Under-12s can travel to the Cook Islands from March

Once fully vaccinated, children aged five and over will be able to travel to the Cook Islands under the travel bubble. Photo / Supplied

The Cook Islands is now open for fully-vaccinated Kiwis ready for some international travel. It remains the only overseas destination that New Zealanders can travel to and from without quarantine or self-isolation at either end.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for some), kids have to stay home, but not for long.

As a popular family destination, it may seem like an unusual call from the Cook Islands.

However, the decision is less about the country's feeling towards our tamariki and more a consequence of the travel bubble's key stipulation; visitors must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Something children under 12 in New Zealand have not been able to do, until now.

Since the Cook Islands' government has said fully vaccinated New Zealanders can visit, Cook Islands Tourism general manager Graeme West said once under 12s were double jabbed, they are welcome to visit.

"If you're, say, a seven years old who can get vaccinated, you'll be able to come to the Cook Islands once you're fully vaccinated," West said.

From January 17 tamariki aged 5 years and over were able to receive their first Covid-19 vaccination.

A second dose can then be received at least eight weeks later.

This means, for children who received their first vaccination on January 17, and get their second dose as soon as possible, they will be fully vaccinated on March 14 and able to travel to the Cook Islands.

As of 14 February 2022, the Cook Islands removed its travel ban on children under 5,
meaning all those under the age of 5 can also enter the Cook Islands from March 1.

The announcement made earlier this month comes at a perfect time for families eager to visit the Cook Islands for the upcoming April holidays between Friday 15 April to Sunday 1 May 2022.

Mr West said, "People can work in a great break without taking too much leave as the April holidays include Easter Friday, Easter Monday and Anzac Day."

Children aged under five must still comply with all other requirements for entry.

Plan your Cook Islands family adventure

Read about how to do Raro 'family style' and check out our top tips for planning a Cook Islands trip.

RAT tests and travel

The bubble for vaccinated New Zealand tourists is open for travel to the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Same-day transit passengers to Aitutaki do not need to have a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

However, anyone wishing to travel domestically between islands must be fully vaccinated and produce a negative RAT result.

Until Wednesday this testing has been free at Rarotonga Airport, but will soon attract a cost.

A spokesperson for Te Marae Ora said they could not say how much this will be, and "negotiations are currently taking place with a contractor and will be advised once confirmed."

To travel to any other part of the Pa Enua travellers must being proof that they have spend a period of 7 days in Rarotonga, be fully vaccinated and produce a negative RAT test result.