Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand, located in Polynesia, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, between French Polynesia (Society Islands) to the east and Tonga to the West. It is an archipelago with 15 islands spread out over 2.2 million km² of ocean. There's no land between the Cook Islands and Antarctica, though they are quite distant from each other.

With the same time zone and latitude (disregarding north and south) as Hawaii and the islands are sometimes thought of as "Hawaii down under". Though smaller, it reminds some elderly visitors of Hawaii before statehood without all the large tourist hotels and other development.

An Introduction to the Region of Cook Islands

Northern Cook Islands Low coral atolls close to the equator. The islands are sparsely inhabited and difficult to travel to.

Southern Cook Islands Mostly volcanic and hilly islands, with a few atolls. These islands host most of the population and includes the two main destination islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Cities in Cook Islands

The Cook Islands do not have any cities but are composed of 15 different islands. The main ones are Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Cook Islands Halal Explorer

History of Cook Islands

Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770 and the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand handles defence, foreign affairs (including passports), and currency; otherwise the islands are self-governing. This includes immigration, which is strictly controlled—even for non-Cook Island New Zealanders.

The People of Cook Islands

Many Cook Islanders will tell you how there are more Cook Islanders living in New Zealand and Australia than in the Cook Islands. The population of the Cook Islands is less than 15,000 but there are over 50,000 Cook Islanders living in New Zealand, and over 30,000 in Australia. Those remaining have often spent time in Auckland, Melbourne or Sydney before returning home.

How is the Climate in Cook Islands

Tropical, moderated by trade winds. Rarotonga has average maximum temperatures of around 25C in winter (May–October) and 29C in summer (November–April), temperatures in the northern islands are several degrees higher. Rainfall mostly occurs in summer, in the form of afternoon storms. Cyclone season is November to March, although the islands are hit by a big one only once every five years or so.

Terrain

The Northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls. The Southern Cook Islands consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the population lives.

Tourism

Tourism facilities are well developed on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and information is available. However you won't see a single tout, and tourist scams are unheard of. If you want to organise something, it isn't hard to do, but you will need to make the first move.

How to travel to Cook Islands

When you book a flight to the Cook Islands you must also book your onwards ticket. The Cook Islands issue entry permits, not visas. On arrival a bona fide visitor is granted a 31-day entry permit that may be extended up to a maximum of 6 months by application to the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. You are not permitted to work if you are in the Cook Islands as a visitor.

Departure tax is included in your outwards fare and no tax is paid at the point of departure.

On arrival

It is best to have lodging pre-arranged as there are no public camping areas in the Cook Islands and camping is actively discouraged. Most accommodators will arrange transfers from the airport.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Cook Islands

Rarotonga International Airport (IATA Flight Code: RAR) is the main gateway. There are daily services to Auckland (3.5 hours) and weekly services to Sydney and Los Angeles. The only international airlines at present are Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand has code share arrangements with other Star Alliance members including United Airlines and Rarotonga is a popular stopover on round the world flights.

See the Rarotonga Travel Guide for airport details.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Cook Islands

Rarotonga and Aitutaki are regular stops for cruises operating from Tahiti. Other cruise companies stop by occasionally.

If you're planning to sail to the islands you must enter through one of the five designated ports of entry. These are Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu in the Southern group, and Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Northern group.

How to get around in Cook Islands

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Cook Islands

Domestic inter-island service is provided by Air Rarotonga. Although you can book flights through Air New Zealand, it is cheaper to do so directly with Air Rarotonga. This has become much easier in the past few years, now that they offer online booking via eHalal Hotels. Unless you're a member of Air New Zealand's "Airpoints Dollars" program, you won't receive any airline miles for Air Rarotonga—and then only if you book through Air New Zealand, often at a higher price. Star Alliance mileage for Air Rarotonga is not available.

Most of the outer islands have only unpaved runways. However, landing won't be much rougher than that of a paved runway. If you've never landed on an unpaved runway before, it's nothing to be overly concerned about, and you've probably had a few rougher landings on a paved runway.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Cook Islands

The intrepid traveler can visit all inhabited islands by inter island freighters, but these can be weeks apart or worse if you want to get the really remote islands. Details of services are published in local island newspapers.

There are no generally scheduled boat or ferry services between the inhabited islands.

There are two uninhabited islands - Takutea and Manuae. The only easy way for a visitor to get to Takutea is on the research vessel Bounty Bay operated by Rarotonga-based Pacific Expeditions, which has special permission to run occasional eco tours.

Local Language in Cook Islands

There are five living languages in the Cook Islands with English and Cook Islands Maori the official languages. Cook Islands Maori is often called Rarotongan after the capital island and is the most widely spoken version of Maori in the Islands. Others are Penrhynese, unique to the Northern group island of Penrhyn and rapidly disappearing, and Rakahanga-Manihiki, spoken by about 2,500 Cook Islanders, only half of whom on the two islands from which it takes its name.

