Amended Air Border Entry Requirements

There have been amendments to the Cook Islands Air Border Entry Requirements which come into force 01 March 2022. Amendments are as follows:

• Children under the age of 5 years and 3 months are now exempt from the vaccination requirement - the change relates to travellers from Group 1 (Visitors/tourists)
• There is now an exemption to allow entry to partially vaccinated children under 12 years - this change relates to travellers from Groups 2 (Diplomats & Permit Holders) & 3 (Cook Islanders & Cook Islands Permanent Residents)
• Entry is now allowed to travellers (Groups 1, 2 & 3) who return a positive PCR test but are no longer infectious. A letter will be required from either the NZ Ministry of Health or their General Practitioner confirming the traveller is a historic case and no longer infectious.   
  
  More details to follow with the updated Travel Advisory 
  ➡️ Amended Air Border Entry Requirements

Rarotonga on Sale in New Zealand

Last week in the NZ market Air NZ released a tactical airfare of $250 per person seat only one-way from Auckland to Rarotonga. To support this campaign, Cook Islands Tourism had 15 and 30-second ads playing on mainstream radio, 60-sec adlibs on New Zealand’s largest radio station, Newstalk ZB, as well as digital and video activity with major NZ wholesalers, which included press. Sales ended on 21 February 2022. Travel 01- 30 May 2022. 

Key messaging continues to be “the Cook Islands where you can travel to with no quarantine or isolation in either country". 

Cook Islands Pocket Guide on-location research wraps up

The first formal visit to the Cook Islands by South Pacific Pocket Guide took place from 7 - 22 February, with on-location research conducted on both Rarotonga & Aitutaki.
"We are a step closer to having our first travel guide for the Cook Islands from South Pacific Pocket Guide", says Noeline Mateariki of Cook Islands Tourism.

The online travel guide for the Cook Islands is expected to be published in early June 2022 and will be updated and maintained online afterwards.

Vainepoto steps up as Interim Sustainable Tourism Manager 

The Destination Development team welcomes Vainepoto Tangaroa as the interim Sustainable Tourism Manager whilst Sieni Tiraa is on maternity leave, after welcoming a healthy baby boy. Vainepoto moves from the Destination Marketing team as a Digital Marketing Coordinator within Cook Islands Tourism. She acknowledges the responsibility that comes with the new role and is excited about the opportunity. This time will give her the opportunity to grow professionally and personally and offer support to Destination Development.

Air New Zealand Flight Schedule Released

Air New Zealand has recently released their first flight schedule for 2022 since our borders opened in February.
Click here for the most up to date schedule. 

Dining & Activities List 

The list of dining and activity options for Rarotonga and Aitutaki is continually being updated. This is a great reference when dealing with visitors or just to stay updated with what's currently on offer. This list covers opening days/hours, rates, and contact information - everything you'll need to assist a query. 

If your business is not on this list or it needs to be updated, please email:  headoffice@cookislands.gov.ck

Have you checked your listing? 

Have you checked your listing on our website? We're asking all our industry members to take the time to check that your listing is up to date. 
How can you check and update your listing? 
1: Check your listing here: cookislands.travel
2: Update and changes to your listing here
If you have any questions/queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on +682 29435 or email online@cookislands.gov.ck