Cook Island Delight

Entry into the Cook Islands
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from your return date left on your passport. You’ll be issued a free 31-day visitor visa on arrival.

Weather
Located right in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands enjoy a beautifully warm, tropical climate all year round. The months from May to October experience daily temperatures ranging from 22 - 28°C.
 

What to Pack
Due to the warm temperatures, you’ll mostly need casual and light clothing to keep cool.
While wearing shorts and singlets (vest tops) is usually acceptable even outside of resorts and holiday accommodations, note that wearing swimwear in towns and villages (basically anytime you’re not swimming) is bad practice. In short, make sure you have something to cover up your swimmers after swimming.
You may also want to pack a light jacket or cardigan to cover up on cooler evenings. As we are attending church on Sunday, a collared shirt, a skirt or dress are the right attire for this more formal occasion.

Currency
The Cook Islands has two official currencies: Cook Islands Dollar (CKD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD). You can’t exchange Cook Islands Dollars outside the country. The airport has a currency exchange bureau.

Internet and SIM cards
Free internet access is hard to find on the Cook Islands, but Vodafone Cook Islands offers wi-fi hot spots around Rarotonga and Aitutaki that can be accessed for a reasonable cost via prepaid vouchers. Vodafone also sells a Travel e-SIM package incorporating data, phone calls and TXTs. Vouchers and Travel SIMs are both available from Vodafone's booth at Rarotonga airport. Otherwise check if your phone provider offers roaming in the Cook Islands.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in the Cook Islands.

Luggage
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Do not take what you cannot handle yourself. Where available, the hotel staff will assist with taking your luggage to your room (for a tip) so please keep this in mind when packing.

Health Whilst Travelling
There is always a risk to your health when travelling, and it is better to be prepared. It is recommended that you take some diarrhoea medication in case you come down with a stomach bug. It is also a good idea to bring along some hydrolyte for dehydration purposes. We recommend mosquito repellent and also Travelan to help protect your stomach from any nasties (available over the counter at any pharmacy). As with any overseas travel, it is advisable to discuss with your medical practitioner any vaccination requirements that may be recommended for travel to this destination.  We recommend taking any prescription medications in your hand baggage.  You may wish to get a letter from your doctor outlining the medication you are taking with you.  This is only a suggestion. 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy, including a 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone before departure.  This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience but occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go awry.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude.