With the same time zone and latitude (disregarding north and south) as Hawaii, the islands are sometimes thought of as "Hawaii down under". Though smaller, it reminds some elderly visitors of Hawaii before statehood without all the large tourist hotels and other development.
Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. In effect, New Zealand handles defense, foreign affairs (including passports), and currency; otherwise the islands are self-governing. This includes immigration, which is strictly controlled -- even for New Zealanders. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.
There is a departure tax of $55 per person when leaving the Cook Islands.
You '''must''' have a reservation for accommodations pre-arranged, or risk being sent back (or onward) on the next flight out. Though immigration and customs may be a little less strict about this than in the past, and let you reserve at the airport by phone, if nothing is available you '''''will''''' be sent back. Camping on the beach is not allowed.
If you're planning to sail to the islands you '''must''' enter through one of the five designated ports of entry. These are Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu in the Southern group, and Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Northern group.
Domestic inter-island service is provided by Air Rarotonga [http://www.airraro.com]. Although you can book flights through Air New Zealand, it is usually cheaper to do so directly with Air Rarotonga. This has become much easier in the past few years, now that they offer online booking. Unless you're a member of Air New Zealand's "Airpoints Dollars" program, you won't receive any airline miles for Air Rarotonga -- and then only if you book through Air New Zealand, often at a higher price. Star Alliance mileage for Air Rarotonga is not available.
Most of the outer islands have only unpaved runways. However, landing won't be much rougher than that of a paved runway. If you've never landed on an unpaved runway before, it's nothing to be overly concerned about, and you've probably had a few rougher landings on a ''paved'' runway.
The intrepid traveler can visit all inhabited islands by inter island freighters, but these can be weeks apart or worse if you want to get the really remote islands. Details of services are published in local island newspapers.
There are no generally scheduled boat or ferry services between the inhabited islands.
There are two uninhabited islands - Takutea and Manuae. The only easy way for a visitor to get to Takutea is on the research vessel ''Bounty Bay'' operated by Rarotonga-based Pacific Expeditions, which has special permission to run occasional eco tours.
To drive a car or ride a scooter, you need a Cook Islands driver_fs license, which can be purchased from the Police station in Avarua. If you want a motor scooter licence be prepared to do a short test, where an officer will follow you around a short circuit to make sure you know what you are doing. The Police station is open from 8am until 12pm, is closed for lunch between 12pm and 1pm, then opens again at 1pm and closes for the day at 3pm. The drivers license office stops administering the tests at 2:30pm, or perhaps before then if they feel like it. It is best to arrive in the morning or as close to 1pm as possible to ensure that you can get your license.
At the very least, the visitor will quickly learn the usual greeting, "kia orana" which means "may you live long"
Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.
Overall, much cheaper than nearby Tahiti, though anything imported will be expensive. This applies to petrol (gasoline) and to milk. There is no fresh milk made on the islands, and the only fresh milk available is air-freighted from New Zealand daily. Locals generally get by with powdered or UHT milk.
Calling home can cost a bundle, due to the need of having a large satellite dish and related equipment on each sparsely populated island. Don't expect significant savings by Skype-out or VOIP callback, the rates using these services tend to the most expensive anywhere in the world.
Try the islands' ika mata (raw tuna) with coconut milk, finely chopped vegetables. It is delicious!
Most of the outer islands turn off the entire electric system (blackout) overnight. Bring a flashlight (torch) with batteries.
See the individual islands for accommodation listings. Rarotonga and Aitutaki is where most of the accommodation is.
There is also a possibility of volunteer work, in education and care.
No major hazards, but medical care is limited -- especially on the outer islands. Though the locals often go barefoot (they're experts at it!), it's not recommended beyond sandy beaches due to the sharp coral rocks. Use caution when climbing stairs that connect the lower parts of an island near the sea to the upper part above the cliffs. Some do not have railings on the edge, including platforms. Only the most acrophobic would be uncomfortable with this (they're plenty wide enough and not vertically "open"), but for children, the blind, and someone who's had too much to drink, the risk is extreme. On the platforms, avoid getting too close to the edge -- especially if you need a rest from climbing. Motorcycle accidents cause many injuries and fatalities.
Try not to eat snappers, they may give you ciguatera. Mosquitoes are mostly a nuisance, though every few years there is a dengue fever outbreak in the wet season. No malaria, or other serious tropical diseases to worry about, (but do take dengue fever seriously during outbreaks).
Though the survey form given on arrival (and collected at departure) is optional, the airport staff will be very disappointed if you don't complete or lose it.
The Cook Islands inhabitants are not behind the times. They have TV and Internet and they know very well what's going on in the world, so don't patronize them. As a German tourist you might be asked about Germany's "dark history", but they know very well that these times are gone long time ago and that modern Germany is an industrialized and democratic country.
Respect their religious habits; especially that everything is closed on Sundays (with the exception of a few bars).
Contrary to popular belief, the Cook Islands own history doesn't include head hunting but there was a large loss of life during the '''earlier''' World War I (1914-1918) fighting for the British against the Germany and Central Powers.
Internet access is expensive. Registering for dial-up access as a visitor will cost $25 and then $7 per hour after that.
GSM 900 band mobile roaming is available, provided your home GSM provider has a roaming agreement.
Public phones are available in the major towns. International calling charges are expensive.
Telecom Cook Islands (Oyster) offers Wifi service in some hotels in Rarotonga and the airport. Prepaid cards in various denominations can be purchased from the hotels and the post office.