Getting to Rarotonga

Plan your
trip

Direct flights from New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti and the USA — then one road, no traffic lights and island time.

Flights
Entry requirements
01Flights02Arriving03Entry requirements04Getting around05Vehicle hire06Stay connected07Good to know

Kia orana

Welcome to paradise

The 15 islands of the Cook Islands sit in the South Pacific, in the same time zone as Hawaiʻi — white sand beaches, blue lagoons and lush green mountains.

There are no branded resorts, no buildings taller than a coconut tree, no crowds and no traffic lights — yet you’ll find modern conveniences and a wide range of places to stay and things to do.

Getting here

Direct flights to Rarotonga

Rarotonga is the Cook Islands’ international gateway, with flights through the week from Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Honolulu and Papeete — plus a seasonal service from Christchurch.

Direct, seasonal and connecting routes to Rarotonga. Schedules change — always confirm with your airline.

Flights by region

Choose your route

Days and times are a guide only — check with your airline before booking.

From New Zealand

Air New Zealand flies daily from Auckland, with extra flights in the June–October peak. Jetstar flies Auckland–Rarotonga on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight time is just under 4 hours.
Air New Zealand →   Jetstar →

From Christchurch

Air New Zealand runs a seasonal direct service from May to October 2026, up to three times a week. It finishes before race week, so November travellers should connect via Auckland.

From Australia

Jetstar flies direct from Sydney (4 days a week) and Brisbane (3 days a week) in about 6 hours. You cross the date line and land early in the morning the same day — book your accommodation from the night before so your room is ready. You can also connect via Auckland.
Jetstar →   Air New Zealand →

From Hawaiʻi

One direct flight a week: leave Honolulu on Friday afternoon and land in Rarotonga the same evening. Honolulu connects easily from across the US and Canada.
Hawaiian Airlines →   Alaska Airlines →

From Los Angeles

Air Tahiti Nui connects LA to Rarotonga via Papeete four times a week — a great way to add Tahiti to your trip.
Air Tahiti Nui →

From Tahiti

Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti share four flights a week between Papeete and Rarotonga (about 2 h 40 min). Book any of the days on either airline’s website.
Air Rarotonga →   Air Tahiti →

Arriving in Rarotonga

Touchdown at Rarotonga Airport

Your passport
Your completed arrival card
Proof of accommodation (printed or on your phone)
Proof of your return or onward flight

Have these ready for the immigration officer. Your transfer will be waiting at its collection desk, and car hire (Polynesian Rentals and Avis), an ATM and the Vodafone shop for visitor SIMs are all right there in Arrivals.

Flying on to Aitutaki?
Domestic Departures is a one-minute walk from Arrivals once you’ve cleared customs. Air Rarotonga flies to Aitutaki several times a day (about 50 minutes).

Travel entry requirements

Before you fly

Normal immigration requirements apply.

Questions about entry?
Contact the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration at immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck, or see the latest Travel Advisory from Cook Islands Tourism.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you leave the Cook Islands.
A visitor permit is granted on arrival: 90 days for New Zealand passport holders, and up to 31 days for all other passports (including Australian).
Need longer? Apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) for an extension — fees apply.
Show proof of a return or onward ticket on arrival (printed or digital).
Show proof of accommodation for your whole stay on arrival (printed or digital).
Travel insurance with medical cover is highly recommended — visitors pay their own medical costs, including evacuation if needed.
Arriving by sea? All travellers must meet the Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2012.

Getting around

One road, no traffic lights

A single main road circles Rarotonga — no traffic lights and just two roundabouts. We drive on the left, at island pace.

Driving

The speed limit is 50 km/h, dropping to 30 km/h in Avarua, Muri and school zones. You must be 16+. A full overseas licence works for up to six months for the vehicle class you hold at home (in English, or with a certified translation). Need a child seat? Book it with your rental company in advance.

