Page 416 - Melanesia

International airlines that service the Cook Islands are Air New Zea- Water - The water is relatively safe to drink, however it is recommend-
land, Virgin Australia and Air Tahiti. Air New Zealand and Virgin ed to purchase bottled water. In the tropics it is important to drink
Australia has six and five flights respectively a week from Auckland plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.
and Air Tahiti operated by Air Rarotonga has only one flight a week Shopping - There is a good choice of retail outlets along with some
from Tahiti. Air New Zealand also operates direct flights out of Syd- more traditional and unique items of handicraft, jewelry, art and
ney and Los Angeles once a week. Domestic flights are operated by clothing which is available for sale throughout the islands.
Air Rarotonga with daily flights to Aitutaki and scheduled flights to Tipping - There is no tipping or bargaining, it goes against local tradi-
Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, Manihiki, Penryhn and Pukapuka. tion.
For domestic flight schedule please visit www.airraro.com. Diving - Cook Islands provides divers with excellent visibility and a
Duty Free - The allowance is 200 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco, 2 litres plentitude of dive sites including drop-offs, caves, bommies, small
of spirits or wine or 4.5 litres of beer and goods up to the value of wrecks with a variety of corals and fish life. Water temperature ranges
NZD$250. between 23- 29°C. A 3-5mm suit is recommended.
Weather - The climate can be quite changeable from day to day and Departure Tax - A local tax of NZD$55.00 per adult and NZD$25.00
varies throughout the islands. The heaviest rainfall and humidity is per child (2 to 11 years) is payable at the airport upon your departure.
from November to February, average 22-28°C. The drier months are
April to October with an average temperature of 26°C.

Clothing - The emphasis is on light and casual clothing but not too
brief in public places. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings.
Remember to cover up with light cotton clothing at dusk and dawn to
prevent mosquito bites. Sun protection is absolutely essential.

Electricity - 220 - 2 4 0 volts AC, Plug I – same as Australia. (for fur-
ther details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).

Language - The official languages are English and Cook Island Maori.

Religion - Christian influence is predominant throughout the Cook
Islands, also influences of Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints and Sev-
enth Day Adventists are found.