Brief Summary
This video provides 10 essential things to know before traveling to the Cook Islands, focusing on practical information for travelers from Canada and the United States. The video covers topics like flight options, accommodation, best time to visit, currency, internet access, and local customs.
- There are no direct flights from the US mainland to Rarotonga, requiring a connection through New Zealand or Fiji.
- International hotel chains are absent in the Cook Islands, but there are various local resorts and hotels.
- The best time to visit is from April to November, avoiding the wet season from December to March.
- Mosquitoes are present and can be a nuisance, so repellents are recommended.
- Internet access is limited and requires purchasing data, with slow speeds.
Flight Options
There are no direct flights from the US mainland to Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands. Travelers need to connect through New Zealand or Fiji, adding to travel time and cost. The most economical and efficient option is Hawaiian Airlines, which operates a weekly flight from Honolulu to Rarotonga on Saturdays.
Accommodation
International hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Four Seasons are not present in the Cook Islands. This is due to the local land tenure system, which restricts selling or leasing land for durations exceeding 60 years. Despite the absence of major hotel brands, there are approximately 20 resorts and hotels, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, concentrated in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit the Cook Islands is from April to November, during the dry season with warm and pleasant temperatures. December to March is the wet season, with a higher chance of rainfall. While brief showers can occur even during the dry months, the tropical climate generally offers pleasant weather for exploration.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are present in the Cook Islands and can be a nuisance, especially for tourists. They can even be found inside hotel rooms, making it crucial to use mosquito repellents.
Internet Access
There is no complimentary internet access in the Cook Islands. While hotels offer free Wi-Fi, internet access requires purchasing data. Unlimited data plans are not available, and internet speeds are slow.
Travel Outlet Adapter
Travelers from the United States need to bring a travel outlet adapter as the Cook Islands use the same outlets as Australia and New Zealand. Hotels do not provide adapters, and finding one on the islands can be challenging.
Currency
The official currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar. It's advisable to carry cash for daily use, especially for small shops and the Muri Night Market, which only accepts cash. ATMs are available for withdrawing New Zealand dollars. Credit cards are accepted at accommodations, rental companies, and tour operators, but American Express is not widely accepted.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary or expected in the Cook Islands. While tipping is not common, it is acceptable to tip for exceptional service, especially at restaurants.
Driving
The Cook Islands follow left-hand driving. If you are accustomed to right-hand driving, be cautious when renting a car or scooter. Rarotonga has a single main road circling the island, called Arapu, meaning "sacred road." Public buses are a convenient alternative, with two routes operating daily except Sundays.
Sunday is a Day of Rest
Sunday is a day of rest in the Cook Islands, rooted in Christian tradition. Most businesses, government offices, and even buses are closed on Sundays. The island becomes serene with limited traffic, making it a peaceful day for relaxation.
