Flying within Cook Islands

Hello Everyone,

I will be flying from NYC to Rarotonga on Air New Zealand in June 2014 for 2 or 3 weeks.

I'd like to know about flying between the islands.

I guess it is only Air Rarotonga that I can use...but it seems impossible to book online.

Can anyone recommend how to book the internal flights now as there are very few spaces on each flight I understand.

Thanks.

kai

You will be able to book with Air Raro when your within 6 months or so of your visit. Try putting in a date less than a couple of months to see how it works. You shouldn't have a problem if you book a couple of months out.

Do the flights fill up fast? Is this like a race to get one of the 18 seats?
Is it reliable or do they cancel flights too...I want to make sure I have no issues connecting to my international flight home?

The Air Raro flights are reliable but can cancel or be late due to weather. There are no instrument approaches on the outer islands so its all Visual Flight Rules (VFR). If you are headed back to Raro they can land there during lower visibility (IFR).

Aitutaki has multiple flights a day but the rest have limited service, usually three flights a week. There's a Aitutaki/Atiu and a Atiu/Aitutaki link once a week . Occasionally you can catch a flight between Mauke and Mitiaro but they aren't scheduled. Your best chance of getting a discount fare is Aitutaki.

I've never had a problem with flights filling up but I usually get a full-flex fare. I usually go back to Raro one day ahead of time. Also, the shops close at noon on Satuday so if you want to pick up a souvenir you need to get back to Raro on Friday if your taking the LAX flight.

Your point is well taken. I was on the Air Raro website and noted that they also have packages to visit the remote northern islands...it is called the Northern Atolls Adventure and you can visit Pukapuka, Manihiki, and Penrhyn.

It's a special charter situation...probably a fortune...not sure.

As you are the expert on this location and are also in the USA (I am in NJ) is it possible for us to chat via email or telephone as the message function on this site no longer works.

It will make it easier and less time consuming.

I already booked my flights online into and out of RAR for Jun 2-21. (I arrive on June 2 and leave June 21 next year).

Thanks.

Kai

Sure, what's your phone number?

973-493-1371

Hi Kai,

Currently, Air Raro offer 3 flights per week between Aitutaki and Atiu. June is part of peak visitor season. I have rarely known Air Raro to cancel a flight between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. They are efficient and provide a good service, except the prices reflect their commitment to passengers.

Almost a year out from your dates of travel, you can afford to hold out for some time yet to select the flights/dates you want. Try to firm up your plans by February/March if you can.

In so far as accommodation goes, I suggest you search for s/c accommodation at some of the modest priced properties on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. For Raro, look at Paradise Inn; Nikao Beach Cottages; Coral Sands; Aroa Beachside Inn; Vai Villas; Makayla Palms; Manea Beach Villas and Tropical Sands. For Aitutaki - Inano Beach, Samade; Are Tai Villas; Aitutaki Seaside Lodges; Paparei Bungalows.

Mangaia has a few upscale villas, along with s/c units and guesthouses. This is the 2nd largest island in the Cook Islands. Only drawback is no connecting flights to the other outer islands.

Atiu is the third most popular island to visit, but its certainly not touristy with its focus on ecotourism and adventure.

If you book your Raro-Aitutaki flights through the Air New Zealand web site (Air Rarotonga's flights are code shared) you can usually save some money. Check out CostCo travel for packages to the Cook Islands

We picked up 2 LAX-RAR RT tickets on Air NZ this year for US$1,393 total. That's $693 ea. Best we've done in seven trips to the Cooks.