COOK ISLANDS
A nest of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an area the size of India with a population no bigger than a small New Zealand country town, 16,000 souls. These unique and friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Despite some 100,000 visitors a year to the capital island – Rarotonga – the Cooks are largely unspoiled by tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. Ideal for travellers seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.
CLIMATE IN COOK ISLANDS
The climate in the Cook Islands is equable. The rainy season is between November and March, but the rain usually falls in the form of late afternoon storms which cool the air temperature, which averages around 82°F (28°C) this time of year. The cooler, dry season, when temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (20°C to 26°C), runs from April to October. Severe weather is seldom experienced.
VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
A passport valid for length of stay, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means to support the stay and proof of confirmed accommodation are required on entry into the Cook Islands.
Americans: US nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes, a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days.
UK nationals: UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended
stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days.
Canadians: Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days.
Australians: Australian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days.
South Africans: South African nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required. This can be issued on arrival for a stay of up to 21 days.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for the intended period of stay. A Certificate of Identity is also accepted. If arriving for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a maximum stay of 31 days. If the nature of the visit is for business, a visa is required. This can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 21 days.
Things to do on Rarotonga - Lists of sightseeing trips, adventure activities, boating, diving, fishing
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Aroa Pony Trek. Two hour trek on horseback around southern parts of Rarotonga. Booking required.
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Pa's Cross Island Trek. Guided cross-island walking tour by Pa. Much info on fauna, flora and their uses in cooking, medicine, dyes etc. Myths and legends too. Strenuous. Includes lunch and transport.
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Raro Ocean Adventures. Two-hour action packed boat trip around Rarotonga. Whale watching (Jul-Oct). Free pick-up and return.
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Various guided hiking tours of forest, mountains and reef.
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Circle Island Tour. Scenic orientation tour of Rarotonga includes entertainment
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Green Finger Tour. Guided tour explorers garden displays.
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Piri’s Place. Legend of the Pacific , Piri Puruto puts on a daily one-man show on how to climb coconut palms and prepare traditional food
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Raro Safari. Journey around back roads and up mountains
Sea sports - Scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing trips
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Boating (kayak and sailboat)
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Diving Arorangi – dive trips off the reef. Night diving and tuition.
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Diving Avatiu Harbour – diving and ecotourism, Bounty Bay to islands of Takutea, Manuae, Palmerston and Suwarrow National Park
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Aroa Beach – The Big Fish. PADI 5 star on the marine Reserve.
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Fising – snorkeling trips and cruises. Fish for tuna, mahi mahi, marlin and wahoo.
Getting married in the Cook Islands - A South Seas wedding and honeymoon is very popular with visitors to the South Pacific. Rarotonga is a favorite choice both because of its low cost in comparison with French Polynesia or Fiji and its reputation as a romantic destination.
There is a thriving industry on Rarotonga catering to the needs of couples wishing to get married as well as those who require special ceremonies to renew their original marriage vows.
Most hotels and accommodation suppliers either offer their own wedding packages or can arrange for the services of a one-stop wedding specialist to look after all the organisation.
Those who wish to make their own arrangements can do so as long as they are prepared to do a little legwork and telephoning.
Crucial requirements are:-
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Cook Islands law requires all people wishing to get married to be 21 years of age or to have written consent from their parents.
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Application for a marriage licence must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages at least three working days before the wedding. You cannot apply for a licence outside the Cook Islands.
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Applicants for a wedding licence must produce a passport and, if divorced, a copy of the Decree Nisi.
Marriages performed in the Cook Islands are recognised internationally. However, intending applicants should check with their own countries' marriage licensing authorities for their local requirements concerning marriages.
Churches of most denominations exist in the Cook Islands. They include Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Congregational, Cook Islands Christian Church, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon and Ba'hai. The marriage requirements of these will be the same as in other countries. |
