Cook Islands

There are severe penalties for possessing or importing even small amounts of drugs, including deportation and imprisonment.

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal. However, showing affection in public may be considered offensive.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

In the Cook Islands, the only ATMs are on the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Credit and some debit cards are widely accepted on Rarotonga and some places on Aitutaki. You must use cash on the other islands.

There are no banks in Tokelau, so you’ll need to bring cash with you.

In Niue, most businesses accept New Zealand debit cards, Mastercard and Visa. Some businesses offer cashback. There are no ATMs in Niue, but you can withdraw cash from Kiwibank in Alofi. Kiwibank accepts only New Zealand debit cards, Mastercard and Visa.

The South Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April. There are severe storms across the region, although the risk varies between countries and from season to season. On average, there are around 9 tropical cyclones each season, with some likely to be classified ‘severe’ (category 3 or higher).

Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. If you’re staying in a hotel, follow the guidance of hotel management or your tour operator.

There is a heightened risk of tsunamis in low-lying island countries in the Pacific. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an tsunami.