Jetsave Travel Accommodation Guide to the Cook Islands, South Pacific

	MAX TEMP (C)	MIN TEMP (C)	Hours Sunshine
JAN	28.8	22.9	179
FEB	29.1	23.1	171
MAR	28.9	22.6	181
APR	28.2	22.0	174
MAY	26.6	20.4	162
JUN	25.6	19.3	169
JUL	25.2	18.6	177
AUG	24.9	18.4	182
SEP	25.3	19.1	177
OCT	26.0	20.0	185
NOV	27.1	21.0	178
DEC	27.8	21.9	181

CLIMATE: The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate year round. The drier months from April to November have an average maximum temperature of about 26 degrees centigrade with lower humidity levels. A sweater is sometimes needed in the winter evenings June through August. During December through March the humidity is higher with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees centigrade and 28 degrees. Cyclone season is between November and March, however, severe weather is rate and infrequent.

Jetsave Travel and Western Union Offices

CURRENCY: The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar. This is supplemented by some Cook Island coins: $1, $2 and $5. The coins are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands, but make for interesting souvenirs. New Zealand dollars may be purchased at the airport, ANZ or Westpac bank, or the Western Union Office, downtown Avarua. There are now 2 ATM machines available on Rarotonga Island only both operated by ANZ Bank. One is located at the airport and the other downtown Avarua. Money transfers may be sent to the Cook Islands from anywhere in the world via Western Union Money Transfer Service. Western Union is the quickest, most efficient system to transfer money either to or from the Cook Islands.

CREDIT CARDS: Most major credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, hotels, and stores. Cash advances on your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Diners Club cards can be arranged at the Western Union office.
Please note: Credit cards are not accepted in the Outer Islands.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A visiting visa is not required for stays of 31 days or less. An onwards airline ticket is required. Extension of visitor stays may be granted on a monthly basis for up to 3 months.

INSECTS: The Cook Islands as with most tropical destinations have annoying insects. You will see cockroaches, mosquitoes, and lizards even at the best establishments. Protect yourself against mosquito bites by bringing a burner with small candles, and lemon scent or citronella. These are small items to include in your travelling case and provide a lovely scent to your room while keeping the mosquitoes at bay.

INVESTMENTS: The Cook Islands are an ideal area for investment as the government is stable and tourism is increasing. Foreigners are able to purchase land (60 year lease), private homes and/or businesses in the Cook Islands. The Cook Island Development Investment Board can assist you with queries regarding immigration and investment policy.

HOLIDAYS: Christmas Day - 25 December,    Boxing Day - 26 December,
                        New Years Day- 01 January, Good Friday, Easter Monday,
                        Anzac Day - 25 April, Queens Birthday-13 June, Rarotonga
                        Rarotonga Gospel Day - 25 July,
                        Constitution Day - 4 August,
                        Gospel Day Cook Islands - 26 October

SHOPPING: The shopping hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday thru Friday and 8am to 12noon on Saturday. The main shopping area is located downtown, Avarua from Avatiu Harbour to the Portofino Restaurant. Things to buy: Cook Islands black pearls and black pearl jewellery, local wood carvings, handicrafts, paintings and art work. You can find the best prices for locally made ukuleles at the Rarotonga Prison. Atiu coffee, hand-made Tivaevae's (patchwork like quilts), and tie dyed pareus are also excellent choices for gifts or souvenirs. Other sought-after souvenir items include woven baskets, often made from the fibre of coconuts. The attractively carved slit drums (pate), carved bowls, pandanus bags and hand made pottery. "Fruits of Rarotonga" prepare gift packs of locally made jams, salad dressings, and sauces which make ideal presents. Another memento of the Cook Islands could be one of a very colorful range of stamps - sought after the world over. Birds, fish, corals, and flowers have all been featured in the stamps which make a very portable souvenir of the country and an asset to any collection. Shopping in Rarotonga is very relaxed. The quality of the goods is high and they are reasonably priced.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
National Dancer of the Year: Held in April. This is an exciting contest to find the best male and female Cook Island Dancer. There are several eliminating competitions before the final night. You will enjoy the fabulous native costumes, drumming, and dancing.

