COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise normal safety and security precautions

Exercise normal safety and security precautions in the Cook Islands (level 1 of 4).

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Cook Islands

Crime
Although the crime rate in the Cook Islands is low, New Zealanders are advised to take care of their belongings and ensure that their accommodation is locked at all times. Thieves may target items (such as phones, cash, ipads) left on the beach or otherwise unsecured in scooters or motorcycles and accommodations.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in the Cook Islands to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Tropical Cyclone season runs from November to April. Tsunamis may also occur in the Cook Islands. Rarotonga has tsunami alert signs. In the event of a tsunami alert, follow the advice of local authorities and your hotel or resort management.

New Zealanders undertaking tourist activities in the Cook Islands, including travel between islands and adventure activities such as scuba diving, should check that they are covered by their travel insurance policy. Always use available safety gear such as life jackets or seatbelts, and use another provider if these are not available.

If using a car, motorcycle, scooter or an Ebike, New Zealanders are advised to take necessary safety precautions, check that their travel insurance covers the activity, learn local traffic laws and do not operate the vehicle after drinking alcohol. Please note that it is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding scooters and motorcycles.

Swimmers should be alert to strong tides and breaks in the reefs and the fact that there are no lifeguards on beaches. Wearing reef shoes or similar is encouraged to protect against stonefish and coral cuts. Signage warning of unsafe swimming areas should be heeded.

Exercise personal care regarding mosquitos. Dengue cases have been recorded in the Cook Islands in recent years, and travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites. For further advice read the information about dengue provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Health.

Primary care services are available in the Cook Islands and are of a comparable standard to New Zealand. Specialist services are limited.

We advise New Zealanders travelling or living in the Cook Islands to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in the Cook Islands are encouraged to register their details their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand High Commission Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Street Address 1st floor, Philatelic Bureau Building, Takuvaine Road, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Postal Address PO Box 21, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Telephone +682 22 201 Emergency Telephone For emergency consular assistance after hours: +64 99 20 20 20 or 0800 30 10 30 (if calling from within New Zealand) Fax +682 21 241 Email nzhcraro@gmail.com Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/cook-islands Hours Mon - Fri 0800 - 1600 hrs

See our regional advice for the Pacific