Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti Strengthen Tahiti-Rarotonga Route with Expanded Service

By
Cook Islands Tourism

Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti have announced an expanded schedule for the Tahiti-Rarotonga route, doubling the current service to four flights per week from June 29 to December 28, 2025. This marks the highest level of connectivity ever offered between our two island nations, with each airline operating two flights per week under codeshare agreements (Air Rarotonga’s “GZ” and Air Tahiti’s “VT”).


The additional flights aim to attract discerning travellers from key international markets, particularly in the northern hemisphere, who seek authentic cultural experiences and the unique offerings of the Cook Islands. The route also enhances access via Air Tahiti Nui’s international network, connecting France, North America, and beyond, to Tahiti.


“The success of the Papeete service to date has provided momentum for this next step in solidifying the route,” said Karla Eggelton, CEO of Cook Islands Tourism. “Our role will be to support these strengthened airline partnerships and ensure that our promotions and marketing strategies capitalise on these new developments.”


The Tahiti-Rarotonga route has already demonstrated its potential to attract visitors. Les Maisons du Voyage, a Paris-based travel agency specializing in cultural tourism, recently visited Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Atiu via this route. They praised the convenience of the service, the islands’ natural beauty, and the rich cultural offerings, highlighting the appeal of a combined Tahiti and Cook Islands itinerary for discerning travellers.


Noeline Mateariki, Director of Destination Marketing at Cook Islands Tourism, highlighted the timeliness of the announcement. “The additional flights align perfectly with our upcoming promotional activities in key northern markets, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Italy,” she said. “Increased flight frequency provides more options for visitors, making the Cook Islands more accessible and easier to include in travel itineraries. Codeshare partnerships simplify the booking process for both travel agents and customers, and we are equipping our team with this new information to bring to market.”


Since its commencement, the Tahiti-Rarotonga route has steadily grown. Air Rarotonga launched weekly flights to Tahiti on August 13, 2022, and Air Tahiti resumed its own weekly service on June 24, 2023. The steady growth of this route has paved the way for this expanded service.



To book flights on the Tahiti-Rarotonga route, visit:


Tahiti-Rarotonga Flight Information: (as at 08/01/2025)


Flight Number Code Share Carrier Eff Date Dis Date Frequency Origin Departure Time Destination Arrival Time
GZ037 VT1037 Air Rarotonga - GZ 01/01/2025 open Tuesday RAR 14:20 PPT 17:00
GZ032 VT1032 Air Rarotonga - GZ 01/01/2025 open Wednesday PPT 08:40 RAR 11:20
GZ037 VT1037 Air Rarotonga - GZ 29/06/2025 28/12/2025 Sunday RAR 07:00 PPT 09:40
GZ032 VT1032 Air Rarotonga - GZ 29/06/2025 28/12/2025 Sunday PPT 10:40 RAR 13:20
VT035 GZ035 Air Tahiti - VT 01/01/2025 open Saturday PPT 08:40 RAR 11:20
VT037 GZ037 Air Tahiti - VT 01/01/2025 open Saturday RAR 12:20 PPT 15:05
VT034 GZ034 Air Tahiti - VT 03/07/2025 03/07/2025 Thursday PPT 12:20 RAR 15:05
VT036 GZ036 Air Tahiti - VT 03/07/2025 03/07/2025 Thursday RAR 16:00 PPT 18:45
VT034 GZ034 Air Tahiti - VT 10/07/2025 17/07/2025 Thursday PPT 12:40 RAR 15:15
VT036 GZ036 Air Tahiti - VT 10/07/2025 17/07/2025 Thursday RAR 16:10 PPT 18:45
VT034 GZ034 Air Tahiti - VT 24/07/2025 24/07/2025 Thursday PPT 12:20 RAR 15:05
VT036 GZ036 Air Tahiti - VT 24/07/2025 24/07/2025 Thursday RAR 16:00 PPT 18:45
VT034 GZ034 Air Tahiti - VT 07/08/2025 14/08/2025 Thursday PPT 12:40 RAR 15:15
VT036 GZ036 Air Tahiti - VT 07/08/2025 14/08/2025 Thursday RAR 16:10 PPT 18:45
VT034 GZ034 Air Tahiti - VT 21/08/2025 25/12/2025 Thursday PPT 12:20 RAR 15:05
VT036 GZ036 Air Tahiti - VT 21/08/2025 25/12/2025 Thursday RAR 16:00 PPT 18:45