Why go
- Island of the Cook Islands.
- Served by Rarotonga International Airport (RAR).
History
Rarotonga is the largest and most populous island of the country of the Cook Islands. The island is volcanic, with an area of 67.39 km2 (26.02 sq mi), and is home to 72% of the country's population, with 10,898 of a total population of 15,040. Avarua, on the north coast, is the location of the Parliament buildings and the capital of the Cook Islands. The country's international airport is also in Avarua, and Rarotonga is a popular tourist destination, with many resorts, hotels and motels.
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 5 airlines, 9 direct destinations
- Air Rarotonga GZ (EMB, Saab 340, ATR 42) · 6 routes: Aitutaki, Atiu Island, Mangaia Island, Mauke Island, Mitiaro Island, Papeete*
- Air New Zealand NZ (767-300, A320, 777-200, Saab 340, EMB) · 4 routes: Aitutaki*, Auckland, Los Angeles, Sydney
- US Airways US (767-300, A320, 777-200) · 2 routes: Auckland*, Los Angeles*
- Air Tahiti VT (ATR) · 1 route: Papeete
- Virgin Australia VA (737-800) · 1 route: Auckland*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.
Milder and quieter, with better value.
The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Rarotonga International Airport (RAR). Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: RAR has direct flights to 9 destinations on 5 airlines (incl. Auckland, Aitutaki, Los Angeles, Papeete, Atiu Island…). By water: 1 ferry terminal within 20 km (nearest: Cruise Berth for Tender, 3.8 km).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.