Travel to Cook Islands

Flying to Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are served by Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.com), which offers regular flights from New Zealand and Los Angeles. Virgin Australia (www.virginaustralia.com) also flies from Auckland, and both airlines offer frequent connections from Australia.

Flight times:

From London - 25 hours (including stopover); Los Angeles - 10 hours 15 minutes.

Air passes:

Air New Zealand's Explorer Pass (Australia & Pacific Islands II) is valid on various routes covering Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tahiti. The cost of the pass depends on the class of service and the number of sectors flown. It's only available to residents of the USA and Canada when buying an international ticket from North America with Air New Zealand.

Departure tax:

Included in the air fare. If you're leaving by private boat, you need to pay a departure tax of NZ$66.30.

Other airports in Cook Islands

Rarotonga International Airport

Airport Code: RAR. Location: The airport is 3km (2 miles) west of Avarua. Website: http://www.cookislandsairports.com. Public transport description: Hotel coaches meet each flight (journey time - 10 minutes). Taxis and buses are also available.

Travel by rail

Getting to Cook Islands by boat

It is possible to moor yachts at Avatiu Harbour although space is very limited. For maritime matters, contact the Harbour Master, Ports Authority, PO Box 84, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. See www.ports.co.ck for more information.

Cruise ships:

Cruise companies making stops at the Cook Islands include P&O Cruises (www.pocruises.com.au) and Cunard (www.cunard.co.uk).




Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.