Flung across a 2 million-square-kilometre stretch of wild South Pacific water the 15 tropical gems that comprise the Cook Islands are a day-dreamy holiday destination. With a population size comparable to an average country town, the Cook Islands are effortlessly a place apart from the busy, populated world across the seas. The mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands exude an untouched charm with bush-clad volcanic peaks descending to glistening white sand shores and palm-fringed blue lagoons. The reef-enclosed main island of ‘Raro’ with the endearingly laid-back commercial hub of Avarua can be explored by bus, motor scooter, bicycle or jeep. Further north, the sublime lagoon of Aitutaki will take your breath away with its Pacific-postcard perfection.
Updated: 05 November 2021
There are a few simple steps that travellers must take before and during their holiday, with full details available here.
Vaccinated travellers only
All visitors must be aged 12 years and over and must be fully vaccinated or provide a certified medical exemption. Children under 12 years of age will be permitted to enter the Cook Islands once children between 5-11 years of age in New Zealand have begun being vaccinated.
COVID-19 test required before departure
Travellers must take a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure and show the negative result at departure and on arrival. No test is required on arrival in the Cook Islands. Travel to Aitutaki is permitted, with the only requirement being that travellers will undergo a Rapid Antigen Test before boarding their flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. A further test may be required on Aitutaki.
Only open to New Zealand
This travel corridor is only open between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, and the Cook Islands maritime border remains closed.
Contact tracing and pre-arrival forms
Visitors will be required to complete a Cook Islands contact form no more than 72 hours before departing New Zealand. To assist with tracing in the Cook Islands, travellers will be required to download the Cooksafe+ Bluetooth app as well as use their personal Cooksafe QR code card given on arrival.
Your YOU Travel Advisor will have full up to date information and can assist you with organising the requirements mentioned above.
