5 Facts of Cook Islands

The capital of Cook Islands is Avarua

 

The Cook Islands is a popular tourist destination visited by roughly 100,000 travelers each year, which is about five times the population of the islands. The Cook Islands is known for its beautiful mountainous landscape and breathtaking blue water. However, you might not know these five lesser known things that the Cook Islands is known for.

5 Facts You Might Not Know

1

Fifteen islands and atolls make up the Cook Islands, but slightly over 70 percent of the population live on Rarotonga Island. Rarotonga Island is home to the Cook Islands capital, Avarua, and to many hotels and resorts due to its popularity among tourists. About 20 percent of the population live in the other southern group of islands, while only seven percent live on the northern group of islands.

2

The Cook Islands natives speak English, Maori and Pakapukan. Pakapukan may be the oldest language spoken by Cook Islands natives, but you will find that everyone also speaks English.

3

The Cook Islands government charges a departure tax when you leave the country. This departure tax for adults is currently 30 New Zealand dollars, which you'll need to pay to Westpac at the airport. You pay this at Westpac at the airport.

4

You will need to visit the Aravua police station to purchase a driver's license if you plan to drive in the Cook Islands. If you want to drive a car, you will just need to show your current driver's license. If you want to drive a motor scooter, you will need to pass a short driving test, which consists of driving around the roundabout in Rarotonga.

5

Tipping is not common in the Cook Islands. All of the prices for items and services include tax, and that is all that you are expected to pay. In fact, it might be considered rude to tip because tipping goes against the local Cook Islands custom.