The Low Down on Cook Islands Currency
Currency: | New Zealand dollar |
Currency code: | NZD |
Central Bank: | Reserve Bank of New Zealand |
Currency symbol: | $ (dollar) |
Nickname: | kiwi |
Currency sub unit: | c (cent) |
Bank notes: | $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 |
Coins: | 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 |
In the Cook Islands, the official currency is the New Zealand dollar. 1 Dollar is divided into 100 cents, although some 50 cent coins carry the denomination as ’50 tene’.
Until 1967 the New Zealand pound was used in the Cook Islands, before being replaced by the New Zealand dollar. In 1972, Cook Island specific coins were produced and in 1987 Cook Island banknotes also appeared.
The Cook Islands dollar is pegged at par to the New Zealand dollar and the two are treated as much the same and are both accepted throughout the Cook Islands.
What to spend your dollars on**:
Bottle of Wine
35 NZD
Cup of coffee
5 NZD
1km taxi ride
5 NZD
Dinner for two
35 NZD
Snorkel set hire
11 NZD
Exchanging New Zealand Dollars Online is Easy
Order New Zealand dollars online, lock in the rate and collect at your local store or at the airport before you fly.
FAQ Relating to Cook Islands Currency
Back to top- What is the official currency of the Cook Islands?
The two official currencies of the Cook Islands are the Cook Island dollar and the New Zealand dollar. These currencies are pegged to each other at par and are both widely used throughout the Cook Islands.
- Why is the NZD used in the Cook Islands?
The NZD is used in the Cook Islands due to the political and cultural ties shared between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
- Is cash or card preferred throughout the Cook Islands?
Although there are ATMs scattered throughout Rarotonga and Aitutaki (and cards are widely accepted there), you may need cash for travel on many of the smaller islands.