Cook Islands survival guide

COOK ISLANDS ESSENTIALS or...
How to Survive in Paradise

I can't put it better than John W. McDermott in his book "How to Get Lost and Found in the Cook Islands" which inspired my interest in this Polynesian paradise: "Basically all you need to know or have in the Cook Islands is a sense of humour, a pair of old comfortable shorts, a passport and money". But here's a bit more detail....

DOCUMENTS So long as you're staying no more than 31 days, your valid passport is the only entry permit you need, along with proof of onward journey, the means to support yourself while on the islands and somewhere to stay. And you can sort out the accommodation on arrival. Full details are on the Official site of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. Click on the "entry requirements" link under "Essentials". You can stay for up to five months, but you'll need to extend your entry permit a month at a time at the Department of Immigration in Rarotonga. But whenever you leave the country, you'll pay NZ$30...not a departure tax but what the Government call "a gift of love"!!! (I kid you not...it says so on the receipt they give you)

PEOPLE The Cook Islanders are eastern Polynesians of the Maori Race who are British Subjects and New Zealand citizens. The language is Maori but English is almost everyone's second language. The islands are a democracy based on the British Model.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING From June to September, the days are usually warm and sunny, but you might want a lightweight sweater or jacket at night because it can get chilly sometimes. From December to March, it's a bit hotter and more humid. It also rains a bit more, so maybe a brolly will come in handy! As a general rule, dress is casual except on Sunday (see Religion). I met the New Zealand Representative in a cafe in town and his choice was a Hawaiian style shirt and shorts - in case that's any guidance! Click here for more about the weather

RELIGION Lots of it! Mostly Protestant of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC), inheritors of the London Missionary Society who brought Christianity to the islands in 1821. Almost two thirds of locals belong to the CICC, 15% are Roman Catholics and the rest belong to Seventh Day Adventists, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Assemblies of God or Baha'i Faith. Locals wear their best clothes for church - women often in white, light dresses and men in shirt and tie. The churches are filled with glorious singing and you'll be amazed at the hospitality shown to visitors.

ECONOMY Tourism generates around 80% of gross domestic product. Other mainstays are agricultural and financial services. For many years, black pearls were the main export, but the industry is currently in decline and fishing has now taken the top spot. The distinctive stamps and coins of the islands, which are much sought after by collectors, also generate a healthy income. The $3 dollar note is particularly prized. You can find out more detail about the economy of the islands by visiting the Official Government Website.

AND UNIQUELY COOK ISLANDS....

A bottle of Noni Juice makes a souvenir to dine out on (and with?)
Perfumes of Rarotonga will help you remember your visit with a treat for the senses.
Click on the underlined links to find out more.

Two events to look out for depending on when you visit: The Miss Cook Islands competition (every two years), and the annual independence celebrations. Click here to find out about important dates in the Cook Islands calendar.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE NEXT?
HOW TO GET TO THE ISLANDS ACCOMMODATION GETTING AROUND FACT FILE
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT

...about health, driving, water, electricity, currency, taxes and tipping and other basics, go to the Islands fact file page, or frequently asked questions.
If that still doesn't answer your questions, can I recommend a visit to Cook Islands A to Z which is full of facts and helpful information organised (yes, you've guessed it) from A to Z!