Cook Islands family-friendly travel guide

There’s not much seasonal variation in temperature on the Cook Islands, so any time is a good time to go, although there is more rain between November and April. The temperature averages around 24 degrees Celsius year-round, however, it can get considerably warmer than this.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you intend to return to Australia.

If you’re travelling to the Cook Islands for tourism and will stay for less than 31 days, it’s unlikely you will need a visa.

For longer stays or more information, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

International airlines flying to the Cook Islands are Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Air Tahiti, landing at the Rarotonga International Airport.

The Cook Islands Taxi Association (CITA) can be identified by their bright green cars and vans. Rates are about NZ$3 per kilometre.

Rarotonga’s only public transport is Cook’s Island Bus Passenger Transport, which also operates private transfers.

The staple foods of the Cook Islands are fish and coconut. A variety of food is available in Rarotonga, with restaurants and cafes offering international and traditional fare. Umukai, the traditional Polynesian feast, is a must-try. Chicken, pork, fish and vegetables are baked in an underground oven and are presented as a sumptuous buffet. After eating you’ll be treated to drumming and dancing in traditional island costume.

You’ll find an array of unique handicrafts, jewellery and art across many retailers through the Cook Islands. Wooden carvings such as clubs, spears, canoes, different drums (pate) and ukulele are popular.

It is not currently customary to tip in Cook Islands, although this is gradually changing. Haggling is considered extremely rude.

Brief swimsuits and short shorts are fine at beaches and resorts, but more modest dress should be worn when visiting towns and villages. Light sweaters may come in handy for cooler evenings.

On the Cook Islands the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You won’t need a powerplug adaptor for Australian appliances in Cook Islands.

It’s a good idea to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus in Cook Islands. Make sure your accommodation provides adequate protection from mosquitos and pack repellant. As always, it’s wise to purchase comprehensive travel insurance when you’re headed overseas.

The crime rate in Cook Islands is low, but still exercise normal safety precautions as you would at home.

Although English is widely spoken in the Cook Islands, these Ratarongan phrases may be fun for kids to learn:

Kia Orana – Welcome or hello (may you live long)
Meitaki – Thank you
Ka Kite – See you later
Aere Ra – Goodbye or safe travels
Ae – Yes
Kare – No

Muri Lagoon is the Cook Islands’ star of Instagram. The turquoise waters and white sands are fringed by swaying palms. And the icing on the cake? It’s the perfect spot for a day of snorkelling and swimming. With its four motu (islets), Muri is the most beautiful section of Rarotonga’s encircling lagoon and the blue water is packed with tropical fish.

At 124 metres, Mount Maungapu is the highest point on Aitutaki. A short 30-minute hike to the top rewards you with spectacular views over the lagoon and the palm-covered forests surrounding.

At 169 metres, Rangimotia is the highest point on the island and enjoys incredible coastal views.

Built in 1853, Avurua’s white-washed church graveyard contains the graves of author Robert Dean Frisbie, and Albert Henry, the first prime minister of the Cook Islands.