Cook Islands

The Cook Islands lie in Polynesia, roughly midway between Fiji and French Polynesia, divided into a northern group of mostly flat atolls and a southern group of mountainous islands. Rarotonga serves as the capital and most populous island. The official languages are English and Cook Islands Māori. The country uses the New Zealand dollar alongside its own commemorative coinage and maintains a free association relationship with New Zealand, whose citizens also hold Cook Islands citizenship.

Many nationalities — including citizens of New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and most European Union countries — may enter visa-free for stays of up to 31 days, extendable on island. Visitors must hold a confirmed onward ticket and proof of accommodation. Requirements vary by nationality, so checking with the Cook Islands Immigration Service before travel is advisable.

Rarotonga's Cross-Island Track cuts through dense jungle to the central volcanic ridge, offering panoramic views in both directions. Aitutaki Lagoon, frequently cited by geographers for its extraordinary size and colour, shelters numerous motus — small coral islets. The National Museum in Avarua holds significant Polynesian artefacts. Muri Beach on Rarotonga's south-east coast fronts a shallow lagoon ideal for kayaking between four small islets. The ancient marae ceremonial platforms on Mauke and Rarotonga provide direct links to pre-contact Polynesian society.

The Cook Islands have a tropical climate with two broad seasons. The warm, humid season runs November through April, with temperatures between 24 °C and 30 °C and a higher likelihood of cyclones. The cooler, drier season from May to October sees temperatures of 18 °C to 26 °C and is generally considered the most comfortable period to visit. The northern atolls tend to be drier year-round than the mountainous southern islands. Light layers and rain protection are useful even in the dry season.

• Self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1965.
• Rarotonga hosts the only international airport in the group.
• The country issues its own distinctive triangular postage stamps.
• Cook Islands waters contain one of the Pacific's marine reserves.
• Traditional dancing, or 'ura, remains central to community life.

• cookislands.gov.ck — official Cook Islands Government portal
• immigration.gov.ck — Cook Islands Immigration Service, visa and entry information
• cookislandstourism.com — Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, official visitor information
• metservice.com — regional weather forecasting service covering the Cook Islands