DIVING

Rarotonga and Aitutaki are excellent for diving, snorkling, and fishing.If you have never been diving before there are qualified instructors who can expert tuition. You can even sit your certified dive course here in Rarotonga.

The outer reef area offers a diverse range of diving locations with superb visibilit, usually ranging from 100 to 200 feet, depending on wind and weather. Canyons, caves and varities of coral, make it a most unusual terrain. There are also wrecks to explore and fish to hand feed. Rarotonga boasts crystal clear waters and warm inviting temperatures between 23 and 30 degress celsius.

All diving is shore based with the diving boats in the 5 to 7 meter size range. Trips usually depart in both the morning and afternoon. Full time dive charter operators are listed in the business directory.

SNORKLING

Superb is the only word for diving in our waters. The outer reef areas are diverse range locations with visibility from 100 to 200 feet, depending on wind and weather. Canyons, caves and a wide variety of coral make for unusual terrain. There are wrecks to explore and a wide variety of fish to handfeed.

For the novice or expert snorkeling in the Cook Islands offers year round warm water, and visibility seldom less than 100 feet and up to 200 feet on some days. With Rarotonga being circular in shape, every day is a great diving day as there is always a sheltered side of the island. A place where you can never be more than 15 minutes away from any dive site, Rarotonga and Aitutaki can provide the array of diversity that diving always seems to offer. With 73 types of live coral both hard and soft, and the abundance of colorful marine life you can’t go wrong.

The Cook Islands have been the place for many, many people to learn to snorkel. Those who will be venturing into water for the first time may want to take on the experienced services of snorkeling masters. Don’t be timid, ask for assistance and you will find the attentive, personalized service will have you snorkeling with the best of them. Snorkelling equipment is available from most accommodation properties.

FISHING

The Cook Islands offer exceptional opportunities for deepsea game fishing as well as saltwater fly and light tackle sports fishing. Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki remain virtually undiscovered by the world’s sea angling fraternity, much to the delight of aficionadoes who have been keeping the secret safe for the past 30 or so years. A bonus for visitors from July to October is the strong possibility of seeing humpback whales which often come very close to Rarotonga’s shoreline on their migration route north from the Antarctic. Sometimes these whales will breach and those lucky enough to witness this will have another permanent memory of their trip to the Cook Islands.

Deepsea game fishing is a speciality in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Both enjoy the advantage of immediate access. There is no tedious journey to the fishing grounds, once out of the harbor the fishing begins. Big fish of many species are abundant. The currents, reefs and submarine topography supply ideal conditions for wahoo, barracuda. dolphin fish, yellowfin and skipjack tuna, sailfish and marlin. The Cook Island record for marlin is 616 lb (280 kg). Aitutaki’s magnificent 12,500-acre lagoon is particularly suitable for fly, lures or bait for world class bonefish, trevally, cod, snapper and other reef fish. It holds the world all-tackle record for Hump Head Maori Wrasse, set in October 1989.

Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki have game fishing clubs at which visitors are made very welcome - phone the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club on 682 21419. The clubs are affiliated to the International Game Fishing Association. Fishing trip operators cater both for novices and experienced anglers.The Aitutaki Lagoon Hotel offers fishing trips led by a resident professional. Air Rarotonga flies daily between Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Various charter operations, including deep sea game fishing, reef fishing and spear

WINDSURFING AND KAYAKING

Rarotonga has some ideal facilities for windsurfing. Muri Beach is the centre for windsurfing and sailing. Some resorts have windsurfing facilities available for their guests. Many resorts also offer kayaking facilities. Kayak Adventure Tours offer a daily lagoon excursion, including kayaks, guide and snorking equipment.

CRUISES

Cook Island people are born of the sea. In this immense aquatic environment we not only make a living from the abundant waters, but also consider its shoreline as our marine playground. You can share in this experience by way of lagoon cruises and scenic charters. Various options are available for charter cruises. You can tour the sheltered and fascinating waters of Muri lagoon, whilst viewing the coral life forms through the glass viewing panels. Outer reef cruises are also available. Some of the attractions are coral formations, ship wrecks, dive demonstrations and fish feeding. Whale watching is dependent on the season.