On the remote Northern group island of Pukapuka and the islanders have a unique language of their own called Pukapukan of which there is no written version. It is more like Samoan, and some of it cannot even be understood by other Cook Islanders. But even there, English is spoken, albeit not widely. Children, though, are taught it in school.

At the very least and the visitor will quickly learn the usual greeting, "kia orana" which means "may you live long".

What to see in Cook Islands

• One of the cultural shows/dancing at one of the larger resorts.

• Cook Island Christian Church, Rarotonga

The CICC is a fine old white-coral building, much in the same mould as other CICCs in the Cooks. It was built in 1853, when Aaron Buzacott was the resident missionary. Travellers are welcome to attend services but are expected to dress respectfully.

Anatakitaki, Aitu

The most famous of the many caves on Atiu, which is riddled with limestone caverns complete with stalactites and stalagmites, is Anatakitaki, commonly called the 'Kopeka Cave'. A hauntingly large and beautiful cave, it is the home of the kopeka, a rare bird, similar to a swift, which lives only on Atiu.

Beachcomber Gallery, Rarotonga

One of the best arts and crafts galleries on the island and the Beachcomber Gallery has a great selection of jewellery, carvings, pearls, craftwork and paintings locally sourced in the islands. You can sometimes visit the workshop behind the main building to see how the black-pearl jewellery and shell carvings are made.

Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre, Rarotonga

Conceived by former prime minister Sir Geoffrey Henry and the National Culture Centre comprises six cultural divisions: the National Auditorium and the National Museum and the National Library and the National Archives, Performing Arts, and the Anthropology Unit. A number of government ministries are also based here.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Cook Islands

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Rarotonga

The Cook Islands is a stunning location to explore both on land and in water. Scuba diving & snorkeling is available inside the calm protected waters of the lagoon as well as outside the reef in the open ocean. There are dive sites all around the island of Rarotonga which host an incredible amount of tropical reef fish as well as larger animals such as turtles, eagle rays, eels and reef sharks such as White Tips, Grey Reefs and Hammerheads, in addition to the beautiful hard coral formations, sand passages, swim-throughs and drop offs.

Pacific Divers is a PADI 5star Dive Center located in Muri Beach on the South-East side of Rarotonga and offers snorkel trips & scuba diving 7 days a week for all levels of diving, from beginners to advanced divers and professionals. Various options are available, from half day excursions to 3 day courses to become a fully certified diver. They also offer a professional internship where they train divers up to the professional Dive Master level over the course of a few months.

Muri Beach, Rarotonga

Muri Beach, on Muri's lagoon on the southeast side of the island, is particularly beautiful. The shallow water has a sandy bottom dotted with countless sea cucumbers and some coral formations.

Cooks Larger Brewery, Rarotonga

See the brewing process first hand and enjoy a sample testing of Cook Island brews. As one of only two breweries on the island and the brewery tours are a truly unique tourist attraction.

Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes, Rarotonga

Join the crew of the famous Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes on glass bottom boats for a memorable fun day you will never forget.

Aitutaki Lagoon, Aitutaki

Aitutaki's marvelous lagoon, dotted with sand bars, coral ridges and 21 uninhabited motu (lagoon islets), is colourful and full of life. Maina Motu offers great snorkelling on the coral formations near its shore and around large powder-white sand bars.

Teking Lagoon Cruises, Aitutaki

Teking Lagoon Cruises are small and intimate, ensuring a more personal experience. Local guides share their knowledge of the islands and their history and the culture that is Aitutaki, Cook Islands.

Shopping in Cook Islands

Money Matters & ATM's in Cook Islands

The currency used in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar, denoted by the symbol "$" or "NZ$" (ISO code: NZD). It is divided into 100 cents. In this eHalal.io Travel Guide and the "$" symbol denotes New Zealand dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The Cook Islands also issues their own banknotes and coinage, including the unusual $3 notes and the triangular $2 coins. Cook Islands money can only be used within the Cook Islands.

There are a handful of ATMs in Rarotonga and two on Aitutaki. There are no ATM facilities on any of the other islands.

Shopping in Cook Islands

Black pearls and these can be found in the main town and some resorts.

Economy

Like many other South Pacific island nations and the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the nation from foreign markets and the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture and tourism provide the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s and the nation lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets and the strengthening of economic management and the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled some investment and growth.

Prices

Overall, much cheaper than nearby Tahiti, although anything imported will be expensive. This especially applies to fuel and milk. There is no fresh milk made on the islands, and the only fresh milk available is air-freighted from New Zealand daily, and costs around $7.00 for 2 L. Locals generally get by with powdered or UHT milk.

Halal Restaurants in Cook Islands

Don't eat Pizzas in the Cook Islands before you have tried the local stuff (which is admittedly hard to find):

• umu food (prepared in the traditional earth oven)
• curried eke (octopus in coconut curry)
• rukau (Taro leaves, cooked with coconut cream)
• poke (cooked fruit pudding) (banana, pawpaw,...) with coconut milk.

