Interested in some local family history?


Find out about this Englishman whose English-speaking descendants have inherited one of the islands in Cook Islands.

FLIGHTS: Rarotonga has daily arrivals from Auckland via Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue. Air New Zealand also provides weekly flights to and from Los Angeles, Papeete and Sydney. Local travel to the outer islands is provided by Air Rarotonga.

VISITOR'S PERMIT: Visitors to the Cook Islands do not require a separate visa. If you are coming from any of the above destinations, your entry permit to these countries allows you entry to the Cook Islands. Your visitor's permit allows you to remain in the Cook Islands for up to 31 days. If an extension is required, you must apply to the the Ministry of Immigration in Avarua

BANKS: The Cook Islands uses New Zealand currency, except that we also have our own unique coins (a triangular $2, a large $5 coin and $3 notes for Rarotonga and Aitutaki). These Cook Islands currencies can only be used in the Cook Islands. There are three banks in the Cook Islands: ANZ, Westpac and the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI)
 

INTERNET: Some hotels and resorts have internet connection or are designated as wifi hotspots. Internet connection is expensive in the Cook Islands and quite slow. There are several internet cafes  and several hotspots also signposted around the island. Wifi and Kokanet SIM cards can be purchased from the main office of Telecom Cook Islands or from its store next to CITC - both in Avarua

TRANSPORT: There are only a few taxis on the island, they are privately owned. Cook's Bus Company provides a bus service that travels clockwise and anticlockwise on the hour. A time table can be purchased on the bus. There is no bus service on Sundays. Motor cycles are a popular form of travel in the Cook Islands. They can be hired from local car hire services. Helmets are not compulsory, but it would be advisable to bring your own. Visitors are required to purchase a Cook Islands Drivers License (NZ$20), and a driving test will be required if a motorbike is not stated on your overseas license. The test takes place at the Police Station in the centre of Avarua township. Budget Rentals in next door to the police station.

MEDICAL SERVICES: Rarotonga has a hospital to the west of the main township of Avarua, and a health and dental clinic to the east. The hospital is 24/7, but the clinics are only open on weekdays. Visitors are charged for medical attention. There are a couple of pharmacies in Avarua township (one is based at the CITC shopping centre).

SHOPPING: There are a number of small privately owned shops around the island. Along with other stores in Avarua, CITC has a supermarket in the centre of the township and a larger food warehouse in Avatiu. "Wigmores" is a well stocked store in Ngatangiia and "Super Brown" is in Tupapa.

PUNANGA NUI MARKET: If you are on Rarotonga on a Saturday morning, you should take advantage of the market which offers a range of local foods and crafts. Most of the craft goods are produced by locals on Rarotonga or brought in from the outer islands. You will also find some goods that have been imported from Asia, but we strongly encourage "Go local-buy local". From mid-morning these is usually a dance troupe to provide an entertaining demonstration of our culture through music and dance.