Last updated: 23 Oct 2025

Cook Islands

About

Tourists come to the Cook Islands for the beaches. The Islands, despite covering a vast area, have a very small population, and they don't possess any of the large tourist resorts that some might expect from a lush holiday destination.

Various festivals take place throughout the year. These are generally celebrated with singing and dancing, often with a strange mixture of traditional ritual grafted on to the somewhat later Christian music and ceremony. Scuba-diving and snorkelling are excellent. Visibility is seldom under 30m and the scenery is quite varied, with canyons, caves, 73 types of live coral and a rich marine life.

The humpback whale season is from July to October. In addition to observing the whales from a boat, it is possible to swim with them.

Papua Waterfall, also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall, is the only waterfall on Rarotonga and is situated at Vaimaanga. A popular way for tourists to visit the falls is on one of the numerous organised pony treks.
Capital:  Avarua (on Rarotonga) (RAR)
Currency:  New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language:  English and Cook Islands Maori
Dialling code from SA:  + 682
Time Zones: UTC / GMT -10 (12 hours behind South Africa)
Side of the Road: Left
Best Time to go: April – November (Dry Season)
Best For: Cultural exploration, Natural attractions
Plugs: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The New Zealand and Australian three-pin plug is used as standard.
Drinking Water: Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Bottled water is available. 
Health: Medical facilities are limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies.  Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it.
Customs: If attending church on Sunday, women should wear a dress or blouse and skirt and men trousers and shirt. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. Nude / topless sunbathing is not accepted. 
Travel Tips / Warnings: Cook Islands driver's licence are required, which is obtainable for a small fee from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of an International or Commonwealth licence.
Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into the Cook Islands by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
• 2L of spirits or wine or 4.5L of beer
• Goods up to the value of NZ$250
Prohibited Imports: Prohibited or restricted imports include medicines, weapons, indecent publications, endangered species of flora and fauna, and illicit drugs

Issuing Authorities

Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2; Apr 18, 21, 25; Jun 2; Jul 4; Aug 4; Oct 26-27; Dec 25-26

Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2; Apr 3, 6, 25; Jun 1; Jul 3; Aug 4; Oct 26; Dec 25-26, 28

Visa Requirements

SA passport holders visiting the Cook Islands do not require a visa for a stay not exceeding 31 days.

Entry Requirements: 

  • All international passport holders must have a passport valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond their intended period of stay in the Cook Islands.
  • All New Zealand passport holders are allowed stay of up to 90 days in the Cook Islands. All other international passport holders are eligible for a stay of up to 31 days.
  • You must have evidence of a valid outbound ticket or return ticket to your port of origin.
  • You must have proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands.
  • Travel Insurance is highly recommended but not compulsory

Visa Information: mfai.gov.ck
Useful Link: cookislands.travel/how-to-book/faq

SA Representative

Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia

Travel Health

Compulsory:  None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:  Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio