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Cook Islands Holiday Facts
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The Cook Islands is the official name of the islands but many people know it by its main island, Rarotonga. The Cook Islands lies south of the equator in the south west pacific ocean, west of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. The only islands to the east are French Polynesia, Pitcairn and Easter Island before hitting the main land of South America.
| Total islands: 15 |
| Total land mass: 236 km² |
| Capital: Avarua |
| Main Island: Rarotonga |
| Int'l Airport: Rarotonga |
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| Population: 18,000 |
| Language: English, Maoris |
| Tourists: 78,000 per year |
| Accommodations: 60 |
| Money: NZ$ |
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Cook Island Health and Dangers
Mosquitoes are present in most parts of the Cook Island. They are particularly bad after heavy rains in the wet season and in the inland areas of Rarotonga, Mauke and Mangaia where the swamps are present.
The country is free from malaria, yellow fever and most other diseases endemic in tropical countries.
Water is considered safe to drink although tap water is not treated. In some of the outer islands it is best to drink from the rainwater tank and in times of drought water should be boiled. However, the main threat to your health is the Sun - sunstroke, prickly heat and other skin irritations are quite common in the tropics, the latter especially so in the more humid season between December and April. Take light, airy clothes. Local doctors and pharmacies are found on all the islands in the Southern group.
Swimming is safe in most areas but there are some local passages and reefs that have dangerous currents. Beware of walking on coral or swimming in shallow waters - coral cuts can easily become infectious and quite painful. It is best to stay within the sheltered lagoons where most of the resorts are located.
Cook Island Electricity
Electricity is 240 AC voltage (same as UK, Australia and New Zealand) but if you come from the US you will probably need a convertor. IN some areas a two pin plug convertor is necessary.
Cook Island Communication
Cook Islands is 10hrs behind GMT.
The international dialing code is (+682)
Telephone lines are reliable and available throughout the southern islands. International collect calls can only be made to Australia, Canada, Netherlands, NZ, Sweden, UK, USA and most South Pacific countries.
Most resorts have e-mail connection. Public Internet access is available at the Post Office and Pacific Computers, both in Avarua Town on Rarotonga and several cafes around Rarotonga. Some resorts have guest Internet Access, although on-line time is expensive. There is no public Internet access on the other islands although most guesthouses do have their own even more expensive access.
Cook Island Resort Listings
Airlines, Car Rental & Transfers
Cook Islands Travel Agents
Cook Islands Tour Companies
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