Getting Here is a Breeze
Flights
Direct flights to Rarotonga are available from New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, and the United States with seamless domestic connections to Aitutaki, making our little paradise close to home yet a world away.
You’ll be enjoying the beach, and doing as little or as much as you like in no time!
International
International flights to Rarotonga, the main hub of the Cook Islands, arrive from Auckland, Christchurch (from 26 May - October 2026), Sydney, Brisbane, Honolulu, and Papeete with flights throughout the week.
Flights from New Zealand
Air New Zealand operates daily flights from Auckland, with up to three daily flights in peak season (June to October) some days. Afternoon flights provide same-day connections from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Jetstar operate flights from Auckland on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Air New Zealand operates a seasonal direct service from Christchurch to Rarotonga from May through October 2026, up to three times weekly. Flights operate on a Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Book Air NZ Book Jetstar
Flights from Australia
Jetstar flies direct in 6 hours from Sydney 4 days per week and Brisbane 3 days per week. As Australian visitors cross the international date line and arrive early morning the same day, it is advisable to book accommodation from the night before, to ensure your room is ready for immediate occupancy upon arrival.
Alternatively, visitors from Australia can connect via Auckland with Jetstar and Air New Zealand. From June to October Air New Zealand operate some flights offering same day connection from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Jetstar flights leave Auckland mid-afternoon, allowing same day connection from some Australian cities. Auckland to Rarotonga flights are just under 4 hours.
Book Jetstar Book Air NZ
Flights from United States
Fly to the Cook Islands from Hawaiʻi with a weekly direct flight between Honolulu and Rarotonga. Thanks to extensive connections into Honolulu from cities across the United States and Canada, this route offers one of the easiest ways to reach the Cook Islands from the US. Depart Honolulu on Friday afternoon and arrive in Rarotonga the same evening, ready to start your island holiday.
Southbound (HNL/RAR)
FRI HNL/RAR Dep 1600, Arr 2215
Northbound (RAR/HNL)
SAT RAR/HNL Dep 1205, Arr 1805
Book Hawaiian AirlinesTravel from Los Angeles to the Cook Islands via Tahiti with four weekly services connecting through Papeete. This route makes it easy to reach Rarotonga from the US mainland while also giving travellers the option to experience both the Cook Islands and Tahiti in the same trip. With regular departures and a straightforward connection, it's a popular choice for visitors travelling from across North America.
South Bound (LAX/PPT/RAR)
TUE LAX/PPT Dep 2345, Arr 0500+1 (Transit 3h40m) -> WED PPT/RAR Dep 0840 Arr 1120
WED LAX/PPT Dep 2345, Arr 0500+1 (Transit 7h20m) -> THU PPT/RAR Dep 1220 Arr 1505
FRI LAX/PPT Dep 2345, Arr 0500+1 (Transit 3h35m) -> SAT PPT/RAR Dep 0835 Arr 1120
SAT LAX/PPT Dep 2345, Arr 0500+1 (Transit 5h40m) -> SUN PPT/RAR Dep 1040 Arr 1320
Northbound (RAR/PPT/LAX)
TUE RAR/PPT Dep 1420, Arr 1700 (Transit 6h45m) -> TUE PPT/LAX Dep 2345 Arr 0930+1
THU RAR/PPT Dep 1600, Arr 1845 (Transit 5h00m) -> THU PPT/LAX Dep 2345 Arr 0930+1
SAT RAR/PPT Dep 1215, Arr 1500 (Transit 8h59m) -> SAT PPT/LAX Dep 2359 Arr 1045+1
SUN RAR/PPT Dep 0700, Arr 0940 (Transit 11h50m)-> SUN PPT/LAX Dep 2130 Arr 0715+1
Book Air Tahiti Nui
Flights from Tahiti
Enjoy seamless travel between Papeete and Rarotonga with four weekly flights operated jointly by Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti. Thanks to their shared partnership, you can book your tickets for any of these days on either airline's website, regardless of which airline is flying the plane. Air Rarotonga operates the Wednesday and Sunday services, while Air Tahiti operates the Thursday and Saturday services. Flight time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Westbound (PPT/RAR)
WED PPT/RAR Dep 0840 Arr 1120
THU PPT/RAR Dep 1220 Arr 1505
SAT PPT/RAR Dep 0835 Arr 1120
SUN PPT/RAR Dep 1040 Arr 1320
Eastbound (RAR/PPT)
TUE RAR/PPT Dep 1420, Arr 1700
THU RAR/PPT Dep 1600, Arr 1845
SAT RAR/PPT Dep 1215, Arr 1500
SUN RAR/PPT Dep 0700, Arr 0940
Book Air Tahiti Book Air Rarotonga
Domestic
Getting to Aitutaki
Daily flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki are operated by Air Rarotonga, with multiple departures per day and an average flight time of 50 minutes. Many services are timed to connect with international arrivals into Rarotonga, including code share options with Air New Zealand.
Getting to Atiu & Mangaia
Flights from Rarotonga to Atiu and Mangaia depart on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with an average flight time of 45 minutes.
Getting to Other Outer Islands (Pa Enua)
It's best to explore packages with Island Hopper Vacations. If booking independently, note that Air Rarotonga operates demand-based flights to these islands (not fixed schedules).
Arriving in Rarotonga
Rarotonga Airport
After landing, present your passport, arrival card, proof of accommodation, and proof of return flight.
Your airport transfer awaits at their designated collection desk. Car hire is available right at Arrivals from Polynesian Rentals and Avis, alongside an ATM and the Vodafone Cook Islands shop for Visitor SIM cards.
Flying straight out to Aitutaki? Domestic Departures is just a 1 minute walk down the corridor from Arrivals (after exiting customs).
Entry Requirements to Consider
- A valid passport is required, and must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of departure from the Cook Islands (common airline requirement)
- A Visitor Permit is granted on arrival, with New Zealand passport holders receiving 90 days, all other passports up to 31 days
- Show your proof of departure from the Cook Islands and proof of accommodation on the islands
