Cook Islands when to go

Weather in Cook Islands - Cook Islands, South Pacific Forecast

However, please be aware that the debate on 1 November 2016 was adjourned and some of the information in this document may be out of date and cannot currently be commentated by travellers. Include this in your trip itinerary. It' s typical Cook Islands rain.

Summer, the wet seasons, begins in November and continues until mid-March or early April. It' quite warm and moist during this period with heavy afternoons. Elevated air moisture also means more mosquitoes, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Usually the weather is sunny in the mornings, but in the afternoons it rains a lot.

Also in this season of the year there is a cycle, but on general the southern Cook Islands experience a real one every 8 years. Winters begin after April, which significantly reduces air moisture. It is a much dryer season until November. The Aitutaki and the north archipelago are warm all year round than Rarotonga.

Also in the winters the winters are warmer. Averages in these winters are around 26°C and can even get a little colder at 19/20°C at first. If you want to keep up with the climate and possible storm conditions in the Cook Islands and the South Pacific in general, here is a website with satellites showing the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and others.

Aitutaki is the small point just west of 160W and just west of 20S. The town Rarotonga is situated just under 20S http://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/real-time...

Independent guide to the Cook Islands

Might it be worth visiting the Cook Islands? Easy to reach from Australia and New Zealand, a journey to the Cook Islands is a breeze for anyone looking for a comfortable lush tropic haven - whether you are a couple, family with kids or even a pack backpack. Featuring ultra friendliness and a relaxed atmosphere, your holiday can be as idle or lively as you want it to be, as old-fashioned or contemporary as you want it to be - but always unforgettable.

The Cook Islands are not as tropically as its Samoan or Franco-Polynese co-ins, from the high summits of Rarotonga to the Laguna of Aitutaki, which will make you talk. Cook Islands are not an islands hoping holiday resort, and you will probably be visiting one or two (maximum three) islands during your stay.

Although located in the heart of the wide South Pacific, the Cook Islands are a contemporary traveler. Rarotonga has an outstanding tourism industry and sometimes seems like a small New Zealand. It is not the kind of place to get lost, but rather high-quality accommodation, good food, night life and many outings.

Indeed, many kiwis decide for their wedding in Rarotonga and arrive in large numbers for a particular time. Unlike Rarotonga, Aitutaki feels like the end of the line. The things move at an especially slower tempo and sometimes the only sound you will be hearing is that of the incoming Rarotonga fight.

Your experiences will differ widely according to which islands you will go to, but you can always rely on a pleasant and up-to-date sojourn. On your way to the Out Islands you can enjoy a much more intimate holiday with a small foot print, if any. What is the best season to explore the Cook Islands?

There is a great variation in meteorological conditions between the north and south groups, but as hardly any visitors come to the isolated north group, I will only be covering the south group. Cook Islands are pleasant year round and not as oppressive as other South Pacific resorts. Zyklonsaison (November - March): Cyklons are always a menace, but seldom affect the islands.

On a personal level, I went to the Cook Islands in November/December, at the beginning of the hurricane period. We had a weak period during which a hurricane hit Samoa and its impact was felt in Rarotonga and Aitutaki with much rains and heavy wind. Booking in advanced if you are planning to attend during this period.

In April the Feast of the Constitution (Te Maire Nui), the biggest celebration of the Cook Islands, takes place, while in November the Vaka Eiva races take place - both times with particularly high touristic demands in Rarotonga. What island should you explore in the Cook Islands? In the Cook Islands, tourists are mainly concentrated in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu, as the northerly group is virtually inaccessible.

You' ll undoubtedly be spending quality leisure in Rarotonga, the biggest and most important of the Cook Islands. From Aitutaki, it is only a brief plane ride to discover its stunning Laguna. So how long will it take you in the Cook Islands? The majority of tourists stay a fortnight to 10 nights on the Cook Islands, which should be enough to visit one or two islands.

