$315 Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Rarotonga
One-way
Departing from
Melbourne
Going to
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • April, 2026
75% AI deal score
$5,625 $1,334
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • March, 2026
73% AI deal score
$955 $325
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • March, 2026
72% AI deal score
$955 $349
Top Cheap Flight Deals from Melbourne to Rarotonga
Recent round-trip flight deals to Rarotonga
Tue, Apr 21 - Wed, Apr 29
Cheapest
Melbourne (MEL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Melbourne (MEL)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
$955
$631
-$324
34%
Wed, May 20 - Wed, May 27
Melbourne (AVV) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Qantas airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Melbourne (AVV)
Qantas airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
$1,875
$911
-$964
51%
Fri, May 22 - Sun, May 31
Melbourne (AVV) - Rarotonga (RAR)
QantasLink airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Melbourne (AVV)
QantasLink airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
$1,875
$912
-$963
51%
Fri, Mar 20 - Sun, Mar 22
Melbourne (AVV) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Melbourne (AVV)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
$3,750
$1,294
-$2,456
65%
Wed, May 20 - Wed, May 27
Melbourne (AVV) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Qantas airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Melbourne (AVV)
Qantas airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
$3,750
$1,821
-$1,929
51%
Tue, Mar 24 - Fri, Apr 3
Melbourne (AVV) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Qantas airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Melbourne (AVV)
Qantas airlines • 1 stop • Sydney (SYD)
$5,625
$2,731
-$2,894
51%
The cheapest time to fly to Rarotonga
Ready to jet to Rarotonga on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from Melbourne to Rarotonga
Need to get to Rarotonga ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals!
We found last minute flight deals to exotic destinations departing in the next two weeks starting from $369.
⌛ Last-Minute
Melbourne - RAR
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 1 week ago
$406
one-way
Facts About Flights from Melbourne to Rarotonga
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Rarotonga flight facts and tips.
Rarotonga city airports
Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) is the primary gateway to the Cook Islands, located just a few minutes' drive from the capital, Avarua. As the only international airport in the Cook Islands, it plays a crucial role in connecting this island nation to the rest of the world. The airport features a single runway and a terminal building that handles both international and domestic flights. Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Air Rarotonga are among the airlines that operate regularly from Rarotonga International Airport. The airport offers essential amenities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and car rental services, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for visitors. Despite its relatively small size, Rarotonga International Airport efficiently manages a steady flow of tourists and locals, contributing significantly to the Cook Islands' economy and tourism sector.
Pro tip: search “Rarotonga (Any)” to see fares to all Rarotonga airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Rarotonga
Cheapest airport
Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)
Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) is the Cook Islands' main international gateway. Despite its small size, it welcomes visitors with traditional Polynesian hospitality. With a runway that almost stretches coast to coast, you might feel like you're landing on water! It's super close to the main town, Avarua, so you'll be sipping on a tropical drink in no time!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
Rarotonga Airport isn't a major hub, but it acts as a crucial connector in the South Pacific! Popular routes include flights to and from Auckland, Los Angeles, and Sydney, offering a taste of paradise.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
RAR Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
RAR airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Fri, Wed
Based on the provided data, Saturday and Sunday appear to be the days when the cheapest deals for Rarotonga International Airport are most frequently found. With the lowest counts, these days suggest a higher likelihood of securing a discounted flight.
Avg. deal survival time
18.5 hours
Deals for Rarotonga International Airport typically last around 18.5 hours. This means you should act fast when you find a deal you like!
Rare deal frequency
9 deals
We found 9 rare deals for Rarotonga International Airport in the past month thanks to our AI-powered deal-finding technology. These rare deals, which received an AI Deal Score of 90+, are typically mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-59%
The average price drop for flights to Rarotonga International Airport is a significant 59.3%. This means you have a good chance of finding a deal if you are patient and monitor prices.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Rarotonga International Airport Next Month Forecast
The next month's forecast for Rarotonga International Airport indicates stable flight prices based on current trends. No significant price drops or increases are expected for flights to and from Rarotonga International Airport.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on February 12
Melbourne - RAR
$1,875 → $319
83%
Found on February 12
Richmond - RAR
$5,550 → $972
82%
Found on February 17
Townsville - RAR
$1,675 → $343
80%
Found on February 17
Auckland - RAR
$708 → $151
79%
Found on February 16
Sydney - RAR
$935 → $213
77%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near RAR sometimes drop rare deals too:
Auckland (AKL)
~13 rare deals/month
Nadi International (NAN)
~6 rare deals/month
Fa a ā International (PPT)
~5 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially AKL and NAN for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from Melbourne to Rarotonga
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Rarotonga:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
November is typically the cheapest month to fly to Rarotonga. During this time, you can enjoy fewer crowds and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for exploring the island's natural beauty. Plus, you'll save some money, leaving you with more to spend on those delicious island cocktails!
