Cook Islands Travel Guide

Cook Islands — Country and Tourist Information

Browse the Cook Islands Photo Gallery

Country Facts

Location: South Pacific, Polynesia.
Language: The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori.
Area: 237 sq km (91.5 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT - 10.
Electricity: 220 volts DC, 50Hz. The New Zealand and Australian three-pin plug is used as standard, but, in some cases, a two-pin plug is required.
Population: 15,537 (2008).
Population Density: 90.2 per sq km.
Capital City: Avarua (on Rarotonga). Population: 6,000 (2006).
Government: Self-governing state 'in free association’ with New Zealand. (New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs.) Gained self-governing status in 1965.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Jim Marurai since 2004.
Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Sir Frederick Goodwin. New Zealand is represented locally by High Commissioner Tia Barrett since 2008.
Religion: Mainly Cook Islands Christian Church (58%); also Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists and Assembly of God.

Recent History

Jim Marurai, of the Democratic party was sworn in as prime minister in December 2004 after winning the backing of MPs. His predecessor Robert Woonton stood down after a recount of the September 2004 general election votes revealed a tie for the seat between Mr Woonton and his challenger. Marurai's Democratic party went on to win the 2006 election.

Executive power is formally held by the New Zealand high commissioner (High Commissioner Tia Barrett since December 2008) but effectively devolved to the cabinet. The House of Ariki, which is composed of all the paramount chiefs of the Cook Islands, serves as an advisory body. Advice is given on legislation concerning customs and traditions, though the House of Ariki has no powers of legislation itself. New Zealand is responsible for defense and foreign affairs.

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +682. International telephone is available 24 hours from the telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands).

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Travelers arriving from New Zealand, Australia and Samoa can arrange roaming with their own network providers. Those from other destinations must purchase a Cook Islands' SIM card and top-up cards. Mobile coverage is available in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Internet

There are Internet facilities in Avarua at the Telecom Cook Islands office (open 24 hours a day), at the post office, at Internet cafes and at computer stores.

Media

The main radio and TV stations are operated by the privately-owned Elijah Communications, which also publishes weekly newspapers. There are plans in progress for a public radio service. The independent daily, Cook Islands News, is published in Maori and English. The Cook Islands Herald and Cook Islands Independent are weeklies, owned by Elijah Communications.

Post

Mon-Fri 0800-1600.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2010
25 Dec - 26 Dec Christmas

2011
1 Jan - 2 Jan New Year
22 Apr Good Friday
25 Apr Easter Monday
25 Apr ANZAC Day
6 Jun Queen’s Birthday
25 Jul Rarotonga Gospel Day
4 Aug Constitution Day
26 Oct National Gospel Day
25 Dec - 26 Dec Christmas

2012
1 Jan - 2 Jan New Year
6 Apr Good Friday
9 Apr Easter Monday
25 Apr ANZAC Day
6 Jun *Queen’s Birthday
30 Jul *Rarotonga Gospel Day
4 Aug Constitution Day
26 Oct National Gospel Day
25 Dec Christmas
* Dates to be confirmed.

Contact Information

Diplomatic representation

The Cook Islands are self governing 'in free association' with New Zealand and are represented abroad in countries where they have no consular offices by New Zealand embassies and high commissions (see New Zealand section).