|
Getting to the Cook Islands can take a bit of juggling to find the best flight options for you. Currently there are four ports which have direct flights to Rarotonga. They are Auckland, Christchurch, Los Angeles and Tahiti. If you can get to one of these ports you are just one flight away from touching down on Cook Island soil.
Another thing to note about the flights to Rarotonga is that they will often arrive in the small hours of the morning. (2am and 4am are common ETA times). Take this into account when you are planning your holiday. For your comfort we recommend that you book your accommodation so you can check in from the time you arrive in Rarotonga and also book a transfer from the airport to your hotel. This way you can get a few hours sleep and wake up in paradise. (NB. Normal check in time is 2pm. If you arrive prior to this you will either need to book an additional night or an early check in.)
Flights from New Zealand:
Air New Zealand has a regular direct daily service from Auckland to Rarotonga. The flight takes approximately 4 hours. There is a direct return flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga every Friday and via Auckland every other day of the week. The direct flight from Christchurch takes 4 hours 40mins.
Flights from Australia
Pacific Blue has two weekly flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Rarotonga via Auckland. There are currently no direct flights from Australia to the Cook Islands.
Flights from Tahiti
There are direct flights between Tahiti and Rarotonga every Tuesday and Saturday. The Flight takes 2 hours 40mins. It is a joint code share flight between the national carriers Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti.
Flights from USA
Air New Zealand has a direct flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga every Sunday. The flight time is around 9 hours 4mins.
Entry Requirements
The Cook Islands welcomes all visitors from all countries and nationalities. There is no need to prearrange a visa before entering into the Cook Islands. An entry visa is granted on arrival for a stay of 31 days provided your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, proof of onward travel, sufficient financial support, and staying in a tourist licensed accommodation.
Visa extensions are granted up to 3 months at a fee of NZ$70 payable to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration 14 days prior to the expiration of your visitors permit. Children under 15 years of age are exempt from the fee, however must still report to Immigration for official paper work.
For stays of more than 3 months in the Cook Islands you must apply for a visa before entering the Cook Islands, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration to apply:
Principal Immigration Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
PO Box 105
Phone: (682) 29347
Fax: (682) 21247
Email: tutai@immigration.gov.ck
Cook Island Customs and Imports |
|
|