Last update: 22 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Cook Islands Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Cook Islands – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
240 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) £1 ≈ NZ$2.34 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are not as widespread as cash in the Cook Islands. However, credit and debit cards are accepted at most establishments, especially in Rarotonga.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in the Cook Islands, though a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed, but it is generally done in licensed establishments like bars or restaurants. It is advised to avoid excessive drinking in public. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces like restaurants, bars, and public transport. |
| Constitution Day (4 August) |
National holiday celebrating the country’s constitution with cultural celebrations and events |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Celebrated with festive meals and family gatherings |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | The Cook Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those seeking peace and natural beauty. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Cook Islands, Cook Islands
Cyclone season November to April, highest risk January to March
Humpback whale season July to October, best around Rarotonga
Te Maeva Nui national festival with dance and music, late July to early August
Don't miss
- 🌊 Swim in the turquoise lagoon of Aitutaki
- 🐠 Snorkel over coral gardens filled with tropical fish
- 🛵 Explore Rarotonga’s lush jungle trails by scooter
- 💃 Attend a traditional island night feast and dance show
- 🛶 Kayak around Motu islands and secluded beaches
- 🏝️ Visit Punanga Nui Market for crafts and local delicacies
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Cook Islands?
What makes the Cook Islands truly special is their remarkable preservation of traditional Polynesian culture combined with breathtaking natural beauty that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Often compared to Hawaii before major development, the islands offer a similar tropical climate but with a more relaxed pace and less commercialization. The diverse landscapes range from coral atolls in the north to volcanic, hillier islands in the south that are abundant with vegetation and wildlife.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Te Maeva Nui Festival
-
Vaka Eiva Outrigger Canoe Festival
-
Rarotonga International Triathlon
-
Tiare Festival
-
Manea Games
-
Constitution Day Celebrations
-
Round Rarotonga Road Race
-
Aitutaki Day
-
Gospel Day
-
New Year's Celebrations
Knowledge before you go
- No visa needed. Up to 31 days for all visitors.
- Show proof of onward ticket and sufficient funds upon arrival at Rarotonga.
- NZD is currency; cards widely accepted, but carry cash for outer islands.
- Rarotonga drives left; rent scooters easily but get international permit first.
How to travel to Cook Islands
Most international visitors arrive at Rarotonga International Airport, which has direct flights from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and Jetstar are the main carriers serving the Cook Islands. From North America or Europe, connections are typically made through Auckland, New Zealand. Cruise ships occasionally visit the Cook Islands as part of South Pacific itineraries, docking at Avatiu Harbour in Rarotonga or anchoring off Aitutaki. However, these visits are usually brief, allowing only a taste of what the islands have to offer. For a more comprehensive experience, arriving by air and staying for at least a week is recommended.
Access summary
- Rarotonga: Fly to RAR mainly from Auckland, Sydney, some Tahiti connections.
- From New Zealand/Australia: Direct or via Auckland on Air New Zealand, Jetstar.
- Flag carrier Air Rarotonga, not in alliances; codeshares with Air NZ, Air Tahiti.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Cook Islands
Accommodation in the Cook Islands ranges from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to self-catering villas and budget-friendly guesthouses. Rarotonga offers the widest selection, with most properties concentrated along the coastal road, particularly around Muri Beach. Aitutaki is known for its upscale resorts and overwater bungalows. The outer islands have more limited options, typically family-run guesthouses offering an authentic experience. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the high season from June to August and December to January.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Cook Islands
Getting around the Cook Islands varies depending on which island you're exploring. On Rarotonga, the main island, public buses circle the island in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, making it easy to reach most attractions. Scooters and cars are available for rent, with a local driver's license required (obtainable locally for a small fee). Taxis are also available but can be expensive for longer journeys. For inter-island travel, Air Rarotonga provides domestic flights connecting the main islands, though schedules can be limited to certain days of the week. Some of the more remote islands in the Northern Group have less frequent connections. For nearby islets, water taxis and small boat charters are often available.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
We can't detect your current location. Please log in and set your current location in the account settings to see a cost comparison.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to NZD) is 15% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Cook Islands are generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings. The main safety concerns relate to water activities - be cautious of strong currents in some areas and always check local conditions before swimming or snorkeling.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are basic, with Rarotonga Hospital providing emergency services. Outer islands have limited healthcare. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended. There are no major endemic diseases, but mosquito protection is advised to prevent dengue fever.
Accessibility
Accessibility in the Cook Islands is limited. Major resorts offer some accessible facilities, but natural attractions, beaches and transportation often present challenges for those with mobility issues. The terrain can be uneven and many activities require physical mobility.
Tap water
Tap water quality varies throughout the Cook Islands. On Rarotonga, tap water is generally safe but may have a different taste. On outer islands, rely on bottled or filtered water. Most accommodations provide drinking water for guests.
Packing recommendations for Cook Islands
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
👔
Smart-casual outfit
for restaurants
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Cook Islands
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
Discover
Top cruise destinations and major routes
Cruise travel has evolved considerably beyond its traditional demographic and now encompasses everything from large resort ships carrying thousands of passengers to small…
Read more
Discover
Top island destinations and tropical getaways
Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…
Read more
Discover
Top luxury destinations and exclusive getaways
Luxury travel is defined less by price than by the quality of attention, access and experience that money can unlock at the top end of the market. The most rewarding luxury…
Read more
Discover
Top solo travel destinations and safe hubs
Travelling alone sounds like a bigger deal than it is. The first day feels strange – eating dinner by yourself, navigating without someone to double-check the map with, making…
Read more
Discover
Best couple holiday destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travellers
A first trip abroad works best somewhere that eases you in, rather than throwing every possible culture shock and logistical headache at you at once. Some first-time travellers…
Read more
Discover
Top yoga destinations and wellness retreats
A serious yoga destination offers more than a studio with a view: it has the teachers, the tradition and often the climate to support a practice that goes deeper than a holiday…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for seniors
Senior travel covers a wide range, from slow, low effort trips built around comfort to more independent trips for travellers who still want to cover plenty of ground. Some…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in August in Oceania
August still counts as one of the better months for winter sports across Oceania, even as the tropical north holds onto its dry season. Ski season remains strong across the…
Read more
Discover
Best island getaway destinations in Oceania
Oceania is defined by its islands more than any other region, with the Pacific's vast ocean geography encompassing everything from the continental landmasses of Australia and New…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in November in Oceania
Oceania moves toward early summer in November, with warming temperatures building steadily across the region. Australia and New Zealand both see comfortable, mild weather this…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in September in Oceania
September brings spring to Oceania, easing the region out of winter just as wildflowers and warmer days start to return. Western Australia's wildflower season reaches its peak…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in October in Oceania
Spring continues to warm across Oceania in October, easing the region further out of winter with each passing week. Ski season wraps up almost entirely by October, with only the…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