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
Tuesday is often the best day to book flights to Rarotonga. Airlines tend to release deals early in the week, so keep an eye out. Booking on Tuesday can help you snag a cheaper fare and get you one step closer to paradise.
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Flying to Rarotonga on Wednesday can save you some cash. Mid-week flights generally have fewer travelers, leading to lower prices. Embrace the hump day travel and start your island adventure without breaking the bank!
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
Booking your flights to Rarotonga about two months in advance is the sweet spot. This timeframe usually offers a balance between availability and price. Waiting too long might mean higher fares, so plan ahead and get ready for some fun in the sun!
Seasonal considerations
Rarotonga Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Rarotonga airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Rarotonga’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)
Welcome to Rarotonga International Airport, the gateway to the Cook Islands! This small but mighty airport is the main international airport for the Cook Islands, located a mere 3 km (2 miles) west of the capital, Avarua. Expect a warm, island-style welcome the moment you step off the plane, often with live music. The airport offers essential amenities like duty-free shopping, a cafe, and car rental services to get you started on your island adventure. Getting to Avarua is a breeze with readily available taxis and shuttle services ensuring a quick and convenient transfer to your accommodation.
Tip: Arrive with a smile and embrace the relaxed island pace!
Other airports
Unfortunately, Rarotonga is a relatively isolated island, and there aren't any major airports in nearby cities that would serve as convenient alternatives. Flying into a different island and then trying to reach Rarotonga would likely involve additional inter-island flights, which can be costly and infrequent. As a result, most travelers find that flying directly into Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) is the most practical option, even if it means potentially paying a bit more for the convenience.
What to Do in Rarotonga
Rarotonga isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Rarotonga, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Rarotonga is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical sites! Explore the iconic Te Rua Manga (Needle) rock formation, visit ancient Marae sites to connect with Polynesian heritage, or simply bask in the serene beauty of the island's many waterfalls and viewpoints. It's like stepping into a postcard!
Arts & culture
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Cook Islands culture through dance, music, and art. Attend an authentic Island Night to witness captivating performances, visit local craft markets for unique souvenirs, or take a traditional drumming or ukulele lesson. Get ready to feel the rhythm of the islands!
Food & nightlife
Rarotonga's culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Polynesian flavors and international cuisine. Indulge in fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, sample local delicacies at the Punanga Nui Market, or sip on tropical cocktails at lively bars. The nightlife is as relaxed and inviting as the island itself!
Shopping & fashion
Discover unique treasures and stylish finds in Rarotonga's boutiques and markets. From locally made crafts and black pearls to colorful pareos and resort wear, there's something for every taste. Don't miss the chance to take home a piece of paradise!
Nearby getaways
Escape to the nearby islands for even more adventures! Take a short flight to Aitutaki to experience its world-famous lagoon, explore the untouched beauty of Atiu, or discover the unique charm of Mangaia. Each island offers a distinct flavor of the Cook Islands.
Rarotonga Weather
Weather in Rarotonga
Tue, Feb 17
65%
27° 26°
65%
Wed, Feb 18
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Rarotonga
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Rarotonga
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Rarotonga flights:
Be Flexible with Travel Dates: The savviest travelers know that flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays often means nabbing the best deals. Plus, who wouldn't want to extend their weekend a little?
Set Up Price Alerts on RatePunk: Don't let that dream Rarotonga getaway slip through your fingers! Set up a price alert on RatePunk and we will watch prices like a hawk, ensuring you catch fares when they dip!
