Cook Islands and Los Angeles

British passport holders do not require a visa to visit the Cook Islands for stays of up to 31 days.

However, please be aware that access to the Cook Islands usually requires travel via the USA or New Zealand, both of which have entry requirements that you must adhere to (namely, an ESTA for the USA and an ETA for NZ).

The currency is the New Zealand dollar, although there are a few local coins and notes used in the islands, including a triangular $2 coin and the unique $3 note! These are not legal tender outside the Cook Islands, but are keenly sought by collectors worldwide.

There are no direct flights to the Cook Islands from the UK or Europe. Access is usually via the USA and Tahiti, taking around 29 hours including connection time in Los Angeles and Papeete. You can also travel via Auckland, taking the travel time to around 33 hours.

The time difference is GMT -10 hours.

MMR, flu and Hepatitis A vaccinations are currently recommended for the Cook Islands. For any current travel health advice, you should seek guidance from your GP at least six weeks prior to travel.

The Cook Islands are the ideal place to get out and about and 'live like a local'. All our resorts offer bed and breakfast along with lunch and dinner options, but instead of All Inclusive deals, we recommend exploring the local area and sampling the delights of nearby restaurants and bars.

When it comes to your Cook Islands suitcase essentials, we'd suggest everything you'd pack for a tropical island holiday: sunglasses, light clothes, sun cream, swimming gear and any snorkelling gear you might want to bring (if you don't have any don't worry, the resort will have some for hire). If you're staying on Rarotonga you may want to tackle some of the many hiking trails, so some sturdy walking shoes are a must.

If you have any questions on what to pack for a holiday to the Cook Islands, then please get in touch and our South Pacific specialists will be happy to help.

Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the majority of Cook Islanders live there. It's also home to the country's main international gateway and the national capital, Avarua.

The Cook Islands is home to just over 17,000 people, with over half of the population based on the biggest island, Rarotonga. Five of the 15 islands are uninhabited.

The Cook Islands lie in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean, midway between Australia and South America. It's an archipelago of 15 islands, which are split into the Northern and Southern island groups. Most visitors head to Rarotonga and Aitutaki, but other islands offer a remote and blissful experience for those looking for an off the beaten track adventure!