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FINDING PARADISE

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.

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 date information.

FROM AUSTRALIA
DIRECT:  Air New Zealand are operating a weekly, direct flight from Sydney to Rarotonga every Saturday, from July to October, 2010, as a trial.  Fares start at around NZ$600 one way.    INDIRECT: Pacific Blue - partly owned by Virgin boss Richard Branson - has flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. arriving in Rarotonga around 2320 local time.  Return flights depart at 0105 local time.  It operates via Auckland, New Zealand. 



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. 

Or if you're planning to visit friends or family in Australia or New Zealand, I can also recommend an

Either way...you've now got no excuse for a visit!!!!


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.   


Exterior of Rarotonga airport
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.
Click here to return to home page
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.




A "How To Get There" Guide
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Pacific Blue plane
 
POINTERS TO PARADISE
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS   WHERE TO STAY    INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL    SITE MAP    HOME    SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE