Is the Cook Islands Expensive to Visit? The Cook Islands is more expensive to visit than Australia, the US, Asia and Europe but cheaper than other Pacific destinations like Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti (French Polynesia).
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Is the Cook Islands Expensive to Visit? The Cook Islands is more expensive to visit than Australia, the US, Asia and Europe but cheaper than other Pacific destinations like Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti (French Polynesia).
Vanuatu is the cheapest Pacific Island destination for those who don't want to stray too far! Not wanting to stray too far? Vanuatu is great for its proximity to home and boasts affordable accommodation among the South Pacific Island destinations.
Aim for a budget of NZ$90 (US$63) per day upwards for a backpacker stay on the islands, staying in dorms, taking local buses and cooking meals at your hostel.
You can enjoy the vast wilderness, amazing beaches, and city lifestyle you won't find in the Cook Islands. But, if you aim for a less-touristy relaxing beach vacation without heaps to do, the Cook Islands are the first choice. It is simply more laid-back.
Cook Islands: Cook Islands is self-governing in free association with New Zealand. U.S. citizen visitors do not require an entry permit for stays up to 31 days. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months past the arrival date in the Cook Islands.
Considering the Cook Islands uses the same currency, the New Zealand Dollar, and the country imports a lot of goods from New Zealand, we find that the prices for food, accommodation and getting around are on par or just marginally more expensive than in New Zealand.
A long-time favorite with honeymooners, Fiji is made up of 333 islands in the South Pacific. While it scored the No. 8 spot this year, T+L reader Leslie Waters would have placed it at the very top. Waters said it's an amazing destination with the friendliest people in the entire world!
The Caribbean island of St.Barts is the most expensive vacation destination in the world, largely because of its high accommodation costs, which average $1,770 per night, according to the analysis.
French Polynesia may be the safest place in OceaniaThe tap water is usually safe to drink, and health and sanitation are high, particularly in resort areas (though Dengue Fever is still a concern, so measures to avoid mosquito bites are recommended).
The best time to visit the Cook Islands is during the driest months (April to November). The climate is tropical and generally agreeable year-round, with steady humidity levels and temperatures sitting between 75°F and 86°F.
A blissful 15-isle archipelago just east of the dateline in the Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands has long attracted travellers with the promise of crystal-clear water, a diverse marine life, and a strong connection to Polynesian culture.
Families relying on the tourist industry now are without a way to make a living during the pandemic. This makes the Cook Islands a superb place to visit, but an expensive place to live. The cost of importing goods is much greater than the trade income from making and selling goods to other countries.
Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Several ATMs can be found on Rarotonga, Aitutaki has two ATMs and two banks, and cash is needed for the smaller islands.
Water -- Generally, the water on Rarotonga is safe to drink from the tap. It is filtered but not treated and can become slightly muddy after periods of heavy rain. If in doubt, boil it in the electric jug in your hotel room.
The lagoon beaches are shallow with sandy bottoms, making it safe to swim and lounge around in. Many hotels have pools at the water's edge, with a view of the lagoon.
Mobiles & WiFiYou can buy a Visitor Sim card from the Vodafone offices in Avarua, or from Vodafone at the airport on arrival, or other retail outlets. Depending on the type of SIM your phone uses, you'll need to use a standard, micro or nano SIM. You'll get all three sizes in one SIM card - pop out the size you need.