In Rarotonga, if you are looking for a relaxing holiday and only have one whole working weekend, take a full excursion to Aitutaki (see Aitutaki Travel Guide for more information). You can combine relaxing with adventures during a 10-day break while you do a little isle jumping. Take a look at these suggested routes for the Cook Islands for a whole weekend or 10 or so.

What is the price of travelling in the Cook Islands? Your holiday costs in the Cook Islands can be very different. While Rarotonga offers everything from backpacking tourists to luxurious vacationers, Aitutaki is suitable for middle-class travellers and luxurious vacationers. Accommodation in the Cook Islands is usually pricey (except for the back packer lodges), but they are of a high quality and many of them have self-catering kitchens such as a kitchen corner.

The Cook Islands are particularly favourable for car hire. Here is a list of my three week costs in the Cook Islands. What is the way to the Cook Islands? As far as I know there are direct connections to Rarotonga from the USA (Los Angeles), Australia and New Zealand.

Its only" connection" to another South Pacific island country is a week-long service to Papeete in French Polynesia. Upon arriving in Rarotonga, the visitor will be issued with a 31-day touristic permit. Although the Cook Islands' native tongue is Maori, everyone on the major islands is fluent in English.

Indeed, with so many kiwis around Rarotonga, you will sometimes overlook the fact that you are on a secluded South Pacific isle. The best way to get from one of the islands to another is by air. Aitutaki is a part of the Aitutaki region. The regional carrier Air Rarotonga flies to Aitutaki every morning and even offers a full excursion book.

There are other islands with a less frequently scheduled itinerary and a tour to the North Islands is out of the question. 2. Arrival by bus: Buses are only available in Rarotonga, with two routes running around the islands in opposite direction for most of the daily (less on weekends). Rarotonga, with only $20 (NZD) a car per night for long-term rent, riding the Cook Islands is the best way to enjoy paradise freer.

Out of Rarotonga the rental is a bit more costly and not possible on some islands. Remember that you must be driving on the Cook Islands on the lefthand side and have a current driving licence. With scooters: Scooting in the Cook Islands is definitely the right way.

The price of a Rarotonga motorcycle hire can be up to $15 (NZD) per night, with slightly higher rates on the Outlying Islands. Please be aware that you need a specific permission to hire a motorbike in the Cook Islands, and you can get one very cheap. Getting a roller licence in the Cook Islands: after a ludicrously fast test, your landlord gives you a limited licence.

Next morning, you' ll go to the Avarua policestation for a theoretical and hands-on test (bring your ID and provisional driving licence). Myory--you should learn in advanced, as it will cost $10 and require familiarity with your own language. As soon as you have passed the theoretical test, you will be asked to drive your motorcycle in a very narrow lane at the back of the policestation and perform a fierce U-turn (from l. to r.), followed by a series of figures eight.

Slips and you miss the test and have to come back the next morning to try again ($20 each). As you can see, if you do not already have a New Zealand motorcycle license, it is certainly possible to get one in Rarotonga. You may be asked to take the test (as I did) and have to change to a vehicle if you have never ridden a motorbike before.

Visit other Cook Islands? Make sure you get at least the Rarotonga rental licence, otherwise you cannot hire a motorcycle. The only place where licences can be made out. Sundays flights: Sunday flight has presented the island's inhabitants outside Rarotonga with a dilemma: disturbing the sacred days or welcoming the tourists dollar?

It' s not unusual that a small group of (mostly older) island inhabitants "protest" in peace in front of the small terminal in Aitutaki and the outside islander. What is the best place to spend the night in the Cook Islands? Accommodation in the Cook Islands ranges from luxurious five-star hotels to basic cottages and backpackers there.

Of course, the outlying islands are less varied and not suitable for all budgets. Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki have a wide range of quality accommodation to chose from, from basic to luxuriousresort. A number of our establishments also have a self-catering kitchen, which allows you to combine the service of the establishment with the comfort of self-catering if you wish.

B&B: There are not many B&Bs in Rarotonga, but the outlying islands will have more of these possibilities. Backpacking: a possible stopover on one of these global passes, Rarotonga actually gets a whole bunch of backpacking and you will find a small choice of backpacker-friendly accommodation (the night life is great).

