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Destination Profile
Remote Rarotonga is the capital of the Cook Islands. Fringed by groves of stooping coconut palms and lined by dashes of multi-colored coral reefs, it's a Shangri-La in the midst of the South Pacific. That all comes with a side of fascinating Polynesian culture and luxury – overwater bungalows and infinity pools abound in these parts (honeymoon, perhaps?). And while channelling your inner Robinson Crusoe might mean traveling over 1,800 miles across the ocean, bagging bargain deals on cheap flights to Rarotonga from New Zealand can actually be surprisingly easy. There are even airlines that run the route direct, getting you to paradise in just under four hours in total!
Sand so white you'll need your sunglasses on to see it meets an ocean of azure blue along Muri Beach. It's one of the best in the Cook Islands!
You'll get a hearty islander welcome at the Te Vara Nui Village, where workshops on local Cook Island culture are waiting to enthrall.
The crystal-clear Aitutaki Lagoon is laden with sea turtles and mahi mahi. Come to snorkel, kayak and cruise in a tropical paradise.
Currently, the cheapest month to take a flight to Rarotonga is July/2026. August/2026 is the most expensive time to fly to Rarotonga.
Air New Zealand and Jetstar have non-stop flights from New Zealand to Rarotonga.
The cheapest airline to fly to Rarotonga from New Zealand is Jetstar.
Qantas Airways is the best airline to fly from New Zealand to Rarotonga. Air New Zealand is the best if you need non-stop flights. The best low-cost airline is Jetstar.