Oceania
Cook Islands
Easygoing Polynesian islands: Rarotonga's lagoon and cross-island hike, Aitutaki's turquoise lagoon. Safe, friendly and English-speaking, but expensive, quiet at night and on Sundays, and far from major hospitals.
- CurrencyNZDUS$1 ≈ NZ$1.78Details
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType I240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 996 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterFilter or boilOfficial advice is to drink boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid ice; many places offer filtered refills.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSex between men was decriminalised in 2023.Details
- DrivingOn the leftCars: home licence valid 6 months. Scooters need a motorbike licence or a practical test at Avarua police HQ.
Where to go in Cook Islands
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RarotongaIsland | 5/5 | $1,960–2,810 | May–Oct | — |
When to visit Cook Islands
May–October is cooler and drier, the best time to visit. November–April is hot and humid, with cyclone risk.
Good to know
Entry
- A visitor permit is issued on arrival; you may need an onward ticket, enough funds and booked accommodation.
- If you have a criminal conviction, contact Immigration before travel; failing to declare can affect future visits.
- Vapes can't be sold or imported, except one device and 30 ml of liquid for visitors over 21.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Riding a scooter needs a motorbike licence or a local test
- Drug penalties are severe, even for small amounts
- Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, ADHD drugs) need advance approval
Etiquette
- Greet people with 'Kia orana'
- Dress modestly in villages; visitors are welcome at Sunday church services
- Ask before crossing private land to reach beaches
Tipping
Not expected; tipping isn't part of local culture.
Sources
- Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
- Cook Islands Tourism
- Smartraveller: Cook Islands
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.