Cook Islands

General Information
	Area: 237 sq km (91.5 sq miles). Population: 16,800 (1998). Population Density: 80.6 per sq km. Capital: Avarua (on Rarotonga). Population: 11,225 (1996, the whole island of Rarotonga). Geography: The Cook Islands are situated 3500km (2200 miles) northeast of New Zealand and 1000km (600 miles) southwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia. The islands fall into two groups: the scattered Northern Group are all coral atolls while the Southern Group is of volcanic origin. Rarotonga is the largest and highest island with a rugged volcanic interior, its highest peak being Te Manga, at 652m (2140ft). Coral reef surrounds the island and the population lives between reef and hills where rich soil supports both tropical and subtropical vegetation. Most of the island is covered by thick evergreen bush. Most of the larger islands include lagoons surrounded by small areas of fertile land above which rise volcanic hills. The best beaches found on Aitutaki are also part of the 8-island Southern Group. The Northern Group comprises seven islands, the largest being Penrhyn, Manihiki and Pukapuka. The Cook Islands have been used as the setting for several films, the best known being Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence. Government: Self-governing state in 'free association' with New Zealand. (New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs.) Gained self-governing status in 1965. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Sir Apenera Short since 1991. New Zealand is represented locally by High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998. Head of Government: Prime Minister Terepai Moate since 1999. Language: The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori. Religion: Mainly Cook Islands Christian Church, also Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists and Assembly of God. Time: GMT - 10. Electricity: 220 volts DC, 50Hz. Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 682. (operator assistance may be required). Mobile telephone: Analogue network. Analogue handsets can be hired from Telecom Cook Islands (tel: 123). Travellers arriving from New Zealand, Australia and Samoa can arrange roaming with their own network providers. Fax: Many Cook Island organizations have facilities. Internet/E-mail: There are cyberbooths in Avarua at the Telecom Center (open 24 hours a day) and at the post office. ISPs include Telecom Cook Islands (website: www.oyster.co.ck). Telegram: Services are provided by Cook Islands Telecom in Rarotonga; the most convenient way to use them is via one's hotel. Postal: Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600. Press: The daily Cook Islands News is published in Maori and English. The New Zealand Herald is also available.
Travel
	AIR: The Cook Islands are served by Air New Zealand (NZ), which offer regular flights from New Zealand, Tahiti and Fiji. There are also frequent connections from Australia, North America and Europe. For details, contact the Cook Islands Tourist Bureau (see address section). Air passes: The The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for a number of airlines operating in the South Pacific, including Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 50 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Wellington). The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two coupons must be bought before departure (a maximum of eight coupons can be purchased en route). For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (see address section). International airport: Rarotonga (RAR) is 3km (2 miles) west of Avarua (travel time - 10 minutes). Hotel coaches meet each flight. Taxis and buses are also available. The airport facilities are open according to flight arrivals and departures and include duty-free shops, bank/bureau de change, bars, shops and car rental (Avis and Budget). Departure tax: NZ$25 for passengers over 12 years of age; NZ$10 for passengers aged 2-12 years. SEA: Cargo lines operating to the Cook Islands are run by Express Cook Islands Line Shipping Ltd and Hawaii-Pacific Maritime Ltd.
Entry
	Passport Visa Return Ticket Required Australian  Yes  1/2  Yes British  Yes  1/2  Yes Canadian  Yes  1/2  Yes Japanese  Yes  1/2  Yes Other EU  Yes  1/2  Yes USA  Yes  1/2  Yes
	PASSPORTS: Valid passport required by all including nationals of New Zealand. Passports should be valid for duration of stay in Cook Islands. VISAS: 1. Not required by visitors for tourist stays of up to 31 days as they are issued on arrival. Confirmed onward/return tickets and documentation are required, as are accommodation arrangements and proof of adequate finances for duration of stay. Note: 2. All nationals arriving in the Cook Islands for business purposes or sourcing investment possibilities do require a 21 day work visa and this can be issued on arrival. Business must be completed within that period. Validity: Visitors can extend length of stay on a monthly basis up to an additional five months, providing they have sufficient funds, use licensed accommodation and are not taking up employment. Three-month extensions cost NZ$70 and six-month extensions may be obtained for a fee of NZ$120. Application to: Cook Islands Representative (see address section) or the Principal Immigration Officer (see Temporary residence below). Temporary residence: Applicants should refer to the Principal Immigration Officer, PO Box 105, Avarua, Rarotonga (tel: 29364 or 29347; fax: 21247; e-mail: tutai@immigration.gov.ck).

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