Cheap flights from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island

Prices shown below were available within the past 3 days for the period specified and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island

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week: 28 Jul - 3 Aug

Flights from just $691

$694

$691

$721

$703

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$731

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$714

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JulyAugustSeptemberOctober

Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

100%Trains are 100% more expensive in Rarotonga Island than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$2.50

Rarotonga Island$5.00

MealMid-priced restaurant

30%A meal in Rarotonga Island is 30% cheaper than a meal in Christchurch.

Christchurch$30.00

Rarotonga Island$20.00

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

680%Taxis are 680% more expensive in Rarotonga Island than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$4.50

Rarotonga Island$35.00

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

23%Coffee is 23% more expensive in Rarotonga Island than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$5.85

Rarotonga Island$7.17

Distance: 3555 kms

Christchurch airports

Christchurch International Airport (CHC)How far from city centre: 10 kms

Rarotonga Island airports

Rarotonga (RAR)How far from city centre: 4 kms

Comprehensive Guide to Flights from Christchurch to Rarotonga

Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands, is a captivating destination famed for its stunning natural beauty, rich Polynesian culture and laid-back island vibe. The island attracts travellers seeking a tranquil escape, offering iconic landmarks such as the Muri Lagoon, historical sites showcasing Cook Islands heritage, and breathtaking scenic landscapes perfect for hiking and exploring. The vibrant local culture, with its traditional dances, music, and crafts, adds another layer to the allure. The fastest way to reach this paradise is by air. Flights from Christchurch generally take around 4 hours directly, although flight duration can slightly increase due to weather conditions or specific flight paths. Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer the most direct routes, with daily or multiple flights weekly. You will not typically need a stopover. Booking in advance offers you better deals, as flight prices may vary with the season. Generally speaking, the ideal months for budget travellers are April to May and September to October, offering you cost-effective options. Peak travel times coincide with school holidays in New Zealand and Australia, typically during July-August and December. Avoid this period for best deals. The off-peak season, from January to March, provides budget-friendly travel, with less crowds and fewer tourists.

Best time to fly to Rarotonga

Rarotonga enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season (April-November) offers sunny days with average temperatures around 26°C, perfect for outdoor activities. The wet season (December-March) is warmer, with temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, but with higher humidity and occasional rain showers. However, rainfall is usually brief and intense, rarely lasting long. While July to August are the warmest months, they are also the busiest due to school holidays. Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) provide a good balance of warmth and fewer crowds.

Christchurch airports

Christchurch has one major airport currently operating and serving commercial flights: Christchurch Airport.

Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is the main international airport serving Christchurch and the Canterbury region. Opened in 1962, it has undergone many renovations and serves a wide range of international and domestic flights, making it a crucial hub for New Zealand's South Island. The airport features modern facilities, numerous airlines, and efficient passenger services.

Main airlines for this route

Air New Zealand
Jetstar
Fiji Airways

Rarotonga airports

Rarotonga has one main airport serving the island: Rarotonga International Airport.

Rarotonga International Airport

Rarotonga International Airport is a smaller airport, handling mostly regional flights. Located conveniently close to the capital Avarua, the airport offers simple yet functional facilities for travellers. Getting around from the airport is easy: you can take a taxi, use public buses which provide links to major tourist areas, or rent a car for more flexibility.

What to do and see in Rarotonga

Rarotonga offers a wealth of activities and attractions for an unforgettable holiday.

Explore Muri Lagoon: Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and go snorkelling or kayaking in this stunning lagoon.
Discover the Island's Inland: Hike through lush rainforests, visit cascading waterfalls, and explore the island's dramatic interior.
Embrace the Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the Cook Islands' rich traditions by attending cultural performances, visiting local markets, and interacting with the friendly locals.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island

Is it safe to travel from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island during the Covid-19 situation?

At eDreams we do our best to ensure that your travel plans won't be affected by restrictions or possible cancellations that Cook Islands may apply. Using the flexible ticket gurantee you can decide if you rather rebook or get a refund!

For flights from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island, how can I find the cheapest price?

The cheapest price for a flight from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island is 274$. At eDreams we use different machine learned based methodologies to find our costumers the best option available, considering airline combinations, stopovers and direct flights as well as different criteria for inbound and outbound journeys.

Is Rarotonga Island more expensive than Christchurch to visit?

Looking at cab fares, a ride in Rarotonga Island costs about $ 35.00 NZD, 678% more expensive than Christchurch, with a fare of $ 4.50 NZD,

while train tickets cost 100% more at Rarotonga Island: $ 5.00 NZD versus $ 2.50 NZD at Christchurch.

Comparing the price of a meal, they range from 20.00 NZD euros in Rarotonga Island, 33% less than the 30.00 NZD euros in Christchurch.

The price of the coffee is around 23% more expensive in Rarotonga Island, with an average of 7.17 NZD , while in Christchurch the coffee costs 5.85 NZD.

How long does the flight from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island take?

Flight length from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island is around 05:13 hours on average, at an average distance of 3,758 km, for flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

How is the weather in Rarotonga Island compared to Christchurch?

While in Christchurch the temperatures can reach an average of 30 ºC in summer, with precipitation levels up to 3 mm ,Rarotonga Island's temperatures can go up to 31.75 ºC during the hot season, with 6 mm average of rain rate . In winter, however, weather indicators show around 17.05 ºC in Rarotonga Island, compared to the -2.38 ºC average degrees reported in Christchurch. During the winter period, Christchurch can register 2.3 mm precipitation, while Rarotonga Island have an average of 6 mm rain level.

Which airports have flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga Island?

The main route from Christchurch to Rarotonga Island is: Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Rarotonga (RAR). The following airlines fly this route:

Air New Zealand.

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