NEWS SPECIAL
Accessing the almost inaccessible
Accessing the almost inaccessible
Pukapuka, Penrhyn and Manihiki...the stuff of dreams. These unspoiled islands rarely get visitors because they're so difficult to get to....
Well, for two weeks over Christmas, 2009 and New Year, 2010, all three will be a bit more accessible.
During the first week of December, 2009 and again in the first week of January, 2010 the Cook Islands' internal airline, Air Rarotonga will be providing flights to the islands from Samoa. And they'll link up with inbound and outbound services operated by Air New Zealand and low cost carrier, Pacific Blue.
The services are aimed at expatriate Islanders in Australia and New Zealand, but Air Raro managing director, Ewan Smith is fairly certain they'll also attract a few intrepid tourists,, as he explained....
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
Pukapuka Manihiki Penrhyn
The Northern Group islands
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Pukapuka Manihiki Penrhyn
The Northern Group islands
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Air Rarotonga will operate the flights out of Samoa
"We get constant interest from overseas visitors wanting to visit the North but the cost and distance from Rarotonga is prohibitive for many - although dedicated island collectors make it up there."
"Each island has its own unique history of pearling, blackbirding, ocean voyaging and all those other things that fascinate island aficionados."
There will be just 15 seats on each of the flights, which will be operated using tiny Bandeirante aircraft. There's no in flight entertainment (unless you count the in flight magazine), but I've found that just chatting with other passengers more than makes up for that. And if you're looking for luxury hotels when you arrive, this is definitely not for you. Accommodation will be with locals.
The total cost of a round trip to and from New Zealand will be about NZ$2,400 (UKĀ£1,106, US$1,768, 1,199 Euros), which includes the fares from Samoa to Auckland. Conversion rate at 10/10/09 for guidance)
The total cost of a round trip to and from New Zealand will be about NZ$2,400 (UKĀ£1,106, US$1,768, 1,199 Euros), which includes the fares from Samoa to Auckland. Conversion rate at 10/10/09 for guidance)
Contact Air Rarotonga for more details