New Zealand woman dies on holiday in Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a popular holiday spot for Kiwis. Photo / Cook Islands Tourism

A New Zealand tourist has died while on holiday in the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Police said the 66-year-old woman got into trouble while snorkelling in the Avaavaroa Passage – a stretch of water considered to be a dangerous spot where there have been many previous drownings.

“She had been snorkelling with friends,” police said in a statement.

The New Zealander was recovered unresponsive from the lagoon in Vaimaanga on Wednesday afternoon local time (Thursday afternoon NZT), according to the Cook Islands News.

Cook Islands Police said CPR was carried out by local tour staff. However, the woman could not be saved and was later pronounced dead.

This afternoon, local police confirmed that the tourist’s death has since been referred to the coroner by police.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said officials were aware of reports of the New Zealander’s death.

“Due to privacy reasons, no further information will be provided.”