Cook Islands travel resources
Rarotonga's mountains and reef, Aitutaki's lagoon and the outer islands in the South Pacific.
Quick facts
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Language
- English, Cook Islands MΔori
- Best time to visit
- AprβNov (drier months) Compare countries by month
- Emergency
- 999 Emergency numbers by country
- Plug types
- I Plug types by country
- Drives on
- Left Driving side by country
- Government travel advice
- UK Canada How to read it
General guidance; seasons vary by region. Plug types from Wikipedia's mains electricity by country table; currency and driving side from Wikidata; emergency numbers checked against UK government travel advice in . Check the latest advice for entry rules and safety before you book.
Before you go
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says visitors other than New Zealand citizens get a 31-day visitor permit on arrival. GOV.UK says your passport must be valid for 6 months after you leave and have 2 blank pages. You must show onward or return travel, a visa for your next country and proof of accommodation.
- Carry cash. GOV.UK says the only ATMs are on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and you must use cash on other islands.
- TravelHealthPro lists a risk of dengue. GOV.UK says to drink only boiled or bottled water.
Top destinations in the Cook Islands
Travel resources
Travel tips
- Check your licence class before renting a scooter. Cook Islands Tourism says an overseas licence covers only the vehicle classes you can drive at home, a rider without a motorcycle class needs a visitor licence, and helmets are compulsory on Rarotonga.
- Keep nothing valuable on the beach or in a parked scooter. GOV.UK says items left there are a particular target.
- If you travel between 1 November and 30 April, keep plans flexible. GOV.UK gives these dates for cyclone season and says to follow local authorities, including evacuation orders.
- Dress modestly for Sunday church services. Cook Islands Tourism says visitors are welcome, with shirts and long trousers for men and longer-length skirts or dresses for women.
Booking a hotel or tour in the Cook Islands? See which review sites to trust and five checks before you pay.