Question 1

Do I need a visa to visit the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements for the Cook Islands depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Question 2

What is the emergency number in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Emergency numbers in the Cook Islands: 999 for police and 998 for ambulance.

Question 3

What currency is used in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

The currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD, $). Cook Islands also issues its own coins (Cook Islands dollar, 1:1 to NZD), but NZD is the practical currency. ATMs in Avarua (Rarotonga). Limited ATMs on Aitutaki. Cards widely accepted on Rarotonga; cash preferred on outer islands.

Question 4

What power outlets and voltage are used in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

The Cook Islands uses Type I power outlets running at 240V, 50Hz.

Question 5

What time zone is the Cook Islands in?

Accepted Answer

The Cook Islands is on CKT (UTC−10) — no daylight saving.

Question 6

When is the best time to visit the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit the Cook Islands is April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. April–October is the dry, cooler season — ideal for Aitutaki lagoon tours (by boat or glass-bottomed kayak), snorkelling, and hiking Rarotonga's interior (Te Rua Manga — The Needle). November–March is cyclone season. Aitutaki's lagoon is consistently voted among the world's most beautiful — the turquoise-to-teal gradient is extraordinary.

Question 7

How does tipping work in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Typical tipping in the Cook Islands: restaurants, not expected (cook islands doesn't have a strong tipping culture — 10% is generous if service was exceptional); tours, discretionary — $5–10 nzd.

Question 8

What is the dress code in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Dress code in the Cook Islands: Casual beach wear throughout. Smart casual for restaurants and evening dining.

Question 9

What social etiquette should I know for the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Social etiquette in the Cook Islands: Cook Islanders are among the most warm and genuinely welcoming people in the Pacific — the islands receive fewer tourists than their quality deserves. Aitutaki can only be reached by small prop plane from Rarotonga — the 45-minute flight is part of the experience. Island nights (traditional dancing, drumming, and a feast) are held regularly on Rarotonga — genuinely spectacular. The Cook Islands is a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand — Cook Islanders are NZ citizens.

Question 10

What local laws should travellers be aware of in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Local laws in the Cook Islands to be aware of: LGBTQ+ same-sex relationships were decriminalised in 2023 — a significant milestone; social attitudes warming. Marine protected areas require permits — enforced for diving and fishing.

Question 11

What are some useful phrases to know in the Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

Useful phrases in the Cook Islands: "Hello (Cook Islands Māori / Rarotongan)" is "Kia orana" (kee-ah oh-RAH-nah — means 'may you live on' — the quintessential Cook Islands greeting); "Thank you (Cook Islands Māori)" is "Meitaki ma'ata" (may-TAH-kee mah-AH-tah — 'thank you very much'); "How are you? (Cook Islands Māori)" is "E aha te 'āite?" (eh AH-hah teh AH-ee-teh); "Cheers! (Cook Islands Māori)" is "Meitaki!" (may-TAH-kee — also used as 'cheers' and general approval); "Beautiful (Cook Islands Māori)" is "Ātea" (AH-teh-ah).

Venue	Typical	Notes
Restaurants	Not expected	Cook Islands doesn't have a strong tipping culture — 10% is generous if service was exceptional
Tours	Discretionary — $5–10 NZD	—

Cook Islands

Entry Requirements

Emergency Numbers

Currency

Power Outlets

Time Zone

Best Time to Visit

Tipping Customs

Dress Code

Social Etiquette

Local Laws

Common Phrases

Planning a trip to the Cook Islands?

English	Local	Pronunciation
Hello (Cook Islands Māori / Rarotongan)	Kia orana	kee-ah oh-RAH-nah — means 'may you live on' — the quintessential Cook Islands greeting
Thank you (Cook Islands Māori)	Meitaki ma'ata	may-TAH-kee mah-AH-tah — 'thank you very much'
How are you? (Cook Islands Māori)	E aha te 'āite?	eh AH-hah teh AH-ee-teh
Cheers! (Cook Islands Māori)	Meitaki!	may-TAH-kee — also used as 'cheers' and general approval
Beautiful (Cook Islands Māori)	Ātea	AH-teh-ah