Cook Islands

The beauty and charm of the Cook Islands is matched only by the warmth and spontaneous hospitality of the locals. The culture is expressed through music and dance, and the islanders take great pride in traditional songs, Sunday hymns, and the distinctive crafts which exist in their day-to-day lives.

Rarotonga is the largest of the fifteen islands, with white sand beaches and a high mountainous interior, encircled by a protective reef and lagoon. Partly volcanic and partly atoll, Aitutaki boasts a crystal clear turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches . . . perfect for watersports. Leave the crowds behind, and enjoy a truly unique island getaway.

Rarotonga

The main island of Rarotonga is just 20 miles around, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Rarotonga is of volcanic origin, with verdant mountains in the interior rising to 2,000 feet. Almost entirely surrounded by a reef, Rarotonga is a jewel of an island, with white sand beaches, tropical plants and flowers bordering a shimmering blue lagoon..

Rarotonga has only two main roads. The "Island Bus" can take you around, or you can rent a bike, car, or jeep.

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Aitutaki

Just over 160 miles north and about an hour's flight from Rarotonga, Aitutaki is the second most visited island in the Cooks. It is reputedly the Pacific's most beautiful coral atoll (a ring of islets enclosing a vast central lagoon) and has one high island, an unusual feature in an atoll, where the islets are generally flat.

Aitutaki may be visited as a day trip by air from Rarotonga, but to truly appreciate its tranquility, a stay of several days is recommended.

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Size, Location, Population
Fifteen atolls and high islands scattered across more than a million square miles of ocean, the Cook Islands lie virtually in the center of the Polynesian triangle, flanked to the west by Tonga and the Samoas, to the east by French Polynesia. Over half the population of 20,000 live on the main island of Rarotonga.

Time Zones
The Cook Islands are in the same time zone as Hawaii, two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (Three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time).

Entry Formalities
Valid passport. No visa is required for US citizens for stays of less than 30 days.

Currency
The unit of currency is the same as the New Zealand dollar, supplemented by coinage for local use. The dollar coin is popular with collectors. Local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands.

Bank Hours and Exchange
Banks on Rarotonga are open 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday. Banking facilities are available at the international airport one hour prior to flight departures. Hotels and larger stores will exchange travelers checks and major currencies.

Departure Tax
NZ$25 per adult, NZ$10 per child 2-11 years.

Electricity
240V, DC 50 cycle, as in New Zealand and Australia, however, a 2-pin adapter may be required. Some hotels have provision for 110V AC electric razors.

Language
Cook Islands Maori is the local language, and English is the official language.

Shopping
Store hours in Rarotonga are usually 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-12 noon on Saturday. There are several duty free shops in Rarotonga. The Women's Development Center generally has the lowest prices for crafts such as grass skirts, baskets, dancing shakers, and pandanus hats. Other souvenir items are tivaevae quilts, teak or tamanu (mahogany) carvings and mother-of-pearl jewelry.

Tipping
Tipping is not the custom, as tradition has it that one gift must be reciprocated with another.

Climate
Pleasantly warm and sunny year 'round. June to August are the cooler months. November through March is the hottest season, with some heavier rain. Average temperatures range 77°F - 84°F.

Food
Food selection in Rarotonga's restaurants and hotels ranges from fine Continental cuisine, through to family favorites, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Asian, seafood and steaks. Special 'island night' shows feature traditional umukai feasts with Maori food cooked island-style in an underground oven.