To prepare your trip to the Cook Islands, we have composed this short travel guide which includes the elements that seem important to us. Find practical information about the seasons, climate and weather in the Cook Islands. But also, simply how to get to the Cook Islands and fly inland, learn more about currency, cooking, local culture, and events not to be missed. Finally, find out if the Cook Islands are right for you, based on your desires and those of your fellow travellers.

Climate and weather in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasant tropical climate all year round. The best periods to travel to the Cook Islands, remain the months of April to October, the average temperature is 26 °C. The months from December to March are the wettest and warmest, around 30°C, with a fairly high risk of precipitation due to the cyclone season. However, these are occasional, but it is important to know that the risk is present. November and March are also good times to travel with some risk of passing precipitation.

A Cook Islands vacation: For whom?
Anyone can visit these beautiful islands. Couples, families with children, beginners or experienced divers, non-divers, sports enthusiasts... everyone will find good reasons to go there. Ideal for couples: all the ingredients are combined for an idyllic romantic trip. It is a magnificent setting for a honeymoon, or for a wedding if you wish to celebrate your union in the tropics.

Child in Cook Islands
The majority of hotels are charming accommodations with bungalows on the beach. The welcome is family and warm. You will be able to sunbathe by the sea and enjoy the dream temperatures of the Pacific Ocean. A little corner of paradise at the end of the world where you will simply feel good. In family, your children run no danger, the country is quiet and safe from tropical diseases. They will be pampered by Polynesians who adore children. The hotels are equipped to receive families; they regularly welcome children for holidays in large neighbouring countries. Simply choose the ideal hotel.

A trip to the Cook Islands: For what?
A holiday in the Cook Islands is perfect for people looking for white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and exceptional seabeds. Polynesian culture is very well preserved, you will be warmly welcomed. A stay in the Cook Islands is synonymous with authenticity and idleness. For a more active holiday, you can choose one of the many activities offered on site: hiking, cycling or scooter rides, scuba diving or snorkeling. Combine the islands so you don't miss any fun.

History, culture and traditions
Polynesian culture spread to the Cook Islands during the Great Polynesian Migration which began about 1500 years before our era. For all these centuries, the people of all the islands have wanted to preserve the culture of the Cook Islands, its tradition, its history and its... (read more) Cook Islands $3 note Currency in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands use the New Zealand dollar. There are also Cook Islands dollar notes and coins. When you make your purchases, you may be given change in this form. Although they have exactly the same value as the New Zealand dollar, be sure to use them while you are on the territory, as they will have no value outside. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels and ATMs in Rarotonga.
Cook Islands Cuisine
Rarotonga has no less than fifty bars and restaurants. The land is fertile, the inhabitants generally cook dishes based on fish, coconuts and local fruits and vegetables. Don't miss the Umukai. It is cooked in the umu, an oven buried on a bed of embers and volcanic stones; the ingredients are packed in banana leaves. One of the best coffees in the world is grown in Atiu, not to be missed!

Important events in the Cook Islands
April - May: Te Mire Ura, national dance competition, an activity that the inhabitants love.
July: Te Maeva Nui to celebrate the constitution of the Cook Islands. It is the biggest event of the year, existing since 1965. It can be found on each of the islands with dances and music.
November: Vaka Eiva in Rarotonga, canoe race with more than 1,000 paddlers, but also activities taking place outside the water.