Best buys are woodcarvings, pearls, shell craft, woven products, pottery, hats and baskets made out of coconut fiber. Coins and stamps are considered to be valuable collectors’ items. Another popular buy is a brightly colored, all-purpose wrap-around cloth garment worn by both men and women called a
Pareu, and ideal for casual wear in the hot climate.
Island Craft (website:
www.islandcraft.com) has factories in Avarua where hand-carved items can be purchased. The art of carving may be observed in Punanganui Market Place.
There is also a wide range of duty-free items.
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200. Some stores in tourist areas remain open for longer.
Currency Information:CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol NZ$) = 100 cents, supplemented by notes and coins minted for local use which are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Currency ExchangeExchange facilities are available at the airport, banks and in some larger stores and hotels. EFTPOS and ATM machines are available at both
ANZ and
Westpac banks on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and also major stores and restaurants.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted.
Traveller's ChequesAccepted in hotels and some shops.
Banking HoursMon-Thurs 0900-1500; Fri 0900-1600. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1100.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | NZ$2.74 |
| $1.00= | NZ$1.39 |
| €1.00= | NZ$1.85 |
Next Page »
.jpg "So many colors")
