These fifteen loosely clustered islands are spread over an area three times the size of France, despite having a total land mass that would be comfortably swallowed ten times by Paris. Remote doesn’t even begin to describe them; yet thousands of years of Polynesian history and culture have produced a tightly knit and friendly community that enjoys a wealth of striking natural splendour.
The majority of the fourteen thousand population are clustered on Rarotonga, with beautiful rocky mountains and glorious ivory beaches. There’s something exhilarating about standing on one of the craggy headlands and staring out across the endless Pacific waves in the knowledge that there’s not so much as a sandbar for thousands of miles. If that sense of the sublime appeals to you then the out islands are a treat; there you can live out any secret castaway fantasies in peace and isolation.
The magnificent coral lagoon Aitutaki is a great place to dive, while flights over the island from Rarotonga offer breathtaking views from the air. Spectacular underground pools and cave complexes under Mitiaro and Atiu are just as enchanting, or you can visit the black pearl farms at Penrhyn or Manihiki. Many of the more sheltered lagoons are perfect for a host of water sports and the bustling town of Avarua is a great place to put your feet up at the end of the day.
Getting there
The international airport is at Raratonga. Routes are limited and only Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue fly there.
Getting around
To get between islands you can fly with Air Raratonga or use inter-island cargo ships – the former is far more efficient. Public transport is extremely limited; the main form of transport is the motorbike.
Local information
Language: English, Cook Island Maori
Time: UTC-10
Climate: Subtropical. Hot summers, warm winters, rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 31°C (January), Min 14°C (July). Rainfall: Max 270mm (March), Min 100mm (July).
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Business etiquette: Business dress is usually casual, though it should be neat and modest. Meetings are often very informal as well. Punctuality is not a prevalent virtue among Cook Islanders and expect meetings to start late and overrun. It can take time to foster a relationship and you should be careful not to embarrass yourself, as this is a small business community and your reputation will carry to others. Prayers are often spoken at the beginning and end of meetings.
Tipping: Tipping is not encouraged.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco; 2l of spirits or wine or 4.5l of beer; Goods up to the value of NZ$250.
Safety: Tropical storms and cyclones occur largely between November and April, though may occur in other months too. There is a low incidence of crime, though theft of jewellery, cameras and other attractive items does occur.
Laws: There are few local laws of note; however this is a conservative culture so you should dress and behave modestly so as not to cause offence.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required tetanus and typhoid. There is one government hospital but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
Socket type: Type I
