FINDING PARADISE
A "How To Get There" Guide
A "How To Get There" Guide
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE NEXT?
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS WHERE TO STAY INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS WHERE TO STAY INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
The unspoiled beauty of the Cook Islands is in no small part due to their remoteness. But that doesn't mean they're isolated from the rest of the world. With a bit of careful planning, they are accessible from wherever you live. All flights are to the capital island, Rarotonga. If you want to visit the other islands, click here for information on internal travel by land, sea and air.
FROM NEW ZEALAND
The islands are most easily reached from New Zealand. There are direct flights by Air New Zealand every day from Auckland. A direct flight operates from Christchurch on Fridays, and via Auckland every other day of the week. The Auckland flight takes just under 4 hours and the direct service from Christchurch, 4 hours 40 minutes. The Auckland service is also being timed to link up with internal, Air Rarotonga flights to Aitutaki.
FROM AUSTRALIA
Pacific Blue - partly owned by Virgin boss Richard Branson - has flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. arriving in Rarotonga around 2320 local time. Return flights depart at 0105 local time. It operates via Auckland, New Zealand. Check the Pacific Blue website for full details. Flight schedule correct up to 30 November, 2009
LATEST (December, 2009 update): DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM SYDNEY IN 2010
Air New Zealand will operate a weekly, direct flight from Sydney to Rarotonga every Saturday, from July to October, 2010, as a trial. Fares start at arond NZ$600 one way.
LATEST (December, 2009 update): DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM SYDNEY IN 2010
Air New Zealand will operate a weekly, direct flight from Sydney to Rarotonga every Saturday, from July to October, 2010, as a trial. Fares start at arond NZ$600 one way.
FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD
The best advice for those wanting to visit the islands from anywhere else in the world is to contact your travel agent or favourite airline. If you're planning a round the world trip with the Cook Islands on your itinerary, one option is the Star Alliance which includes Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and Asiana Airlines. RTW tickets offer substantial savings over what you would pay if you booked each flight separately. So...you've no excuse for failing to visit the Cook Islands!
FROM THE USA AND CANADA
Air New Zealand has a direct flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga every Sunday. It takes about 9 hours 45 minutes for the journey.
SOME FRIENDLY ADVICE...
This page is for guidance only. Airlines change their schedules regularly so it's not feasible to give full details of all the flight timings, routings and options. You are strongly advised to check with your chosen airline for up to the minute information.
This page is for guidance only. Airlines change their schedules regularly so it's not feasible to give full details of all the flight timings, routings and options. You are strongly advised to check with your chosen airline for up to the minute information.
FROM TAHITI
Direct flights operate every Tuesday and Saturday between Papeete and Rarotonga. They're a joint venture between the national carriers, Air Tahiti and Air Rarotonga. Air Tahiti turbo prop ATR-72s, seating up to 66 people, make the two and three quarter hour journey between the two islands.
