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 Kia
Orana - Welcome to the Cook Islands!
The Cook Islands
are comprised of 15 beautiful islands in the heart of the South Pacific
with just 14,000 residents. These unique and friendly Polynesians
have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse
culture with significant differences between each island. Despite
some 70,000 visitors a year to the capital island Rarotonga the Cooks
are largely unspoiled by tourism.
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are excellent for diving, snorkling. The outer
reef area offers a diverse range of diving conditions. Canyons, caves
and many varities of coral make it a most unusual terrain. There are
also wrecks to explore and fish to hand feed. Combined with warm water
temperatures year round, this a truly inviting destination.
Favorite dive spots to name but a few are the Ngatangiia Swimthroughs,
the Matavera Drop-Off, the Mataora Wreck, the Papua Canyon, the Sand
River and the Koromiri Coral Garden. The abundant reef life among
73 types of live coral features hundreds of fish species, a bonanza
for underwater photographers. Experts rate the reef drop-off as the
highlight for divers off Rarotonga. This begins at about 100 feet
and plunges down to 12,000 feet -- Rarotonga is an extinct volcano.
All diving is land based with the diving boats in the 16 to 22 ft
(5 to 7 meter) size range offering personalized diving. Trips usually
depart in both the morning and afternoon.
Climate April to October average 68 - 78F 20 - 26C November to March
average 71 - 82F 22-28C
Water Temp 71 - 85F 22 - 29C
Visibility Up to 150+ ft 45+ m
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Pacific
Divers Rarotonga
PO Box 110
Avarua
Rarotonga
COOK ISLANDS
Tel.: [682] 22450
Fax.: [682] 22450
E-Mail: dive@pacificdivers.co.ck
Web: http://www.pacificdivers.co.ck
Our dive shop, is on the main road at Muri, on the southeast of Rarotonga
, within an easy walk from a wide variety of accommodations. We
also provide a free pickup service from all accommodation on Rarotonga.
We dive approximately 30 dives sites around the island which include:
Wrecks, Canyons, Sharks, Drop offs, Walls, Swimthroughs. All dives are
Multi level dives to ensure maximum bottom time and are led by an experienced
dive leader who does all navigation, points out things of interest which
might otherwise be missed and ensures you get the most out of every
dive you make. |
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International
Flights are via Air
New Zealand
from Auckland or Los Angeles. Connecting flights are available from/to
Fiji and Tahiti.
Departure Tax
Upon departure all visitors will be charged the following taxes: Adults
NZ$25.00, Children under 12 years NZ$10.00, Children 2 years and under
are free of charge. This must be paid upon departure, and is not included
as part of prepaid taxes with airline tickets.
Inter-island flights are via Air Rarotonga
to/from Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Manahiki, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, and Mauke.
Entry Requirements
A bona-fide
visitor (any person who enters the Cook Islands solely for recreation
or vacation/holiday), does not require an entry permit, provided he/she
possesses proof of onward passage (booked and paid) for stays of not
more than 31 days. Extension permits are usually granted for visitors
wanting to stay over 31 days. All visitors are required to have a valid
passport, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means of supporting
stay, and suitable accommodation. Applications can be made upon arrival
at the Immigration Department. Extensions are granted on a monthly basis,
up to 5 additional months only. A fee is payable with each application
within 14 days prior to the expiration of the permit. Extensions are
granted at two levels. Up to three months NZ$70.00 (15 years and older),
up to five months NZ$120.00 (15 years and older). Children under 15
years of age are exempt from charges but must report to Immigration
for official paperwork to be completed.
For those wanting to stay in the Cook Islands longer than 6 months,
must apply for a visa from their home territory, prior to their arrival
in the Cook Islands. Please direct applications to :
Principal Immigration Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
PO Box 105
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Ph: (682) 29347
Fax: (682) 21247
Getting Around
As the entire island of Rarotonga is only 32 kilometers in circumference,
getting around is easy. There are two main roads on Rarotonga, you can
circle the island on the Ara Tapu sealed road, through the villages
and past the beaches; or you can take the older inland road, which winds
through fields of taro, pawpaw, bananas and local farmlands.
Scooter are a popular, fun way to see the sights. Scooters as well as
bikes, cars and jeeps are available from local rental agencies. Driving
is on the left hand side of the road. Drivers of all vehicles are required
to have a current Cook Islands Drivers Licence available from the Police
Station in Avarua on presentation of your own current drivers licence.
Cost NZ$10.00.
The "Island Bus" offers a convenient low cost methosd of transport,
operating regular schedules around the island. It will pick you up and
let you off anywhere on request.
Activities
(besides diving of course)
Shopping
Local products include black pearls, handicrafts of excellent quality,
colorful clothing and electrical goods at very reasonable prices.
Dining
Enjoy a variety of Polynesian fare, as well as many dishes enfluenced
by New Zealand, South east Asia, India and europe.
The traditional Polynesian feast is known as the umukai, and involves
baking food in an underground oven. The umu is the underground oven,
a deep pit filled with scorching hot stones from mountain streams. Damp
sacking and shredded banana trunks are placed over the hot stones which
soon causes rising of steam. The traditional food is known as kai and
consists of chicken, pork, fish and vegetable dishes. The kai is placed
in the umu, whereupon everything is covered up with more leaves and
earth and allowed to steam for around two hours, keeping in all the
natural juices of the food.
The feast is followed by enthralling entertainment - kariori. Guests
are greeted with the fast paced tempo of drums, followed by sensual
dancing by island men and women dressed in traditional costume.
Sightseeing
Historic and other sightseeing tours are available.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters offshore are ideal conditions for wahoo, barracuda. dolphin
fish, yellowfin and skipjack tuna, sailfish and marlin. Inshore look
for bonefish, trevally, cod, snapper and other reef fish.
Windsurfing
Many resorts offer windsurfing equipment, or it can be rented from a
number of local specialists.
Cruises
Inter island excursions, day cruises, glass bottom boat tours are all
available.
Hiking
Enjoy cross island walks, mountain hikes and beautiful waterfalls.
Horseback Riding
Ride the island trails, along the beach, and past waterfalls.
Golf
Play 9 holes at the Raratongan Golf Club. There are pro shops and rental
equipment is available.
Helpful Tips
Dress
Although dress is informal, swimsuits or revealing attire should not
be worn when visiting town or villages. Nude or topless sunbathing is
also offensive. And while the Cook Islands have a tropical climate,
a light sweater may come in handy for the cooler evenings during July
and August.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 AC/50 cycle, the same as New Zealand and Australia. In
some cases, a two pin adapter may be required. Some hotels and motels
have provisions for 110 volt AC electric razors.
Water
Some visitors prefer to boil water before use, but it is not necessary.
Bottled water is available from the local shops for those who wish to
purchase.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom. |