Depending on your point of departure, there are several routes to the Cook Islands. There are a few direct flights from the South Pacific, but most travelers will have to make one or more stopovers before reaching Rarotonga airport, the country’s gateway and a mandatory stop for new arrivals. Discover how to get to the Cook Islands step-by-step from Europe, North America and the Polynesian Triangle.

Getting to the Cook Islands in General

Entry requirements for the Cook Islands are very flexible. Citizens of the European Union, the Schengen Area, North America and Australia do not need a tourist visa if they are staying for less than 30 days. All you need is a valid passport, valid for at least six months before your return flight. New Zealand citizens can stay for up to 90 days. An up-to-date vaccination booklet is recommended.

Newcomers will need to complete immigration forms, providing proof of flight out, local accommodation and sufficient funds. Remember to keep copies of your hotel reservations when clearing customs. Please note that the currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar.

A perhaps trivial constraint, but essential for the continuation of your trip, is the time difference. Departing from Auckland in New Zealand (UTC+13), you’ll arrive on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands (UTC-10), but one day earlier! In fact, despite a relatively short flight, you’ll cross the date line. On your return, you’ll lose a day. This anecdote may seem amusing at first glance, but if you’re not careful, it could upset your hotel reservations or your return flight.

Step 1: Getting to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Rarotonga International Airport, Cook Islands

From Europe and North America

Departures from Europe involve flights with stopovers on the North American continent, the Arabian Peninsula or Singapore. You will then transit New Zealand. Allow at least 32 hours to reach your destination. For technical stopovers in the U.S., an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) is essential. This administrative formality, required and subject to a fee (around USD 17), can be completed online up to a week before departure. Depending on the season, flights cost between USD 1,500 and 2,800 return.

For travelers from Canada or the USA, Air New Zealand offers regular flights to Auckland in New Zealand. Stopovers in Honolulu on Hawaii and, more rarely, Papeete in French Polynesia are also possible. Of course, direct flights to Auckland considerably reduce in-flight travel time. Once in New Zealand, all you have to do is catch the last flight to Rarotonga. Round-trip air tickets cost between €1,000 and €2,000, depending on your point of departure. To find the best prices, we recommend using a flight comparison service such as Skyscanner.

From the Polynesian Triangle

For once, the Cook Islands are very well connected to the larger islands of Polynesia. Institutional links with New Zealand facilitate exchanges between the two states, and the airlines Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer daily direct flights between Auckland and Rarotonga. The flight takes around four hours. Depending on the schedule, a one-way ticket costs between USD 170 and 280.

Despite less frequent service, Hawaii is not to be outdone! Every week, Hawaiian Airlines operates a direct service between Honolulu and Rarotonga. The flight takes just over six hours and return tickets cost around USD 920. French Polynesia and Tahiti are covered several times a week by Air Tahiti and Air Rarotonga. Allow just under three hours’ flying time and around USD 600 for a return ticket.

That’s how many options there are for getting to the Cook Islands. Above all, it opens the door to new perspectives: a Polynesian itinerary linking Rarotonga, Honolulu, Auckland and Papeete! On the way back, you’ll have the option of transiting via Australia and Sydney International Airport. This allows you to make various international connections more frequently and at a lower cost.

Step 2: Getting around Rarotonga

Accommodation on Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga airport is two kilometers from the capital Avarua and 12 kilometers from Muri lagoon, the island’s most popular yachting spot. For greater peace of mind, it’s advisable to book transfers to your accommodation in advance. Ask at your hotel in Rarotonga, which often organizes transportation at extra cost. This is the safest and most practical solution: don’t forget that you’ll certainly be tired after a long plane journey! Do everything in your power to avoid stressful situations just as your vacation is about to begin.

The alternative is to organize your own travel arrangements. There are plenty of car rental agencies to choose from, and you’ll have no trouble finding a vehicle. We recommend Sweet as Rentas Rarotonga, which, in addition to its high-quality service and fleet, has two branches, one in Muri and the other directly at the airport. Please note that driving in the Cook Islands is on the left-hand side of the road, and drivers must be able to produce a license with an English translation.

If you can’t or don’t want to drive a car, Rarotonga has a good public transport network. Buses run along the coastal road: the first line runs clockwise, the second anti-clockwise. Stops cover the island’s main points of interest and major hotels. This solution is both practical and economical. However, service is reduced on Saturdays and non-existent on Sundays. Allow around an hour to tour the island.

Step 3: Reaching the Outer Islands?

Journey to the outer islands, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga is the gateway to the Cook Islands. Most travellers prefer to stay here for a quiet break. Others will head for the neighboring atoll of Aitutaki, renowned for its extraordinarily beautiful lagoon. Finally, some will take their adventure a step further and head for the more isolated outer islands of the South Group and even the North Group. In this case, the trip will require a great deal of time and flexibility, as connections are far from obvious.

Only nine islands have an airport structure, mostly simple airfields. Apart from Rarotonga, these are Atiu, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro for the southern grouping; Pukapuka, Penrhyn and Manihiki for the northern grouping. The former are much better served than the latter, which are partially isolated from the rest of the country due to sporadic and irregular air links and extremely high prices. Connections between the islands themselves are also poor.

Discovering the outer islands is a complex process, requiring time and money. However, the airline Air Rarotonga offers tailor-made trips to Atiu and Aitutaki, including return flights and accommodation. The alternative of a Cook Islands cruise is feasible, but limited in the choice of ports of call. A final solution would be to embark on a long journey aboard the supply freighters, which also carry a few passengers. Unfortunately, such a trip is not only very expensive, but also far too risky. Nevertheless, it’s a memorable experience for those who wish to visit the Cook Islands in a different way.

Defining a Polynesian Itinerary

Maori culture in the Cook Islands, on Rarotonga

The Cook Islands lie at the crossroads of the Pacific between New Zealand, Hawaii and Australia. Rarotonga is a destination in its own right, with its hiking, beaches and wonderful natural surroundings. A trip to the Cook Islands can be integrated into a tour of other Polynesian lands, starting with New Zealand. Don’t wait any longer and start planning your trip to the South Pacific. Contact us for more information.