Cook Islands at a glance

TL;DR:

Fly to Rarotonga direct from Auckland, Papeete, Honolulu, or Sydney.
Show passport, onward ticket, and lodging proof at arrival.
NZD is accepted everywhere. Local $3 notes and coins also circulate.
Buses run clockwise and anticlockwise around Rarotonga.
The best weather runs April to November. Aitutaki lagoon cruises are top picks.

Fifteen islands spread across a huge slice of the South Pacific. Most visits start on Rarotonga, the main island. Aitutaki, a short flight away, has a famous turquoise lagoon. Tourism is the backbone of the economy, so travel services are polished yet relaxed.

This guide is current as of 18 September 2025.

Entry, visas, and documents

You do not need a visa for short stays if you meet standard entry rules. At the border, officers ask to see your onward or return ticket and your confirmed accommodation. Bring a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure. Be ready to show funds for your stay. Digital copies of tickets and bookings are accepted. These rules come from the official tourism site and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

If you want more time, you can apply for an extension after arrival with the immigration office in Rarotonga. Policies change, so check the latest the week you fly.

When to go

The Cook Islands are warm year round. Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable.

Dry season, April to November. Lower humidity and calmer seas. Many travelers pick May to October. The tourism board also highlights April, May, September, and October as sweet spot months.
Wetter season, December to March. Short, heavy showers are common. Travel is still very possible with flexible plans.

How to get there

Rarotonga International Airport receives nonstop flights from Auckland, Papeete, Honolulu, and Sydney. Schedules change by season. Air New Zealand and partner airlines publish current timetables online. From Australia, direct services have increased in recent years, improving access.

From Rarotonga you can fly to Aitutaki, Atiu, and other islands on local carriers. Seats are limited in peak months. Book early.

Money and costs

The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is accepted everywhere. The Cook Islands also issue distinctive currency that circulates locally, including a $3 banknote and local coins. ATMs sit in Avarua and at major resorts. Most lodgings and tour operators accept cards. Small shops may prefer cash.

Getting around Rarotonga

Buses

Rarotonga has a simple island bus. One runs clockwise, the other anticlockwise. Service is hourly on most days, with limited service on Sundays. Timetables are posted by the operator and on airport pages. You can wave buses down between marked stops. Carry cash for fares or buy multi-ride passes.

Driving and scooters

Visitors 16 and older with a valid license can drive for up to six months. You may drive only the vehicle class your home license allows. If your license does not include motorcycles and you want a scooter, you will need a local visitor license test. Rental firms may set higher age limits for insurance.

Power, SIMs, and maps

Sockets are Type I, 240 V, 50 Hz. Many travel chargers are dual voltage. Bring an adapter if your plugs differ. Vodafone Cook Islands sells eSIMs and SIMs at the airport and online, with 4G+ coverage around the island. Download offline maps before arrival.

Top things to do

On Rarotonga

Muri Lagoon. Paddle clear water by kayak or SUP. Look for coral gardens near small islets.
Punanga Nui Market. Saturday is the big day with food, crafts, and music. Go early. Weekday stalls are fewer.
Cross-Island Track to Te Rua Manga (The Needle). A steep jungle hike with roots and slick sections. Good shoes and dry weather help. Local guides run daily trips and share history and safety tips.
Snorkel spots. Aroa Marine Reserve and Tikioki are popular for calm water and reef life.

On Aitutaki

Lagoon cruise. Spend a day on a vaka or glass-bottom boat. Stops often include Akaiami, Moturakau, and One Foot Island. Expect multiple snorkel sites and a barbecue lunch.
Sandbars and motu time. Wade warm shallows and spot giant trevally and clams.
Island tour. A short road loop shows villages, beaches, and viewpoints.

Two easy itineraries

Classic 4 days, Rarotonga focus

Day 1. Land, beach walk, and sunset dinner at Muri.
Day 2. Morning snorkel at Aroa. Lunch in Avarua. Afternoon bus loop with stopoffs.
Day 3. Cross-Island Track with a guide. Recover in the afternoon with a lagoon paddle.
Day 4. Saturday market, coffee, and craft shopping. Fly out.

5 days with Aitutaki

Days 1–2. As above.
Day 3. Fly to Aitutaki. Afternoon swim at O’otu Beach.
Day 4. Full-day lagoon cruise with three motu stops.
Day 5. Morning scooter loop, lagoon view lunch, fly back to Rarotonga for departure.

Where to stay and eat

Rarotonga. Muri and Titikaveka have calm lagoons. Arorangi gets longer sunsets. Avarua is handy for shops and buses.
Aitutaki. Choose lagoon-front stays on the main island or day-trip from Rarotonga.
Expect island grills, fresh fish, poke, curries, and tropical fruit. Book dinners on Fridays and Saturdays in busy months.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and a long sleeve swim top.
Water shoes and a mask or snorkel set if you have space.
Light rain shell and quick-dry layers.
Small dry bag for boat days.
Plug adapter Type I, power bank, and a spare USB-C or Lightning cable.

Rules and good sense

Protect the reef. Do not stand on coral. Keep a safe fin kick.
Take all rubbish. Bins can be spaced out on outer motu.
Check marine and weather updates before boat trips.
On hikes, tell someone your route, start early, and turn back if trails are slick.
Helmets are smart on scooters. Local police run checks.
Drones may require permission. Ask your host before flying.

Quick planner table

Topic	What to know
Best months	April to November. Shoulder months April, May, September, October shine.
Entry	Show passport, onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation at arrival.
Currency	NZD accepted everywhere. Local $3 notes and coins also circulate.
Buses	Hourly clockwise and anticlockwise loops. Limited Sunday service.
Driving	16+ with a valid license. Visitor scooter test needed if license lacks motorcycle.
Power	Type I plug, 240 V, 50 Hz. Bring an adapter.
Data	Vodafone SIM or eSIM at airport and online.
Top day trip	Aitutaki lagoon cruise with snorkel stops and motu visits.

Why it matters

The Cook Islands reward simple planning. A few checks, like bus times, plug type, and entry papers, make island time easy. With safe choices on water and trails, your days can be all lagoon blues and starry nights.

Sources:

Cook Islands Tourism, Entry and travel advisory, https://cookislands.travel/entry, accessed 2025-09-18
MFAI Cook Islands, Arrival requirements checklist, https://mfai.gov.ck/node/284, accessed 2025-09-18
Cook Islands Tourism, Weather and seasons, https://cookislands.travel/islands/weather-seasons, accessed 2025-09-18
Cook Islands Tourism, Getting around and driving rules, https://cookislands.travel/how-to-book/getting-around and https://cookislands.travel/how-to-book/faq, accessed 2025-09-18
Cooks’ Island Bus, schedules, https://www.cookislandsbus.com/schedule, accessed 2025-09-18
Rarotonga Airport, bus overview, https://www.airport.gov.ck/public-buses/, accessed 2025-09-18
MFEM, Cook Islands currency $3 note overview, https://www.mfem.gov.ck/cook-islands-currency, accessed 2025-09-18
Cook Islands Tourism, Aitutaki lagoon cruises and suppliers, https://cookislands.travel/public-relations/aitutaki-lagoon-cruises and https://cookislands.travel/supplier/rus-lagoon-cruise-glass-bottom-boat, accessed 2025-09-18
Vodafone Cook Islands, SIM and eSIM options, https://www.vodafone.co.ck/ and https://cookislands.travel/supplier/vodafone-cook-islands, accessed 2025-09-18
Air New Zealand, schedules and Rarotonga routes overview, https://www.airnewzealand.com/flight-schedules, accessed 2025-09-18