Cook Islands, Penrhyn (Tongareva): Electronic Payment Facilities Now Available

Reputed to be the largest island atoll of the Cook Islands Penrhyn or Tongareva as it is also the northernmost island and probably one of the most remote and most difficult to access, but it rewards cruisers who make it with an immense spectacular lagoon surrounding by a coral ring.

However, clearance fees and charges could only be payed in cash and in New Zealand dollars¹, which often presented a problem with no foreign currency facilities on the atoll.

Mr Puna John Vano, the Tongareva Island Government Executive Officer has advised Noonsite that they now have electronic payment facilities which means visitors do not have to pay by cash with New Zealand dollars. All entry and exit fees and charges can be paid by credit or debit card.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this facility now, it will make payment of fees and charges much easier for the many visiting yachts coming to Tongareva”, Mr Vano said.

“We are very pleased to see that more and more yachts are visiting Tongareva since the pandemic in 2020. This year we have received more than 60 visiting yachts to our island and they have all been very respectful and behaved well.”

Omoka Village, Penrhyn, Cook Islands Image courtesy of Cook Islands Government.

New Wharf Facilities

In another significant development for the island, a major upgrade of the port and wharf facilities was announced at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in early September and will proceed in partnership with the United States and New Zealand according to the Cook Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown.

Prime Minister Brown said “A project of this significance must belong to Cook Islanders, our people must be part of its delivery, from design and procurement through to construction and the long life of the port that follows. We expect the Cook Islands to be deeply involved at every stage and we intend to put our own skin in the game, so that this port is anchored in a wider system that works for Penrhyn.”

The announcement of the upgrade to the port and wharf facilities was welcomed by the islanders said Mr Vano.

“We have already begun working on the plans for the new facilities as we want to make sure they work best for the island and our visitors,” he said.

The United States built the original port and airfield on Penrhyn more than 80 years ago, infrastructure that has served the people of Tongareva ever since. Upgraded facilities are expected to deliver safer landings, improved access to services, and stronger transport links and economic opportunities for the island.

¹ The New Zealand dollar is the nation’s official currency due to the Cook Islands being a self‑governing state in free association with New Zealand.

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