Triathlon: Held Anzac Day holiday in April. Anyone is welcome to participate in this endurance race. Swim, cycle, and run constitutes the components of the race. Even if you do not participate, you will enjoy cheering on the contestants.

Fire Knife Competition: Held in July. This is a new event for the Cook Islands with the first competition held 2001. The small group of young and enthusiastic people want to develop this art form and hopefully turn it into a major event here in the Cook Islands.

String Band Competition: Held in June. This is an exciting contest to find the best string band in the Cook Islands. Usually held at the National Auditorium is always fun to watch.

Constitution Day Celebrations: Held around 4 August. This is the major event of the year for all Cook Islanders as it marks the day of independence from New Zealand. The celebrations commence with a float parade on the last Friday in July, followed by a week of sporting, cultural, and entertainment events. An Agricultural Show is also held during the week with an exhibition of flowers, plants, and produce.

Round Rarotonga Road Race: Held the first week-end in October. Overseas runners and locals alike compete in this popular international event of 31km, which encircles the Island.

Gospel Day Celebrations: Held in 26 October. This is an interesting event to watch for each year one village is selected to conduct open air performances of stories from the bible. Gospel Day commemorates the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and is celebrated with a real island flair. You will enjoy the colorful costumes and singing.

International Food Festival: Held in November. This popular event features food from around the world. Everyone gathers to cook their favorite dish. You can find anything
from pizza to curry to oriental dishes to local island food to chocolate cake. Prices are very reasonable

Tiare Week: Held in November. This is a very special week to visit the Cook Islands as all the shops, restaurants and hotels are decorated with flowers. There is a competition and awards for the most original and best flower displays.

TIPPING: Tipping is not expected in the Cook Islands and there is no service charge added to restaurant or service bills.

HOLIDAY PACKAGES TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Hotels, Airfares, Accommodation and Outer Island Packages booked through Jetsave Travel are subject to a deposit of 25% within 10 days of booking. Final payment is due 60 days before arrival to allow for mailing of tickets and documents. All prices are subject to change without notice. This may be due (but not limited) to airfare increases, changes in airline taxes or government departure & custom taxes, or yearly accommodation rate changes. Please note that all prices are valid from 1 April to 31 March of each year. Amendments and Reservation Changes. All changes to confirmed reservations are subject to a change fee of $50 per booking file. Cancellation and Refund Policy. Refunds are subject to the individual policy of selected accommodation. No refund applies to house rentals unless accommodation can be re-sold. All refunds are subject to a documentation fee of $250 per booking file plus individual accommodation cancellation fees. Many hotels have a no refund policy if cancelled within 30 days. No Refund applies for no-shows. No Refund applies for unused services. Insurance is recommended for all travellers as protection in case of flight delays and/or cancellations, sickness, and accidents.

INSURANCE: Jetsave travel recommends that all travellers obtain insurance prior
to departing from your home city. Insurance may be purchased together with your
holiday package from Jetsave Travel. Sample rates are listed below. We can provide
insurance for any length of journey. Please contact Jetsave Travel for specific insurance
details for your holiday.

                Unlimited Medical with full cover for baggage, travel delays, and
                Accidental Death:                                      9 Days       15 Days    30 Days

                From New Zealand/Australia                      $ 75             $ 93           $129
                World-wide except USA, Canada, Japan    $137            $173           $263
                From USA, Canada, Japan                          $175            $230           $325
                      (Note: rates are in New Zealand Dollars)(Currency Converter)

QUESTIONS: If there is any information you would like or if you have questions with regards to general information for the Cook Islands, please click on the "contact us" button below and Jetsave Travel will be pleased to provide any information you require.