Cook Islands Local Customs

TRAVEL ADVICE

Visa Requirements

Stays in the Cook Islands of up to 31 days require a passport valid for at least six..

Travel Health

The Cook Islands are a safe and relaxing place to visit, with only a few hazards for the..

Local Currency

The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Coins have values of..

Weather

The Cook Islands enjoy the weather and climate of a tropical oceanic region. There are no..

Local Customs

The Cook Islands Maoris are of Polynesian descent and make up nealry 90% of the..

Languages

The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori. The country code to dial..

Transport Options

The international airport in the Cook Islands is on Rarotonga (RAR) and is 3km west of..

Local Food

While in the Cook Islands you should indulge in the abundance of local produce which..

Local Timezones

Cook Islands time is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-10). Daylight Savings Time..

Dutyfree Limits

The following goods may be imported into the Cook Islands by persons over 18 years of age..

states of Cook Islands

Southern Group Information

Of the 15 islands that comprise the Cook Islands, 9 of them are located in what is called the Southern Group. These..

Northern Group Information

The northern Group of the Cook Islands is composed of six ideallic coral atolls spread over a large area of the..

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Local Customs

The Cook Islands Maoris are of Polynesian descent and make up nealry 90% of the population. They are very closely linked in culture and language to the Maori of New Zealand and the French Polynesians.

The Cook Islanders are considered amongst the finest Polynesian singers and dancers and there are many competitions between each island throughout the year. The Te Maeva Nui Celebrations held each year in July are the most important festivity in the islands. With colourful parades, drumming and dancing competitions, choir singing and sports, it's a great time to be in the Cook Islands.

Tipping isn’t expected and is contrary to Cook Islands' custom.

Today, Cook Islanders are devout Christians and most islanders are associated with the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC). Sunday is a day of rest and churchgoing. Singing in church is an evocative icon of the Cook Islands and a Sunday church service is well worth a visit.

Although life on the islands is extremely laid back, it is a very conservative society and you should dress and behave so as not to offend. Dress should be light and casual, but not too brief in public places. Sunbaking around the resort pool or on a beach is fine, but bathers shouldn’t be worn outside the resort.

Highlights of Cook Islands

Rarotonga Information

Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands and is where government resides. Circular and only 32 km in..

Aitutaki Information

A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, which is less than an..

Atiu Information

Atiu - the island of birds and legends - is the third largest in the group, forming part of the Southern section of the..

Mangaia Information

To experience Mangaia is to feel the true warmth of the people, past and present. Mangaia is the southernmost and the..

Manihiki Information

At the heart of our pearl industry, Manihiki is a large atoll with a deep lagoon and sits atop an underwater mountain..

Mauke Information

Mauke takes its name from the legendary founder ‘Uke who came to the island in search of a peaceful place to live. By..

Manuae Information

Manuae, is a peaceful sanctuary and lies 102 kilometeres south-east of Aitutaki. this now unhabited island was once..

Mitiaro Information

Of the cluster of islands in the Southern Group called Nga Pu Toru (Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke), this island would be the..

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