Weather & climate

The Cook Islands boast a warm and pleasant climate year round, with temperatures averaging from the low to the high 20s Celsius throughout the year. June to August are the ‘winter’ months with temperatures from 18-26° Celsius, while December to March mark the more humid months with temperatures from 22-30° Celsius. Water temperatures average the mid-20s Celsius all year, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and more.

Passports & visas

Australian and New Zealand passport holders don’t require a visa. You will, however, need a current passport with two blank pages and six months’ validity from the date you return home, along with a return air ticket.

Health

Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least six weeks before you travel. You may be required or recommended to get vaccinations for measles, rabies, typhoid and hepatitis A & B, among others. Dengue fever may be present in the Cook Islands, so mosquito nets and insect repellent should be used.

Getting there

The Cooks Islands have one international airport, Rarotonga International Airport, located on the main island of Rarotonga. You can fly direct to Rarotonga from Sydney, Auckland, Tahiti, and LA. Access to the other islands is possible through domestic flights with Air Rarotonga, or by an adventurous boat ride.

Getting around

Getting around the Cook Islands is easy, and there are a number of ways to do so. Private road transfers are available for inter-hotel and airport transfers, and private guides and vehicle are perfect to explore at your own comfort. Bicycles and scooters are a great way to explore the islands, and the flat main road make it easy to get around. Rarotonga has one main road that circles the whole of the island, so you aren’t likely to get lost! Taxis and public buses are also available, and a fun way to experience local culture.

Heading out on foot is the best way to explore the islands lush forests and white sand beaches. You can also get off the beaten track with quad bikes and 4×4 tours. There are also a number of boating options that will take you around the islands and lagoons.

Currency & language

The currency used in the Cook Islands in the New Zealand dollar. Local coins and notes in the Cook Islands dollar can also be found, those these cannot be exchanged anywhere in the world. ATMs are available around Rarotonga and Aitutaki islands, and credit cards are accepted at major hotel and stores on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Cash is essential for all other islands, and most restaurants, shops, markets etc.

Cook Islands Maori and English are the official languages of the Cook Islands.