AAIRBNB: Believe it or not, AAIRBNB has made it to the Cook Islands. While Rarotonga has a lot to offer, the outlying islands have little or nothing to offer. I' m not familiar with any special campsites in the Cook Islands. Couch-surfing: Rarotonga has a small number of resorts. What can you do to reduce costs in the Cook Islands?

These are some ways to cut your travelling expenses on Cook Island: While the Cook Islands use the New Zealand dollar as their main source of income, the $3 bill is a collector's piece that can be purchased at the Avarua branch of the city. In contrast to Samoa and Vanuatu, you can use your coffee maker anywhere in Rarotonga and Aitutaki without any extra charge.

You can find ATMs and banking in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Before you visit the Cook Islands, check with your bank/credit cardholder to see how much they charge for withdrawing money and using it at the point of sale. 2. If you do not live in a luxurious holiday destination, tips are not common in the Cook Islands and certainly not necessary.

There is an exquisite gastronomic setting in the Cook Islands, especially in Rarotonga. The large isle offers a large selection of world cuisines, with many good restaurants or basic restaurants. It is essential to try the uncooked cod in the Cook Islands, which is known as lkamata and is very similar to the famous Polynesian cheese of Polynesia.

Cook Island's old-fashioned cooking requires either a Sunday party with a host families or an "Island Nightshow ", which always includes a tasty snack bar. On an unspoilt shore you can enjoy your whole holiday on the Cook Islands.

Below are some of the most favorite outdoor pursuits in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu: Don't neglect to wrap your scuba-ticket. Snorkelling in the Cook Islands gives you the chance to discover the richness of the South Pacific undersea. Rarotonga (what a surprise) is the best place to go scuba dipping, with a variety of places outside the Laguna.

Aitutaki has a slightly different history. Whilst scuba is considered extraordinary, so is the price. Since a two-diver is almost $200, I decided to continue my Rarotongaive. Cook Islands is one of the most safe places to go on our world.

I' m not sure how dependable the Cook Islands Meteorological Service is, but if there's a Cyclone close by, you'll definitely sense the prep. Moïsquitos: This can be quite a nuisance, especially around the Aitutaki Laguna. Riding at night: Most of the streets on the islands are not (well) illuminated at all. There is also the risk of drunken drivers (especially at weekends) - the middle of the day is not the right period for hard work.

As with any journey, make sure you have adequate cover. Air travel: Things can go awry in this isolated part of the globe, so it is best to take out a specific holiday policy that will cover the cost of a connection ticket or booking a room in a city. It is the only telecommunications provider in the Cook Islands.

Like in Samoa, the Cook Islands do not have the free Wi-Fi approach. Check out this listing of available hot spots in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Why the Cook Islands? It really does depend on the season when you will be in the Cook Islands (see'When to visit').

Wrap always: fast drying and humidity resistant clothing, swimwear, snorkel kit, walking boots, lightweight rainwear, water proof sandal (reef shoes), insect repellents, sunscreen, elegant nightwear and everything else you take on vacation. When you are on a visit in the colder seasons, you should wrap something hot for the evening, as the temperature falls below 20ºC. The weather is very warmer.

Can you buy anything in the Cook Islands? Can' t come all the way to an alien tropic without taking something with you - so make sure you have a little more space in your bag! Rarotonga is the best place to shop in the Cook Islands (no surprise), so read the Rarotonga Travel Guide for more information.

These are some of the best things you can buy: SARGONGS, local manufactured dark beads, ukulele, insular fashion and nii sap. If you want a lasting keepsake from the Cook Islands, you can adorn yourself with a Maori tradition. The Cook Islanders are very fond of their ink and always have a profound, emotional and individual significance.

Hopefully you found the Cook Islands guide useful! Much more information about the Cook Islands is waiting for you, among them detailled guidebooks about Rarotonga & Aitutaki, example programs and list of the most important activities.