Why the Cook Islands
Fifteen islands scattered across two million square kilometres of ocean, in two groups that do not resemble one another. The southern group — Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu — is volcanic, accessible, and holds all the tourism. The northern group is coral, extremely isolated, and reached by infrequent flights.
Rarotonga is thirty-two kilometres around: a single coastal road circles it in forty-five minutes. Aitutaki, forty-five minutes away by air, has the lagoon everyone comes to see.
The dry season runs from May to October, with trade winds and bearable heat. From November to April it is hotter, wetter, and it is the South Pacific cyclone season.
Entry and stay
Note: the exemption period depends on nationality. French nationals are exempt from visas for stays not exceeding thirty-one days, subject to presenting a return or onward ticket, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the stay, and proof of accommodation on arrival.
That duration is the one applying to French nationals. Other nationalities fall under distinct rules, to be checked with the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Rarotonga.
Beyond thirty-one days, an extension is requested locally from that same ministry.
Source: France Diplomatie, checked on 22 September 2026. Official contact: immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck.
Getting around
On Rarotonga, two bus routes circle the island, one clockwise and one anticlockwise. It is the simplest public transport system imaginable, and it is enough.
Scooters are widespread but require a local licence, issued on the spot at the police station. Without it, insurance covers nothing.
Between islands, everything goes by air from Rarotonga. Links to the northern group are rare and expensive; Aitutaki is served several times a day.
Money
The New Zealand dollar is the official currency, supplemented by local Cook Islands coins that have no value outside the archipelago. Do not leave with them: they cannot be exchanged anywhere else.
Cards work in hotels and restaurants on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, far less so elsewhere. Cash machines are concentrated on Rarotonga.
Health
No vaccination is required to enter. Malaria is absent.
As everywhere in the remote Pacific, the issue is evacuation: Rarotonga's hospital handles most things, but a serious case goes to New Zealand. Insurance covering repatriation from the South Pacific is essential, and it costs more than elsewhere.
Before you go
Sunday is observed. Many businesses close, water activities stop, and the morning church service is an institution open to visitors.
Land ownership is reserved for islanders: there is no property purchase available to a foreigner, only leases.
International flights to Rarotonga are few and come mainly from Auckland. A disruption on that flight has no same-day alternative: allow margin before an international connection.