins to decrease, making the climate more pleasant for outdoor activities and exploration. Rainfall becomes less frequent, leading to clearer skies and calmer seas, ideal for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. June also marks the beginning of the whale season, when humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters around the islands. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close, making it a particularly exciting time for marine life enthusiasts. With its combination of favorable weather and the onset of whale sightings, April to June is a fantastic time to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Cook Islands.
From July to September, the Cook Islands enjoy some of the best weather of the year, with cooler and drier conditions that make it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, and humidity levels are at their lowest, providing a comfortable and pleasant climate. The seas are calm and clear, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and other water-based activities. A highlight of this period is the local watersports festival held in August, which attracts participants and spectators from around the region. This vibrant event features a variety of competitions and activities, including outrigger canoe racing, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding, celebrating the islands' rich maritime culture and offering exciting entertainment for visitors. With its excellent weather and festive atmosphere, July to September is a prime time to experience the Cook Islands' natural beauty and vibrant community life.
From October to December, the Cook Islands transition into their warmer and more humid season, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. As the wet season begins, the humidity increases, and the islands start to experience more frequent rain showers, often in the form of brief but intense downpours. This period also marks the start of the cyclone season in the South Pacific, bringing a heightened risk of tropical storms and cyclones that can affect the islands. Despite the potential for severe weather, the lush landscapes thrive with the increased rainfall, and the warm sea temperatures continue to attract visitors for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The vibrant greenery and dynamic weather patterns make this a visually stunning time to visit, though travelers should stay informed about weather forecasts and be prepared for possible weather disruptions. October to December offers a mix of tropical beauty and the excitement of the changing season, appealing to those who appreciate the islands' lush, rainy charm.

Finances

In the Cook Islands, they use the New Zealand Dollar which you can exchange at banks, hotels, and international airports or you can withdraw money from ATMs, which are found only in main city centers and airports.

The easiest way to pay for things is by credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. American Express and Discover are taken in only a handful of establishments. Merchants can impose a credit card surcharge, and some credit cards charge up to 3% for an international charge, so it is worth calling your credit card company to understand additional fees.

Whenever paying via credit card, ALWAYS pay in the local currency to avoid extra transaction fees from the bank.

Tipping in the Cook Islands is not a common practice in everyday life. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill, and you can choose to tip any service provider if you want. It is common to tip waiters, at a sit-down meal, up to 10% of the bill.

Visas

As an American tourist, you do not need a visa or permit to enter the country, but you need to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your exit from the country.

Travel Logistics

Driving

In the Cook Islands, the main way to get around the island is by car, scooter, or bus. They drive on the left-hand side of the road and the speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour.

On Rarotonga, there is only one main road that circles the island, so it is easy to hop on a local bus to get to the other side of the island. There are no bus stops, you just need to flag down a bus that is going past you. Please note that there is one bus going clockwise, and another going counterclockwise.

If you want to drive a scooter, you will need to take a test to acquire a Cook Islands license. You go to the police station, pay $20 NZ, and take a short and easy test, and then the license is valid for 30 days. It is the law to wear a helmet while operating a scooter, and we recommend taking extra caution when driving.

Many customers prefer to get private transfers upon arrival into the country, just to make it easier to get to their hotel with luggage.

Phone Services

The international dial code for the Cook Islands is +682. When calling from outside of the Cook Islands, you will want to dial +682 plus the number of the establishment.

We highly recommend downloading WhatsApp as many suppliers communicate with customers via this app.

Flights

From the US, there is only one direct flight from Honolulu. Otherwise, you need to transit through Sydney, Papeete (Tahiti), or Auckland. The main airlines that fly there are Air New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines, and Air Tahiti.

Electrical

When coming from the U.S, you will need an adapter to plug your appliances into the power sockets. You will need plugs that have two flat metal pins that form a “V” shape, and have an electrical current of 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz.

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