Cook Islands Registration

The Cook Islands are a self-governing nation of 15 islands in the South Pacific in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islanders are also New Zealand citizens.

The country's ship register is an international open registry run by Maritime Cook Islands, with its main office in Rarotonga and offices in Europe. It accepts private and commercial yachts with no size or age limits.

General Information

• Location: South Pacific — capital Avarua (Rarotonga)
• Status: Self-governing, in free association with New Zealand
• Official languages: English and Cook Islands Māori
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar
• Legal system: based on English / New Zealand common law

Key Features

• There are no size or age limits for yacht registration.
• Registration can be taken for 1, 3 or 5 years; a multi-year term saves annual renewals.
• Owners may choose Avatiu or Arutanga as port of registry.
• Owners can also register through Cook Islands Yacht Squadron membership without forming a local company.
• The register records private and commercial yachts separately.

Who Is It For?

• Owners of older or classic yachts looking for a register without limits.
• Owners who want to simplify matters with a long-term, multi-year registration.