Air New Zealand operates flights to Rarotonga from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles. Virgin Pacific flies from Auckland and Air Tahiti from Papa’ete.

A valid passport and a return ticket will allow you a stay of up to 31 days. New Zealand citizens automatically qualify for a 90 day stay.

With the Cook Islands’ close ties to New Zealand, personal effects including sports equipment and clothing are exempt from duty. 

Duty Free items include:
200 cigarettes or 250gms of tobacco or 50 cigars or a mixture of not more than 250 grams in total
Two litres of mixture/ ornot of spirits, wine and liquer OR 4.5 litres of beer
Good in excess of NZ$250 are liable for duty

Any food items must be declared on arrival. For more information visit www.agriculture.gov.ck

Cook Islands Maori is the local language but everyone also speaks English.

There is a regular bus service that runs around Rarotonga daily with both a daytime and nighttime schedule. Single, day pass, family and 10 trip tickets can be purchased on board.

The standard left hand rule applies to driving in the Cook Islands. It is essential to have a current Drivers Licence. Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, UK and the EU can now drive in the Cook Islands for up to six months using their overseas license.  

Visitors over 16 can drive in the Cook Islands on their current and full overseas license for the vehicle class they hold for up to six months, unless the license expires, is revoked, suspended or disqualified in that time.  If a visitor wants to ride a scooter or motorbike in the Cook Islands and is not licensed to do so at home, he or she will still have to obtain a Cook Islands Driving License (either Class A covering motorbikes/scooters or Class AB covering both regular vehicles and motorbikes/scooters). This involves a practical test at the Police Headquarters in Avarua and the payment of NZ$20 license fee plus NZ$5 practical fee.

Visitors whose license is written in a language other than English will need an accurate translation.  Road rules are strict when it comes to drinking and driving, so best not to.

Jenny’s Beach House recommends Polynesian Car and Bike Hire and Mana Rentals (across from Jenny’s).

The New Zealand dollar is used supplemented by local notes and coins. The unique local notes and coins make great souvenirs.

Electricity usage in the Cook Islands is 240 volts. Plug adapters suitable for New Zealand and Australia should be brought with you should you require them

Zenbu wi-fi is available at Jenny’s with online purchase available or purchase from Rebecca at a cheaper rate. Jenny’s offers free local phone calls. International telephone, mobile telephone, facsimile and internet services (including Broadband) are available through Bluesky Cook Islands. Several internet cafes are located on Rarotonga and Aitutaki . WiFi is available at key locations

The bride and groom to be are required to lodge their “Notice of Intended Marriage” with the Registry Office in person at least three days before the marriage.  If you lodge your notice less than the minimum three days as required you will be charged with a “Waiver fee”.  For fees please visit Ministry of Justice website or contact your wedding planner.

For bachelors and spinsters, you will need to show these documents:

• your current passport (this does not apply to a person who was born in the Cook Islands)
• your birth certificate (certified if not the original copy, deed poll if the name on
• your passport is different to the one on your birth certificate, translated and certified if in languages other than English)

For divorced bride/groom, you will also need to provide your divorce decree or divorce certificate.

For widow/widower, you will also need to provide the death certificate of your previous spouse.