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TRAVEL TIPS

WHEN TO GO ELECTRICITY
In the South Pacific Islands the drier months Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu: 240V 50Hz.
are from April to October. This time of the year An adapter is required.
enjoys less humidity and pleasant temperatures
for lounging on the beach, snorkelling, diving CURRENCY
and hiking. The waters of the South Pacific are The New Zealand dollar is the official unit of
a snorkellers dream where you can find whales, currency in the Cook Islands. ATMs are in
turtles and a kaleidoscope of colourful fish. Keep abundance in Rarotonga and a couple can be
an eye out for the majestic humpback whales found in Aitutaki. In Samoa the local currency is
as they make an amazing journey to the Cook Samoan Tala and in Vanuatu the Vanuatu Vata.
Islands waters to breed and calve from July ATMs can be found throughout Samoa generally
through to October. Temperatures in the South only in Urban areas. Beyond Port Vila and
Pacific Islands are constant year-round, whilst the
Cook Islands Tourism/Alexandra Adoncella tropical showers and storms. During the green It is always a good idea to carry some local cash
Luganville in Vanuatu there are very few ATMs.
warmer months of November to March can bring
on you in all three countries, as not all venues
season, get off the beaten path and see the many
have card payment facilities.
spectacular waterfalls in full flow.
TIPPING & BARGAINING
VISAS & PASSPORTS
A valid passport is required with at least six months
tipping is not practised or expected, however
validity beyond the date of departure from New In The Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa,
leaving a small monetary gift for good service
Zealand. For the Cook Islands and Samoa, a visa will be welcomed.
is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Travellers
who hold a New Zealand passport will be granted
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT stays in Vanuatu without a visa for up to 30 days. LANGUAGE
As visa information can change at anytime, we Cook Islands: Cook Islands Mauri is the native
recommend you seek advice regarding passports, language.
visas, and other information from the countries you Samoa: Samoan is the official language.
intend visiting from the New Zealand Government
at https://www.govt.nz. Vanuatu: French and Bislama (Pidgin English) are
both spoken.
TIME English is widely spoken throughout all islands
The Cook Islands are 22 hours behind New Zealand and is used in hotels and restaurants.
Standard time and Samoa is ahead of New Zealand
time by 1 hour. Vanuatu is 2 hours behind New
Zealand time, however New Zealand observes
daylight savings from September to April and as
SAMOA such the time difference is reduced by 1 hour.
Apia •

American TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
Samoa
• Pago Pago  Cook Islands J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 29 29 29 28 27 26 25 25 25 26 27 28
Average rainfall (mm) 230 252 275 202 152 127 101 127 127 126 152 202
Vanuatu J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 31 31 30 29 28 27 26 26 27 28 30 30
Nadi • Fiji Average rainfall (mm) 270 293 323 215 168 161 92 86 90 104 135 191
F
Samoa
J
J
M
M
A
S
O
N
A
D
J

VANUATU Temperature (max ºC) 30 29 30 30 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 30
• Port Vila  Average rainfall (mm) 455 386 358 254 160 130 81 89 132 170 267 371
Aitutaki •

Niue • Alofi 
Nuku’alofa • Tonga

COOK ISLANDS
New Caledonia
International Date Line • Rarotonga 

PACIFIC OCEAN

Norfolk Island

Rarotonga Cook Islands Tourism 7