Cook Islands Facts

• The capital of Cook Islands is Rarotonga - main island in the Cook Islands group.
• Rarotonga's main town is Avarua.
• 15 islands and atolls make up the Cook Islands, widely separated over two million sq km of the South Pacific Ocean.
• Cook Islands has close links with New Zealand and the currency is New Zealand dollars. Local notes and coins are also in circulation but cannot be exchanged outside of the Cooks.
• The banks of ANZ and Westpac are found on Rarotonga and also on Aitutaki.
• The indigenous people are of Polynesian descent. The majority of the small population lives on Rarotonga.
• International Airlines servicing Cook Islands include Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue (Virgin)
• The domestic airline is Air Rarotonga, which also flies to Tahiti in French Polynesia.
• Flight Times within Cook Islands. From Rarotonga to Aitutaki it takes 50 minutes, to Atiu 45 minutes, and to Mitiaro and Mauke it takes 50 minutes.
• There is a departure tax on leaving Cook Islands that is not included in any pre-paid air tickets (currently NZ$30, and NZ$15 for children 2-12 years. Children under 2 are exempt.
• Electricity is 220 AC/50 cycle. Some hotels and resorts also provide 110v shaving outlets. Travel adaptor plugs may be needed by those who travel from the northern hemisphere.
• Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. When hiring a vehicle you must obtain a Cook Islands Drivers Licence at the Avarua Police Station (currently NZ$10) on presentation of your current driver's licence. When hiring a motor scooter there is a mandatory practical test costing NZ$6. Observe the speed limits.
• The International Country Code for Cook Islands (when phoning from overseas) is 682. Internet connections are available.
• The main port is found at Avarua and moorings are available.
• A public bus service follows the coastline right around Rarotonga in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, at hourly intervals.