Insider Travel Tips

How do I plan a trip to the Cook Islands?

Explore the Cook Islands on a tailor-made itinerary that mixes bucket-list experiences and sights with your own specific interests! Want to visit Rarotonga's protected Muri Beach after a day of deep sea fishing Ai, tataki's coral-walled churches, or the famed One Foot Island, nestled within a sheltered lagoon? With the expertise of a Goway Destination Specialist, embark on an epic travel journey to the Cook Islands.  

How much does it typically cost for a trip to the Cook Islands?

Trips to the Cook Islands can accommodate budgets of all sizes, from cost-conscious to luxury, though airfare to reach the islands can be high due to the limited number of direct flights. During high season, plan to budget between $3,000-4,200 per person for a 10-day vacation, not including the cost of air travel. Once in Rarotonga, a flight to one of the other 15 islands can also be arranged. 

What documentation is required to visit the Cook Islands?

Visitors require a valid passport for at least 6 months to visit the Cook Islands. Upon arrival, visitors from Canada and the United States will be issued a visitor permit valid for up to 31 days as long as they can provide proof of their departure or return flight to their point of origin. Special extended visas can be applied for by retirees.

What are some of the best places to vacation in the Cook Islands?

There are 15 islands that make up the Cook Island South Pacific archipelago. They are commonly referred to as the Northern group, including Nassau, and are sparsely populated, known for being the warmer islands too. The Southern group encompasses islands originating from volcanic activity, such as Rarotonga and Aitutaki, which are the most popular destinations. Each of the islands is famous for its pristine beaches and 

Is travelling to the Cook Islands safe?

As with most travel destinations, practice caution at the beach, being mindful not to leave out your valuables while you are swimming. Do keep your wallet and purse close to you when taking the bus. If you rent a car, lock up the doors and leave items out of sight in the trunk. Vehicles are not as popular as scooters, but if you find yourself on a scooter, travel cautiously. Females travelling solo should practice standard precautions such as not leaving drinks unattended or walking alone late at night, but overall, they will feel safe in the Cook Islands. 

Are the Cook Islands LGBTQ+ friendly?

The Cook Islands are known for being friendly and welcoming and widely support protection from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. In 2023, the Cook Islands rid themselves of old laws banning LGBTQ+ relations and are actively working to stop discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ travellers will feel welcome here but refrain from public affection if attending church. 

What currency does the Cook Islands use?

The Cook Islands use the New Zealand dollar (NZD) as their currency. On average, $1 USD is worth 1.7 NZD, but check rates before travelling. Credit cards are widely accepted at bigger retailers, restaurants and accommodations. Some spots have a minimum purchase requirement for using a credit card. Keeping some cash on hand is necessary, especially for remote areas, small vendors and tipping. 

Do I need to tip in the Cook Islands?

There is no need to tip in the Cook Islands, but it's appreciated if you'd like to acknowledge great service. 

Can I drink the tap water in the Cook Islands? 

Plan to use bottled water or a refillable bottle at filtered water locations. Some accommodations may have filtered water, too. Do not plan to drink the tap water; it must be boiled before drinking.