$187 Cheap Flights to Rarotonga
One-way
Departing from
Palmerston North
Going to
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • March, 2026
71% AI deal score
$895 $187
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • February, 2026
71% AI deal score
$925 $203
Rarotonga (RAR)
Cook Islands • December, 2025
68% AI deal score
$925 $301
Top Cheap Flight Deals to Rarotonga
Recent round-trip flight deals to Rarotonga
Mon, Apr 13 - Sun, May 10
Cheapest
Palmerston North (PMR) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Palmerston North (PMR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$895
$475
-$420
47%
Thu, May 14 - Fri, May 15
Palmerston North (PMR) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Palmerston North (PMR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$895
$492
-$403
45%
Sat, Mar 14 - Fri, Mar 27
Palmerston North (PMR) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Palmerston North (PMR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$895
$492
-$403
45%
Thu, Apr 23 - Fri, May 15
Palmerston North (PMR) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Palmerston North (PMR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$895
$495
-$400
45%
Sun, May 3 - Sun, May 10
Palmerston North (PMR) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Palmerston North (PMR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$895
$515
-$380
42%
Sun, May 3 - Wed, May 13
Palmerston North (PMR) - Rarotonga (RAR)
Air New Zealand airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
Rarotonga (RAR) - Palmerston North (PMR)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Auckland (AKL)
$895
$514
-$381
43%
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 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 Paradise Getaway
Fly to Rarotonga, Cook Islands for only $301 departing in the next two weeks with a discount of 67%.
⌛ Last-Minute
Palmerston North - RAR
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found today
$301
one-way
Facts About Flights 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
Sat, Sun
Based on the data, Wednesday and Friday appear to be the days when the cheapest flight deals to Rarotonga International Airport are most frequently found. You may have the best chance of securing a deal if you search for flights on these days.
Avg. deal survival time
8.5 hours
Deals from Rarotonga International typically last around 8.5 hours. This short lifespan means you need to act fast when you find a deal you like.
Rare deal frequency
20 deals
We've identified 20 rare deals for Rarotonga International Airport in the past month thanks to our advanced system. These rare deals, scoring 90+ with our AI Deal Score, typically include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-50%
The average price drop for flights to Rarotonga International Airport is a significant 50.2%. This indicates a strong potential for finding discounted flights to this destination.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Rarotonga International (RAR) Flight Forecast - Next Month
Based on current trends, flight prices to Rarotonga International are expected to remain stable next month. There are no significant price drops or increases anticipated at this time.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on November 16
Christchurch - RAR
$875 → $168
81%
Found on November 13
Hamilton Island - RAR
$1,625 → $316
81%
Found on November 16
Kerikeri - RAR
$900 → $181
80%
Found on November 12
Sydney - RAR
$840 → $176
79%
Found on November 16
Palmerston North - RAR
$895 → $187
79%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near RAR sometimes drop rare deals too:
Auckland (AKL)
~5 rare deals/month
Nadi International (NAN)
~5 rare deals/month
Fa a ā International (PPT)
~8 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 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
Sun, Nov 16
20%
25° 24°
20%
Mon, Nov 17
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!
