Accommodation and holiday advice on Rarotonga and the Cook Islands - from local experts.
ABOUT THE COOK ISLANDS
KIA ORANA
Welcome to our necklace of islands in the sun.
We extend the hand of friendship and invite you to share in the warmth of our hospitality.
Quality of life here is measured in languid days, majestic sunsets, inviting azure-coloured reefs and warm smiles. Imagine awakening to a caressing breeze, spending the day exploring pristine beaches where yours are the only footprints, or floating among jewel-coloured fishes in one of the calm lagoons protected by reefs that encircle the islands.
The Cook Islands nation consists of 15 islands scattered over 1.85 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean (see map). They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas' and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.
The islands are geographically split into 2 groups - the Northern Group (Manihiki, Rakahanga, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Nassau, Suwarrow and Palmerston) - and the Southern Group (Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, Manuae and Takutea).
Rarotonga, principal island of the Cook Islands, lies 700 miles (1130 kilometres) southeast of Tahiti, its closest neighbour. The island is almost 20 miles (31.6 kilometres) in circumference with a population of around 9,000. It's a magical place. The island is lush green, with a dense tropical rain forest in the centre on rising mountain peaks. Flat coastal land is covered with tropical trees and flowers.
The Cook Islands are a safe comfortable place to visit and relax where most of the population speak English as well as their natural tongue of Cook Islands Maori.
The local greeting is "Kia Orana" (may you live on), while other useful words are "Meitaki Maata" (Many Thanks), "Ka Kite" (See Ya), "Aere Ra" (farewell or goodbye), and "Kia Manuia" (Cheers or Good Luck).
AITUTAKI
A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki. It's breathtaking allure of crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday. Unsurpassed natural beauty and tranquillity, provide a wonderful tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.
Just 220 kilometres north of Rarotonga (see map), Aitutaki is less than an hour's flight away. It is partly volcanic and partly of atoll origin. A spectacular lagoon (45 kilometres around) is abundant with coloured fish of many varieties, and it's perimeter is sprinkled with many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus).
Aitutaki Island Day trips from Rarotonga can include an island tour and a lagoon cruise to visit Tapuaetai (One Foot Island). Lunch is prepared for you, whilst you relax and work on your tan, explore the beaches, go snorkelling or hand feed the fish - an unforgettable experience.
Air Rarotonga operate regular schedules daily (except Sunday). One Day Excursions departing from Rarotonga at 8am and returning at 6:30pm. include hotel transfers, airfares, lagoon cruise, snorkelling and lunch.
CLIMATE
The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate year round. The drier months from April to November have an average maximum temperature of about 26 degrees centigrade with lower humidity levels. A sweater is sometimes needed in the winter evenings June through August. During December through March the humidity is higher with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees centigrade and 30 degrees. Cyclone season is between November and March, however, severe weather is rare and infrequent.
CURRENCY
The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar. This is supplemented by some Cook Island coins: $1, $2 and $5. These coins are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands, but make great souvenirs. New Zealand dollars may be purchased at the airport, ANZ or Westpac bank, or the Western Union Office, downtown Avarua. There are 10 ATM machines available on Rarotonga and two on Aitutaki Island operated by ANZ and Westpac Banks. The ANZ machines are located at the Main Branch Avarua, Cooks Corner, Muri MiniMart, The Rarotongan Resort & Spa and Wigmores SuperStore Vaimaanga and one on Aitutaki.
Westpac ATMs are situated at their main branch [2], Rarotonga Airport, Oasis Energy Centre, and JMC Store Muri plus one on Aitutaki.
Money transfers may be sent to the Cook Islands from anywhere in the world via both banks and Western Union Money Transfer Service.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, hotels, and stores; and Cash advances on your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Diners Club cards can be arranged at either bank or the Western Union office.
Please note: The use of Credit cards in the Outer Islands is less common, and is mainly restricted to larger accommodators in Aitutaki.
SHOPPING
Most stores and businesses are open between 8:00am and 4:00pm allowing ample time for relaxed shopping.
There are a few outlets open beyond these times and a couple of 24 hour places too.
Many small stores in villages open about 7:00am, and are often open till 8:00pm or later.
DRIVING
If you want to drive in the Cook Islands, you will need to obtain a Cook Islands Drivers license from the Police Department. For a motor car license, just present your current drivers license. For a motor bike license, you will have to do a short practical test. Driving is on the left-hand side and the speed limit is 50km/hr except in defined Reduced Speed zones.
Motor Cyclists NOT wearing a Helmet are restricted to 40km/hr.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Several annual events during the year provide a great opportunity to appreciate Cook Islands Culture.
The events include:
Constitution Celebrations - early August.
National Gospel Day pageant (Nuku), 26 October.
Tiare Week Festival - Mid November
Dancer of the Year competition
Cultural activities are also provided all year round at the renowned Highland Paradise and all major resorts.
MEDICAL SERVICES
A range of medical and dental services are available on Rarotonga. This includes a hospital and emergency services, as well as an optometrist. Various pharmacies are available for prescription medicine.
WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220 AC/50 cycle, the same as New Zealand and Australia. In some cases, a two pin adapter may be required. Some hotels and motels have provisions for 110 volt AC electric razors. Although some visitors prefer to boil water before use, it is not necessary. Bottled water is available from the local shops for those who wish to purchase.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
International Telephone, Facsimile, E-mail, Internet connections and services are available 24 hours from the telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands) in the main township of Avarua. Most accommodation properties have IDD facilities.
Interent Access is available through an increasing number of WiFi Hot Spots scattered around Rarotonga and also through Cyber Cafés.
Mail and telegrams are available from the Post Office, open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.
DOGS
Dogs are free to roam, and from time to time are a nuisance to drivers. If possible, the best thing to do is pull to the side of the road, however, if this is not practical, hold your driving line and let the dog do the manoeuvring.
INSECTS
Mosquitos are more common inland than by the beach. However, insect repellent is readily available, or you may bring your own.
CLOTHING
Although the dress code is informal, we do ask that brief attire not be worn when visiting town or villages. Nude or topless sunbathing will cause offence. A light sweater may come in handy for the cooler evenings during July and August.
If you go to church, ladies, please show respect by wearing a dress or skirt.
DINING
Rarotonga boasts a large number of restaurants - over 28 - catering for a wide range of tastes and styles. This gives adventurous visitors the perfect opportunity to dine out at a different place, and sample different styles of food, every night of their visit.