Cook Islands - Fees
Fees are normally payable on departure. Many ports also charge a daily mooring fee.
If only planning a short visit to the Cook Islands, fees are high.
Port Fees
Port Fees – Avatiu, Rarotonga:
Ports tariff fees increased by 6% in July 2023 – VAT inclusive (the last tariff increase was back in 2018). July 1st 2024 fees are expected to increase a further 6% in Avatiu.
Port dues are based on the following with the day of arrival and day of departure each counting as one day, regardless of arrival and departure time. Immigration and port health require payment in cash. Customs, Biosecurity and Harbour fees can be paid by cash or credit card.
- Monohull/Single Hull Yachts: NZ$ 2.80 per metre per day
- Multi‐Hull Yachts: NZ$ 4.02 per metre per day.
- Motor Yachts/Super Yachts: NZ$ 3.17 per metre per day / NZ$ 0.85 per GRT
Port Fees – Arutanga, Aitutaki:
These port fees here are administered by the island government. Approximate charge for mooring NZ$5 per day.
Border Agency Clearance Fees:
- Departure Fee: NZ$ 79.23/pp (children under 12 exempt).
- Customs Fee: NZ$ 57 / Sunday and Public Holidays: NZ$ 114.75
- Health Fees: NZ$ 15 on weekdays / NZ$ 40 on weekends.
- Immigration Fees: NZ$ 50 per hour.
- Biosecurity Inspection: NZ$ 50 (after hours NZ$ 75).
Other Fees:
- Visa extension fee amounts to NZ$ 470 for 3 months per person.
- Overtime is charged before 08:00 and after 16:00 on weekdays, and all day at weekends and public holidays.
- For fees charged at Palmerston Atoll see the Palmerston Atoll page.
- For fees charged at Suwarrow see the Suwarrow Island page.
- For fees charged at Penrhyn see the Penrhyn Atoll page.
Last updated: May 2024
Read and Post Related Comments
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Formalities: Pets
Related to following destinations: Cook Islands
Country Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Cook Islands
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
Why does this information conflict with the official government site linked to in the document and where does the Noonsite information come fom. The formalities here state that there are only two ports of entry, while the government site shows 8 ports of entry. The Cook Island Port authority also agrees with the Cook Island government site. Is this outdate Covid information?
Dear Wray,
Firstly, thanks for joining Noonsite and for making contact with us.
When reviewing formalities for any country, please take a look at the “last updated” date. Each clearance section has this. You will see the Cooks were updated last month.
All our formalities are checked with official sources. Official websites can often be out of date, very much the case with the Cooks. We always verify with the authorities themselves to get the latest “from the horses mouth”.
The Cooks Islands Customs department confirmed with us just last month that only 2 ports of entry are open for small craft at this time – full details in the Formalities section – https://www.noonsite.com/place/cook-islands/view/clearance/.
Of course, information does go out of date quickly and things are always changing, so do drop us a line if you want to double check information on the site at any time.
And it goes without saying, that a quick email, or posting a comment on the country page, to confirm the formalities were as outlined on Noonsite (or not, should this the be the case), is a HUGE help for us.
If I can be of further assistance – just let me know.
Sue
Palmerston Island Government with its multi-agency partners will be implementing a rat eradication project in July and August 2023. The bait laying phase of the project will take place during the month of August and the Palmerston Island Government has imposed a restriction on visitors to Palmerston during this month. Ships and sailing vessels (small crafts) are restricted from calling into Palmerston during this period until the restriction is lifted.
It is no longer possible to clear into the Southern Cook Islands at Palmerston Island. All yachts must first clear at an official port of entry before proceeding to Palmerston. Landing fees on the island have also increased from NZ$5 to NZ$10 per person. Cruisers should also note that Suwar-row in the Northern Cook Islands is closed until June 1st, 2023.
From Brent Crack and Mary Bevan:
The people of Rarotonga are so friendly and welcoming. Feels much like Rapa Nui or Pitcairn. Bananas have already been delivered without being asked for.
The yachting facilities/infrastructure absolutely sucks. They are not set up in any way for us. Oh well.
We had planned to stay longer but have a weather window straight to New Zealand so we will leave today.
AITUTAKI. Dredging has started to improve the entrance and Channel to the harbour. When finished, it will be 5m deep and 15m wide. The south and north basin either side of the wharf, will be 4m deep. The north basin will be for visitors. The south basin will provide space for local boats and visitors. Initially, visitors will anchor and tie back. When funds are available, moorings and shore facilities wil be provided.
The Cook Islands Ministry of Transport and sports and Tourism will publish correct marine information relating to access as more details are known mid-2022.