Some of these are available every day at the market in Avarua.

Every 2 weeks there is a "Go Local" market where local residents sell their products.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Cook Islands

Cook Islands - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Cook Islands, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cook Islands. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Cook Islands and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Cook Islands. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Cook Islands. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Cook Islands: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Cook Islands.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Cook Islands: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Cook Islands, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Cook Islands.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Cook Islands, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Cook Islands, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Cook Islands and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Cook Islands, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Cook Islands, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Cook Islands without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cook Islands is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Cook Islands.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Cook Islands is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Cook Islands, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Cook Islands Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Cook Islands

eHalal Group Cook Islands is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Cook Islands. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Cook Islands.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Cook Islands ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Cook Islands. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Cook Islands, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Cook Islands are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Cook Islands

See the individual islands for lodging listings or click here. Rarotonga and Aitutaki have various kinds of lodging to choose from and are serviced with power 24hrs a day. Luxury lodging can cost upwards of $600 a night, but comfortable lodgings can be found much cheaper and backpackers can also be accommodated in the Cooks.

Study in Cook Islands

Five day courses in traditional fibre arts are available.

How to work legally in Cook Islands

Non-residents, even New Zealanders, require work permits. The Cook Islands has a problem with people of working age leaving the islands. Jobs are generally available in the tourism and hospitality sector.

There is also a possibility of volunteer work, in education and care.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Cook Islands

There are no major hazards in the Cook Islands. There are no poisonous wild or marine life in the Cook Islands other than sharks in the far northern island groups. Crime is low but does occur most likely in the form of petty theft. Police are contactable on the emergency number 999.

Though the local residents often go barefoot (they are experts at it) it's not recommended beyond sandy beaches due to the sharp coral rocks. Use caution when climbing stairs that connect the lower parts of an island near the sea to the upper part above the cliffs. Some do not have railings on the edge, including platforms. Only the most acrophobic would be uncomfortable with this (they're plenty wide enough and not vertically "open"), but for children and the blind, and someone who's had too much to drink and the risk is extreme. On the platforms, avoid getting too close to the edge, especially if you need a rest from climbing.

Motorcycle and scooter accidents have caused injuries and fatalities in the past. Driving after dark has additional hazards due to poor visibility due to inadequate lighting and road condition. Driving/Riding is especially dangerous on Friday and Saturday nights where drunk driving is prevalent. Always wear a helmet even though the local residents may not.

Medical Issues in Cook Islands

Medical and hospital facilities on Rarotonga are limited and serious cases will most likely require medical evacuation to Auckland for treatment. Facilities on the outer islands are extremely limited. There are no decompression chambers on any island and serious cases of pressure sickness will require a MediVac to Auckland. It is extremely important to take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to the Cooks.

Ambulance emergency is on 998.

Tap water can be trusted for drinking in Rarotonga, although after extended heavy rain it is recommended that tap water should be boiled before consumption or stick to bottled water. All water should be boiled before consumption on all other islands.

Do not eat reef fish when in the Cooks, for example snapper fish and they may give you ciguatera poisoning. Most restaurants do not serve reef fish; only local residents consume them.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance especially on Aitutaki. There have been outbreaks of dengue fever, chikungunya and zika fever, all mosquito-borne diseases. Use insect repellent spray and other mosquito|precautions against mosquito bites. There are no other serious tropical diseases reported in the Cook Islands.

There are very low instances of infectious diseases in the Cook Islands, however, it is wise to consult your doctor about vaccinations prior to travel.

Local Customs in Cook Islands

Like New Zealand, tipping is not usual in the Cook Islands — better to graciously thank the person for their service or hospitality. On the outer islands with little lodging, it is likely you will be staying with a family within a village. Purchasing a pig and presenting it as gift to the chief of the village and/or the family is considered extremely good form and will gain you the respect of the people.

Haggling for goods is considered taboo and rude in the Cooks. Expect a stone cold, emotionless face from local vendors if you make more than one attempt at doing so. Pay the ticket price of goods; there is no mark up to come down as you may experience in other countries.

The Cook Islands inhabitants are in no way behind the times. They have TV and Internet and regularly keep up with news and events local and abroad. Respect their view on the world and feel free to chat with the local residents over a cool juice drink.

As in every country, respect the religious beliefs of the local people. Most Cook Islanders adhere to the Christian faith and attend church on Sundays. Most places are closed for business with the exception of a few restaurants and retail outlets.

Though the survey form given on arrival (and collected at departure) is optional and the airport staff will be very disappointed if you do not complete it. In case you've misplaced it, additional ones are available at the airport at departure.

Telecommunications in Cook Islands

Not all islands have internet, and some not even mobile phone reception. Check the appropriate island articles.

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