Cook Islands Travel Tips

Social Conventions
Dress code is informal, though modest attire should be worn when visiting towns or villages. Women are expected to wear dresses for church services and social functions.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The Cook Islands are served by Air New Zealand (NZ) (website: www.airnz.co.nz), which offers regular flights from New Zealand, Tahiti and Fiji. There are also frequent connections from Australia, North America and Europe. For details, contact the Cook Islands Tourist Bureau (see General Info).

Air Passes
Visit the South Pacific Pass: valid with Solomon Airlines (IE), Air Vanuatu (NF), Our Airline (Air Nauru) (ON), Qantas (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Aircalin (SB) and Air Pacific (FJ). The pass allows flexible island-hopping within the South Pacific, for up to 40% off normal airfares.

Departure Tax
NZ$30 for passengers over 12 years of age; NZ$15 for passengers aged 2 to 12 years.

Main Airports
Rarotonga (RAR) is 3km (2 miles) west of Avarua. To/from the airport: Hotel coaches meet each flight (journey time – 10 minutes). Taxis and buses are also available. Facilities: Open according to flight arrivals and departures and include 24-hour luggage storage facilities, duty-free shops, bank/bureau de change, bars, shops and car rental.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: It is possible to moor yachts at Avatiu Harbour; for maritime matters, contact the Harbour Master, Ports Authority, PO Box 84, Rarotonga, Cook Islands (tel: 28814).

Cargo lines operating to the Cook Islands are run by Express Cook Islands Line Shipping Ltd and Hawaii-Pacific Maritime Ltd.

Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Cook Islands by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 2l of spirits or wine or 4.5l of beer.
• Goods up to the value of NZ$250.

Prohibited Imports
Fruit, plants, meat and livestock (unless arriving from New Zealand); firearms, gunpowder, ammunition, cartridges and cartridge cases, unless prior permission is obtained from the Minister of Police; and fireworks. Frozen, canned or vacuum-packed foods are permitted but must be declared on arrival.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Air Rarotonga (GZ) (website: www.airraro.com) runs regular inter-island services to Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Manihiki, Mitiaro and Penrhyn. Services do not operate on Sundays.

Inter-island flight times: From Rarotonga to Aitutaki is 50 minutes, to Atiu is 45 minutes, and to Mauke and Mitiaro is 50 minutes.

Air Passes
Discover Cook Islands Pass: offers discount travel around the islands. For more information, contact the Cook Islands Tourist Bureau (see General Info).

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. There are two main roads that circle the island; the Ara Tapu sealed road that runs through villages and past beaches, and the older inland road which winds through local farmlands.

Bus: The ‘Round the Island Bus’ operates regular services around Rarotonga from Monday to Saturday. The buses will pick up and drop off anywhere on request.

Taxi: Available on Rarotonga.

Car hire: Several companies offer cars for hire from a number of shops and hotels. Motor scooter and bicycle hire is also popular.

Documentation: Drivers of all vehicles are required to have a current Cook Islands driver’s license, which is obtainable for a small fee from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of an International or Commonwealth license.


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