Pacific
Map
General
Information
 Kia Orana - Welcome
to the Cook Islands!
The Cook Islands are comprised of 15 beautiful islands
in the heart of the South Pacific with just 14,000
residents. These unique and friendly Polynesians
have their own language and government and enjoy
a vigorous and diverse culture with significant
differences between each island. Despite some 70,000
visitors a year to the capital island Rarotonga
the Cooks are largely unspoiled by tourism.
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are excellent for diving,
snorkling. The outer reef area offers a diverse
range of diving conditions. Canyons, caves and many
varities of coral make it a most unusual terrain.
There are also wrecks to explore and fish to hand
feed. Combined with warm water temperatures year
round, this a truly inviting destination.
Favorite dive spots to name but a few are the Ngatangiia
Swimthroughs, the Matavera Drop-Off, the Mataora
Wreck, the Papua Canyon, the Sand River and the
Koromiri Coral Garden. The abundant reef life among
73 types of live coral features hundreds of fish
species, a bonanza for underwater photographers.
Experts rate the reef drop-off as the highlight
for divers off Rarotonga. This begins at about 100
feet and plunges down to 12,000 feet -- Rarotonga
is an extinct volcano.
All diving is land based with the diving boats
in the 16 to 22 ft (5 to 7 meter) size range offering
personalized diving. Trips usually depart in both
the morning and afternoon.
Climate April to October average 68 - 78F 20 - 26C
November to March average 71 - 82F 22-28C
Water Temp 71 - 85F 22 - 29C
Visibility Up to 150+ ft 45+ m
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
Getting
There
Air New Zealand & Air Rarotonga Flight
Schedules
Departure
Tax
Upon departure all visitors will be charged the following
taxes: Adults NZ$25.00, Children under 12 years NZ$10.00,
Children 2 years and under are free of charge. This
must be paid upon departure, and is not included as
part of prepaid taxes with airline tickets.
Entry Requirements
A bona-fide visitor (any person who enters the
Cook Islands solely for recreation or vacation/holiday),
does not require an entry permit, provided he/she
possesses proof of onward passage (booked and paid)
for stays of not more than 31 days. Extension permits
are usually granted for visitors wanting to stay over
31 days. All visitors are required to have a valid
passport, proof of onward passage, adequate financial
means of supporting stay, and suitable accommodation.
Applications can be made upon arrival at the Immigration
Department. Extensions are granted on a monthly basis,
up to 5 additional months only. A fee is payable with
each application within 14 days prior to the expiration
of the permit. Extensions are granted at two levels.
Up to three months NZ$70.00 (15 years and older),
up to five months NZ$120.00 (15 years and older).
Children under 15 years of age are exempt from charges
but must report to Immigration for official paperwork
to be completed.
For those wanting to stay in the Cook Islands longer
than 6 months, must apply for a visa from their home
territory, prior to their arrival in the Cook Islands.
Please direct applications to :
Principal Immigration Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
PO Box 105
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Ph: (682) 29347
Fax: (682) 21247
Travel Tips
Getting Around
As the entire island of Rarotonga is only 32 kilometers
in circumference, getting around is easy. There are
two main roads on Rarotonga, you can circle the island
on the Ara Tapu sealed road, through the villages
and past the beaches; or you can take the older inland
road, which winds through fields of taro, pawpaw,
bananas and local farmlands.
Scooter are a popular, fun way to see the sights.
Scooters as well as bikes, cars and jeeps are available
from local rental agencies. Driving is on the left
hand side of the road. Drivers of all vehicles are
required to have a current Cook Islands Drivers Licence
available from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation
of your own current drivers licence. Cost NZ$10.00.
The "Island Bus" offers a convenient low
cost methosd of transport, operating regular schedules
around the island. It will pick you up and let you
off anywhere on request.
Activities (besides diving of course)
Shopping
Local products include black pearls, handicrafts of
excellent quality, colorful clothing and electrical
goods at very reasonable prices.
Dining
Enjoy a variety of Polynesian fare, as well as many
dishes enfluenced by New Zealand, South east Asia,
India and europe.
The traditional Polynesian feast is known as the umukai,
and involves baking food in an underground oven. The
umu is the underground oven, a deep pit filled with
scorching hot stones from mountain streams. Damp sacking
and shredded banana trunks are placed over the hot
stones which soon causes rising of steam. The traditional
food is known as kai and consists of chicken, pork,
fish and vegetable dishes. The kai is placed in the
umu, whereupon everything is covered up with more
leaves and earth and allowed to steam for around two
hours, keeping in all the natural juices of the food.
The feast is followed by enthralling entertainment
- kariori. Guests are greeted with the fast paced
tempo of drums, followed by sensual dancing by island
men and women dressed in traditional costume.
Sightseeing
Historic and other sightseeing tours are available.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters offshore are ideal conditions for wahoo,
barracuda. dolphin fish, yellowfin and skipjack tuna,
sailfish and marlin. Inshore look for bonefish, trevally,
cod, snapper and other reef fish.
Windsurfing
Many resorts offer windsurfing equipment, or it can
be rented from a number of local specialists.
Cruises
Inter island excursions, day cruises, glass bottom
boat tours are all available.
Hiking
Enjoy cross island walks, mountain hikes and beautiful
waterfalls.
Horseback Riding
Ride the island trails, along the beach, and past
waterfalls.
Golf
Play 9 holes at the Raratongan Golf Club. There are
pro shops and rental equipment is available.
Helpful Tips
Dress
Although dress is informal, swimsuits or revealing
attire should not be worn when visiting town or villages.
Nude or topless sunbathing is also offensive. And
while the Cook Islands have a tropical climate, a
light sweater may come in handy for the cooler evenings
during July and August.
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.
Water
Some visitors prefer to boil water before use, but
it is not necessary. Bottled water is available from
the local shops for those who wish to purchase.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands
custom.
|