Yacht charters are also available. These can be day cruises or inter island excursions, depending on your preference.

WALKING AND HIKING

Visitors keen on tramping and exploring will find that Rarotonga offers plenty of options. As there are no snakes, wild animals or poisonous insects on the island, inland exploring is relaxing and enjoyable. You can see native birds such as the chattering kingfisher,exotic butterflies and plants.

A good family walk starts at Ngatangiia Harbour and follows the Avana Stream inland to a pleasant picnic spot. For more adventurous walks, take one of the excellent guided tours which will take you off the beaten track, giving you an insight into the geology, history and culture of the islands.

The walks range from relaxed to experienced mountain trekking (take a good insect repellent). Most popular is the cross-island trek which leads to the base of Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Rarotonga’s most dramatic peak.From here you get dramatic views of both sides of the island.

After a short rest it is an hour and a half down to Papua Waterfall also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall. The falls are the largest on the island and drop in stages. Beneath the falls is a large pool perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. (The Across the Island trek is described in a booklet entitled, `Rarotonga’s Cross Island Walk’.)

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding is a great way to take in Rarotonga’s beautiful scenery. Whether you have never been been on horseback in your life, or are an experienced rider, you will thoroughly enjoy a two hour pony trek. The riding trails traverse through tropical plantations, up to Wigmore’s Waterfall where there is time for a swim, before cantering along white sands beaches. Horse riding excursions leave twice daily with a maximum of 6 persons per trip. Bookings are essential for the horse trek.

TENNIS, SQUASH, LAWN BOWLS OR GOLF

Tennis courts are available for hire at The Rarotongan and Edgewater Resorts. The Edgewater also has two squash courts which can be reserved for a game. Professional coaching is available to sharpen your skills and shops offer a complete range of quality rental equipment, including rackets, balls and shoes. Ask your host for advice on local courts.

If golf is your game, even if you are only a casual golfer, don’t miss out on enjoying the 9 holes of the Rarotongan Golf Club, located at Nikao near Black Rock. The club opens six days a week from 8am. You can hire a half set of clubs and green fees are very reasonable. If you decide to stay for a drink after the game, Saturdays make a good day to choose as this is club day.

The Rarotongan Bowling Club boasts an international standard bowling green. Visitors are always welcome at the Saturday roll up, starting times are loam and 1pm with white dress required. Mufti dress is from 4pm, Monday to Friday. Green fees are around $1 as are the hire bowls. The club has a licensed bar open from 4pm

Flight Overview

The Cook Islands can be a destination on their own, or a convenient stopover on the way to Australia/New Zealand. Air New Zealand offers non-stop flights 3 days a week from Los Angeles to Rarotonga (11 hours). Additional service is available with connections through Tahiti, Fiji and Auckland.

The fifteen islands making up the Cook Islands are located south of Hawaii, west of Tahiti, and east of Samoa and Tonga. Pleasant Holidays offers packages including air, transfers and accommodations at a range of resorts on the island of Rarotonga, or the stunning Aitutakei, where the large lagoon holds small uninhabited islands, or motu, ideal for a tranquil picnic and swim in water teeming with colorful fish. The natural beauty and peace found in the Cook Islands will restore your spirit.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A bona-fide visitor (any person who enters the Cook Islands solely for recreation or vacation/holiday), does not require an entry permit, provided he/she possesses proof of onward passage (booked and paid) for stays of not more than 31 days. Extension permits are usually granted for visitors wanting to stay over 31 days. All visitors are required to have a valid passport, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means of supporting stay, and suitable accommodation. Applications can be made upon arrival at the Immigration Department.

Extensions are granted on a monthly basis, up to 5 additional months only. A fee is payable with each application within 14 days prior to the expiration of the permit. Extensions are granted at two levels. Up to three months NZ$70.00 (15 years and older), up to five months NZ$120.00 (15 years and older). Children under 15 years of age are exempt from charges but must report to Immigration for official paperwork to be completed.

