Cook Islands, Dry
A curated packing list for your trip between Rarotonga rim road and the Aitutaki lagoon. Built for warm trade winds, lagoon snorkeling, and the quietest Polynesian welcome you will get anywhere.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free, 31 days
All international visitors are visa-exempt for 31 days. Onward ticket and accommodation proof required at the border. Extendable monthly at the immigration office for NZD $470 per extension up to 6 months total.
Severe South Pacific UV
Cook Islands sit 21° south. UV regularly hits 11-12 in summer. SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat with chin strap (the trade winds are real). Pack two bottles of sunscreen; on-island prices are 3-4x mainland costs.
NZD is the currency
Cook Islands use the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), with locally minted Cook Islands coins for change. Cards work at hotels and chain restaurants in Rarotonga; cash for taxis, smaller spots, Aitutaki market stalls. ATMs in Avarua; very limited on outer islands.
Tipping is uncommon
Traditional Cook Islander culture does not include tipping. Service workers earn fair wages. NZD $5-10 per day for great service is generous; resort "Christmas Funds" pool tips for staff, similar to Fiji. Saying "meitaki" (thank you) carries the day.
Sundays are sacred
Cook Islands are deeply Christian; Sundays are quiet days for church and family. Many shops, restaurants, and tours close. The Sunday morning church service is open to visitors and worth attending; dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees, no swimwear).
Type I plug at 240V
Same as Australia and New Zealand. US, UK, EU travelers need an adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle 240V; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Light, modest for Sundays, swim-ready always.
Shoes
Sandals do everything. Flip-flops for the lagoon.
Toiletries & Personal Care
On-island prices are very high. Pack everything; restock at Avarua CITC if needed.
Health & Medications
Sunburn, mosquito bites, occasional reef cuts are the everyday risks.
Documents & Money
NZD throughout. Cards in Avarua, cash for everywhere else.
Tech & Electronics
Type I at 240V. Same as Australia and New Zealand.
Luggage & Organization
Air Rarotonga (Raro to Aitutaki) caps checked luggage at 16kg. Pack light.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long-haul to Rarotonga (10-13 hours from US/Asia). Inter-island flight is short.
Weather & Climate Gear
UV is the daily challenge; trade winds keep heat manageable.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Lagoon snorkeling, scooter tours, Sunday church, traditional dance shows each have their place.
Safety & Precautions
Cook Islands are extremely safe. Scooter accidents are the actual everyday risk.