Traveling from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Rarotonga Airport (RAR): what you need to know
3 hours 46 minutes is the average length of a direct flight from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport. Cook Islands is 23 hours behind Auckland and operates on the UTC-10 timezone.
Choose from 18 weekly flights from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport. The 02:10 departure with Air New Zealand is the earliest flight available from AKL to RAR. Air New Zealand operates the latest service of the day at 23:25 if early starts aren't your thing.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself a little extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
To break up your flight from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport, consider adding a stopover. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' to find a destination that interests you. The top stopovers on the AKL - RAR route include:
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Tahiti Faa'an Airport
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Rarotonga Airport (RAR)
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport is C$186. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$431. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Book 8 months before you travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap flight tickets from AKL to RAR.
The cheapest month for flight tickets from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest prices if you have a flexible schedule.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from AKL to RAR is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as the price has dropped.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport. Enter your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Handy information about Auckland Airport (AKL)
Traveling from central Auckland to Auckland Airport takes about 1 hour and 24 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near AKL:
Arriving at Rarotonga Airport (RAR)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RAR instead:
Getting from Rarotonga Airport (RAR) to central Cook Islands
Rarotonga Airport is about 724 kilometres from central Cook Islands. How long it'll take to get there in a cab or car rental depends on the time of day. Do a little research beforehand.
When to fly to Rarotonga Airport (RAR)
The quietest month for a flight from Auckland Airport to Rarotonga Airport is May, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Cook Islands based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Complete your Cook Islands trip with hotels and a car rental
We've got more party tricks than just comparing flights. Once you've secured your cheap ticket to Rarotonga Airport, browse our great car rental deals that'll give you the freedom and flexibility to travel around at your own pace. Next, take a look at our exclusive rates for hotels to find the perfect Cook Islands stay.