Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
The full Guide covers all 27 highlights,
ranked, mapped & put into context.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Tetanus shots are recommended for the Cook Islands. Consider Hepatitis B if you plan on risky activities. Rabies isn’t a concern. Always update your routine vaccinations like MMR and the flu shot. Check your local travel clinic for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Cook Islands, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Cook IslandsCulture & Customs
Do: Respect the Sunday rest day; most locals attend church and relax, so plan around this. Always ask permission before photographing people or private property. Dress modestly, especially in villages—covering shoulders and knees is appreciated.
Don’t: Avoid public displays of affection, as they’re generally frowned upon. Don’t sit on tables or step over someone—considered disrespectful.
LGBTQ+ Travelers: While the Cook Islands are generally welcoming, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may not be accepted everywhere.
Women Travelers: Generally safe, but as with anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Cook Islands.
- Ika Mata: This is the Cook Islands’ version of ceviche. It’s made with raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and coconut cream, usually mixed with diced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. It’s a staple at local gatherings and offers a refreshing taste of the Pacific.
- Rukau: A traditional dish made from taro leaves, similar to spinach, cooked with coconut cream. It’s often served as a side dish and represents the island’s love for coconut-based flavors.
- Poke: Not to be confused with Hawaiian poke, this is more of a pudding made with arrowroot or banana and coconut cream, often enjoyed as a dessert. Its texture and rich coconut flavor make it a favorite at feasts.
- Umukai: This is not a single dish, but rather a traditional method of cooking food in an underground oven (umu). Various meats and vegetables are cooked together, offering a communal and authentic eating experience.
Locals in the Cook Islands often drink tap water, but it’s generally advised for tourists to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. While the water is treated, it may not be up to everyone’s standards for drinking. It’s cheap and easy to find bottled water, so better safe than sorry.
The main language in Cook Islands is
Rarotongan. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Rarotongan skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Cook Islands includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In the Cook Islands,
English is widely spoken and understood, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate. The islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, and English is one of the official languages, alongside Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan). Most locals, particularly in tourist areas, are fluent in English, and you’ll find that many signs, menus, and informational materials are available in English as well.
While English is prevalent, you may also encounter some variations in accent and local expressions. In more remote areas or with older generations, proficiency in English may vary, but basic communication is generally manageable. Locals are friendly and often eager to assist, so don’t hesitate to engage with them, even if it means using simple phrases or gestures.
Overall, English serves as a bridge for visitors, ensuring that exploring the beautiful islands, engaging with the culture, and enjoying local experiences is accessible and enjoyable.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Cook Islands is NZD ($).
When backpacking through the Cook Islands, you’ll want to keep a few money tips in mind. First off, ATMs are mostly found on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, so if you’re heading to other islands, stock up on cash beforehand. The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), so forget about euros or USD—stick with NZD.
While credit cards are accepted at most larger hotels and some restaurants, smaller local spots and markets operate on a cash-only basis. When it comes to exchanging money, your best bet is to do it at banks on Rarotonga for reasonable rates. Avoid exchanging at the airport since rates aren’t as favorable.
Always carry a bit of cash, especially if you plan to explore the more remote islands. Keep your cards handy but don’t rely solely on them. It’s all about finding that balance between convenience and accessibility.
Tipping in the Cook Islands isn’t a common practice, and service staff don’t expect it. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip or rounding up the bill can be appreciated. Focus more on expressing gratitude with a smile and a simple ”meitaki” (thank you).
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.