Which Airlines Fly Directly to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands? [2024]

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Air New Zealand

As a self-governed state in association with New Zealand, the Cook Islands has a strong relationship with New Zealand. With that, New Zealand is one of the easiest countries to make connections with the Cook Islands, particularly with New Zealand’s national airline, Air New Zealand.

The most frequent flight Air New Zealand runs is from Auckland (New Zealand) to Rarotonga (4 hours) with flights running once or twice a day and returning the same day. Auckland Airport has a vast array of connecting flights to other international destinations, should you want to make Auckland your stopover.

Air New Zealand also runs flights between Sydney (Australia) and Rarotonga (6 hours) with flights running at least once a week and returning the same day. Sydney Airport also has a vast array of connecting flights to other international destinations, should you want to make Sydney your stopover.

Find out more about flying to Rarotonga International Airport in our guide, Cook Islands Arrival Airport: Which Airport to Fly into the Cook Islands.

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Jetstar

The budget airline, Jetstar, is another airline that has direct flights to the Cook Islands. They are the airline to choose if you want the cheapest airfares possible to the Cook Islands. Not only do they tend to offer the lowest direct airfares to Rarotonga but they claim a “10% price beat guarantee” on comparable online airfares. However, their schedule to the Cook Islands is less frequent than other airlines, therefore are not always the most convenient option.

Jetstar runs a scattered timetable of flights between New Zealand, Australia and Rarotonga. Flights depart from Auckland (New Zealand) for Rarotonga (4 hours) every two days and return the same day. From Sydney (Australia) to Rarotonga (6 hours), flights depart and return twice weekly.

Auckland Airport and Sydney Airport have a vast array of connecting flights to other international destinations, should you want to make Auckland or Sydney your stopover.

Find out more about saving on flights to the Cook Islands in our guide on How to Book a Cheap Flight to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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Hawaiian Airlines

One of the best gateway routes between the Cook Islands and the Northern Hemisphere is via Hawaiian Airlines.

Offering nonstop flights between the Hawaiian island of Honolulu and Rarotonga (6 hours) once a week, Hawaiian Airlines is one of the best options for North American travellers to make their way to the Cook Islands.

On the downside, flights are only available once a week on weekends, giving less room for flexible travel dates. Nevertheless, those wishing to reduce their flight times from the US and Canada may just think that the rigid travel dates are worth it. Learn more about the flight times to the Cook Islands in What are the Flight Times to Rarotonga?

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Air Rarotonga

The national airline of the Cook Islands, Air Rarotonga not only provides all domestic flights between the islands of the Cook Islands but also operates international flights between Rarotonga and Tahiti (French Polynesia).

Flights with Air Rarotonga operate between Papeete (Tahiti) and Rarotonga (2 h 25 mins) with around two return flights per week.

Additionally, learn more about flying to the outer islands of the Cook Islands with Air Rarotonga in our guide, Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

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Air Tahiti

Also servicing the route between Rarotonga and Tahiti (French Polynesia), Air Tahiti provides an alternative airline to do some island-hopping. Note that the airline is not to be confused with Air Tahiti Nui.

Flights with Air Tahiti operate between Papeete (Tahiti) and Rarotonga (2 h 25 mins) with around two return flights per week. Connecting to a well-connected international airport, Papeete International Airport (PPT), this route is one of the best options for North American and Japanese travellers to make their way to the Cook Islands.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Flights to the Cook Islands

What are the questions the internet has about which airlines fly directly to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands? Check them out.

Can You Fly Direct from Australia to Rarotonga?

Yes, you can fly direct from Australia to Rarotonga. Air New Zealand and Jetstar operate flights between Sydney and Rarotonga.