$227 Cheap Flights from New Plymouth to Rarotonga
One-way
Departing from
New Plymouth
Going to
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • February, 2026
44% AI deal score
$348 $227
This is the lowest one-way flight price found by RatePunk users in the last 24 hours for a flight departing from Rarotonga. Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated 12/17/2025).
Popular airlines to Rarotonga
American Airlines
Top Cheap Flight Deals from New Plymouth to Rarotonga
Recent round-trip flight deals to Rarotonga
Sat, Feb 7 - Wed, Feb 11
Cheapest
New Plymouth (NPL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - New Plymouth (NPL)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$348
$526
+$178
51%
Sat, May 23 - Sun, Jun 7
New Plymouth (NPL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - New Plymouth (NPL)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$537
Thu, Apr 16 - Tue, Apr 21
New Plymouth (NPL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - New Plymouth (NPL)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$538
Thu, Jun 4 - Tue, Jun 9
New Plymouth (NPL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - New Plymouth (NPL)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$553
Thu, Mar 5 - Wed, Mar 11
New Plymouth (NPL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - New Plymouth (NPL)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$559
Thu, Feb 12 - Sun, Feb 15
New Plymouth (NPL) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Eagle Airways airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - New Plymouth (NPL)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$348
$564
+$216
62%
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):
Facts About Flights from New Plymouth 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
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, Sat
Based on the provided data, Friday appears to be the best day to find deals for Rarotonga International Airport. Monday and Saturday also show a relatively high number of deals, suggesting they may offer better prices compared to other days.
Avg. deal survival time
11.5 hours
Deals for Rarotonga International Airport typically last around 11.5 hours. This means you should act fast when you find a deal you like!
Rare deal frequency
10 deals
We've discovered 10 rare deals for Rarotonga International Airport in the past month. These rare deals, which include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts, earned an AI Deal Score of 90+.
Average price drop
-58%
The average price drop for flights to Rarotonga International Airport is an impressive 57.6%. This means travelers could potentially save a significant amount on their airfare when flying to this destination.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Rarotonga International Flight Forecast (Dec 2025 - Jan 2026)
The forecast for flights to Rarotonga International next month indicates stable prices with a slight increase expected due to peak holiday travel. Travelers should book in advance to secure the best possible fares.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on December 7
Melbourne - RAR
$1,875 → $260
86%
Found on December 12
Auckland - RAR
$708 → $130
82%
Found on December 9
Christchurch - RAR
$875 → $188
79%
Found on December 13
Sydney - RAR
$935 → $200
79%
Found on December 12
Rotorua - RAR
$880 → $196
78%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near RAR sometimes drop rare deals too:
Auckland (AKL)
~8 rare deals/month
Nadi International (NAN)
~10 rare deals/month
Fa a ā International (PPT)
~10 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 New Plymouth 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
Fri, Dec 12
19%
27° 23°
19%
Sat, Dec 13
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!