Scooters

Helmets are compulsory on Rarotonga for riders and passengers. Already have a motorcycle class on your licence? Pay NZ$20 at the Police Station in Avarua for a visitor licence. If not, you’ll need to pass a short theory and practical test first.

Island bus

Two buses loop the island — Clockwise and Anti-clockwise — and stop anywhere on the main road. Just smile and wave one down.
Bus timetable →

Cycling

The main road is flat, so cycling is easy. Many hotels lend bikes on a first-come basis — hire a bike or e-bike if you want one guaranteed.

Transfers & taxis

Arrange your airport pick-up and drop-off directly or through your accommodation before you arrive. Taxis and tour operators run around the island.

Island hopping

Air Rarotonga flies to Aitutaki several times a day (about 50 min), and to Atiu and Mangaia on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (about 45 min).
Air Rarotonga →

Getting around · Proud Vaka Eiva sponsor

Vehicle hire with Island Car & Bike Hire

Cars, convertibles, people movers and scooters — serving the Cook Islands for over 27 years.

Rarotonga’s award-winning rental company, with a ride for every crew — from a convertible for two to a people mover for the whole team. Rates include unlimited kilometres and VAT.

1
Choose your rideCompact cars, convertibles, SUVs, people movers and scooters.
2
Book onlineReserve ahead of race week to lock in your vehicle.
3
We come to youFree pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
Three locations on RarotongaLocal, friendly service around the island whenever you need a hand during your stay.
Before you driveCheck the licence and helmet rules in Getting around above — a full overseas licence works for up to six months.
Book with Island Car & Bike Hire →

Stay connected · Proud Vaka Eiva sponsor

Travel eSIM by Vodafone

Pre-loaded data, minutes and TXTs — ready when you land.

Skip the airport queue — buy a pre-loaded Travel eSIM online before you fly, and you’re connected the moment you land. No SIM swapping needed.

1
Buy onlineRegister and pick your Travel eSIM on Vodafone’s online recharge site.
2
Choose a planSelect one of the two travel plans and complete payment.
3
Scan to activateScan the QR code (or enter the details) when you land — and you’re connected.
Two Travel eSIM plans to choose from
$49NZD · lasts 15 days
  • 10GB4G/LTE data
  • 30minutes
  • 300TXTs
$69NZD · lasts 28 days
  • 20GB4G/LTE data
  • 60minutes
  • 600TXTs
Included minutes and TXTs are to local mobile numbers and these destinations:
Cook IslandsNew ZealandAustraliaUSACanadaUKFranceGermanyFijiSamoaTongaNiueSolomon IslandsPapua New GuineaPhilippines
Need more data?Add 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20 — valid until your Travel SIM expires. Top up in the My Vodafone app or dial *888#.
Before you buyCheck your phone is eSIM-compatible and not locked to your home network. Photo ID is required for Travel SIM registration. Physical Travel SIMs are also sold at the airport and Vodafone stores.
Buy your Travel eSIM →Check eSIM compatibilityPlan details & terms

Good to know

Before you pack

Time zone

GMT−10. Double-check your dates — booking accommodation a day late is a common mistake.

Money

New Zealand dollars. ATMs take Visa and Mastercard (about NZ$5 per withdrawal on international cards) and EFTPOS is widely accepted.

Power

240V, with the same three-pin plugs as New Zealand and Australia.

Language

Cook Islands Māori and English — English is widely spoken on Rarotonga. Kia orana!

Drinking water

Boil tap water before drinking, or refill your bottle at the filtered water stations around the island.

Emergencies

Call 999. For medical help on Rarotonga, visit the Tupapa Outpatient clinic.

Customs

No fresh fruit or vegetables, and declare all food. Duty-free (18+): 200 cigarettes, plus 2 L of wine or spirits or 4.5 L of beer.

Weather

Warm all year. November is the start of the warmer season — expect sunshine with the odd tropical shower.

Information from Cook Islands Tourism

Ready to book?

Check the latest flights, entry requirements and travel advice on the official Cook Islands Tourism website before you go.

Flights
Travel advisory