Avarua is a town on Rarotonga Island and the national capital of Cook Islands. The town is located at 21°12′S 159°46′W at sea level, below the towering peaks of Rarotonga (altitude 208 m or 682 ft). The area of Rarotonga is 67.2 square kilometres (25.9 sq. mi). The town is served by Rarotonga International Airport (IATA Airport Code: RAR).

There is no direct reciprocal health agreement with the UK, but such an agreement exists with New Zealand which may, in some circumstances, also apply to the Cook Islands; enquire at the Cook Islands Representative (see General Info section). There is one government hospital (on Rarotonga).

Valid passport by all , including nationals of New Zealand. Passports should be valid for six months after the initial 31-day stay in the Cook Islands.

VISAS

1. Not required by visitors for tourist stays of up to 31 days and they are issued on arrival. Confirmed onward/return tickets and documentation are required, as are accommodation arrangements and proof of adequate finances for duration of stay.
2. All nationals arriving in the Cook Islands for business purposes or sourcing investment possibilities do require a 21-day work visa and this can be issued on arrival. Business must be completed within that period.

Validity

Visitors can extend length of stay on a monthly basis up to an additional five months, providing they have sufficient funds, use licensed accommodation and are not taking up employment. A fee is payable with each application within 14 days before the expiry of the permit. Three-month extensions cost NZ$70 and five-month extensions may be obtained for a fee of NZ$120. For visitors wanting to stay longer than six months, a visa must be applied for from their country of residence. There is no fee for applicants aged under 15 years.

Application to Cook Islands Representative (see General Info section) or the Principal Immigration Officer (see Temporary residence below).

Application requirements

A return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required for those wishing to extend their stay in the Cook Islands.

Temporary residence

Applicants should refer to the Principal Immigration Officer, PO Box 105, Rarotonga (tel: 29347; fax: 21247; e-mail: tutai@immigration.gov.ck; website: www.mfai.gov.ck).

Health

Typhoid immunizations should be up-to-date.

Food and drink

Tap water is relatively safe but may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks

Hepatitis A occurs in the region and hepatitis B is endemic. Inoculation against Tetanus is recommended.
Bathers should be aware of the possible hazard caused by sharp coral reefs.

Best buys are woodcarvings, pearls, shell craft, woven products, pottery, hats and baskets made out of coconut fiber. Coins and stamps are considered to be valuable collectors’ items. Another popular buy is a brightly colored, all-purpose wrap-around cloth garment worn by both men and women called a Pareu, and ideal for casual wear in the hot climate. Island Craft has factories in Avarua where hand-carved items can be purchased. The art of carving may be observed in Punanganui Market Place.

There is also a wide range of duty-free items.

Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200. Some stores near tourist areas remain open for longer.

Currency Information:

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol NZ$) = 100 cents, supplemented by notes and coins minted for local use which are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, banks and in some larger stores and hotels. EFTPOS and ATM machines are available at both ANZ and Westpac banks on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and also major stores and restaurants.

Credit and debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Traveller’s cheques

Accepted in hotels and some shops.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of either local or foreign currency. Local currency can be exported up to NZ$250. Foreign currency can be exported up to the amount imported and declared subject to bank authorizationBanking hours
Mon-Thur 0900-1500; Fri 0900-1600. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1100.

There are restaurants in hotels, and a variety of independent eating places as well, as a result of the increasing tourist trade. Local produce includes a wide variety of citrus and tropical fruits, island chestnuts and garden vegetables.

Seafood features on many restaurant menus and so does coconut as the coconut palms produce an abundant supply of fruit all year round. Local meat and poultry are available. At larger resorts you can try the traditional Polynesian feast known as the ‘Umukai’, which involves baking food in an underground oven and is usually accompanied with traditional entertainment by local people.

Weather can be quite changeable from day to day and varies throughout the islands. It is generally hot throughout the year, although the trade winds provide some moderating influence. Rainfall is heaviest in Rarotonga, while the northern atolls tend to be drier. The coolest months are June to August, while November to March marks the warmer season, which also has the highest rainfall.

Required clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings. Rainwear is advised in the rainy season.