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Cook Islands Country Quickfacts


  • Fishing off the island
  • Snorkeling in Aitutaki Lagoon
  • Fishing is a cultural pastime
  • Island performance
  • Traditional Cook Island Vaka
Area:  240 km(91 sq mi)
Capital: Avarua
Country Code: 682
Country Population: 10, 900
Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted.
Currency: The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar, supplemented by Cook Island dollars and coinage minted for local use.

The local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. ANZ and Westpac Banks in Avarua are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday. In addition, visitors can change traveller's cheques and principal currencies at larger stores, hotels and motels.

Banking facilities are available at the airport on arrival and one hour prior to departure of international flights. Many of the hotels, motels, restaurants and duty-free stores accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners, Bankcard and American Express.
Drives on the: Left
Electricity: 220 - 240V (Australian configuration)
Ethnic Groups:  87.7% Maori
5.8% part-Maori
6.5% other

The people are mostly Polynesian Cook Island Maoris, related to the New Zealand Maoris and the Tahitians. The Pukapukans however, are unique in that they are closer to the Samoans. Most of the population lives in Rarotonga and in the Southern Group. They are open, friendly people who are happy to introduce you to their way of life. Their local greeting is "Kia Orana" ('may you live on).
Flag: Cook Islands Flag
Location:  North East of New Zealand
Official Language(s): English, Cook Islands Maori, or "Rarotongan," and Pukapukan
Religion: Christian, Catholic, Latter Day and Protestant.
Time Zone: CKT (UTC-10)
Tipping: Tipping is not required nor is it the norm.

 


 

Cook Islands Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Cook Islands. 

Learn about the history and culture of the Cook Islands, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about the Cook Islands' nature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Cook Islands for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Cook Island vacations today!

 

Extend Your Stay

Consider an additional stopover after or before your Cook island vacation at one of Goway's other South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of Australian vacationsNew Zealand vacation packages, Tahiti vacation packages or perhaps one of our Fiji resorts.

 


 

Book your Cook Islands Vacation with Goway!

With a wide choice of Cook Islands vacations and experiences, Goway’s Downunder wizards can offer you many ways to explore and enjoy the Cook Islands. Relax with a romantic tropical island stay, escape winter on a Snowbird long stay, enjoy an air-land getaway and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to the Cook Islands.


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