Cheap flights from Wellington 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 Wellington to Rarotonga Island

Flexible with dates? We find the best price for the week of the day you select *Prices may vary after you search.

Filter by

week: 14 Jul - 20 Jul

Flights from just $659

$756

$873

$723

$680

$659

$725

$706

$712

$716

$753

$726

$730

JuneJulyAugustSeptember

Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

10%Trains are 10% more expensive in Rarotonga Island than in Wellington.

Wellington$4.50

Rarotonga Island$5.00

MealMid-priced restaurant

50%A meal in Rarotonga Island is 50% cheaper than a meal in Wellington.

Wellington$29.50

Rarotonga Island$15.00

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

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

Wellington$4.50

Rarotonga Island$35.00

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

11%Coffee is 11% more expensive in Rarotonga Island than in Wellington.

Wellington$6.14

Rarotonga Island$6.83

Distance: 3267 kms

Wellington airports

Wellington International Airport (WLG)How far from city centre: 6 kms

Rarotonga Island airports

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

Comprehensive Guide to Flights from Wellington to Rarotonga

Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands, is a jewel of the South Pacific, attracting travellers with its stunning natural beauty, rich Polynesian culture, and relaxed island vibe. Its iconic lagoon, fringed by white-sand beaches, offers unparalleled opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and watersports. The island's lush interior is perfect for hiking, while its history and cultural heritage are revealed through captivating local experiences. The fastest way to reach this paradise from Wellington is via a direct flight.

The average direct flight time from Wellington to Rarotonga is around 4 hours. However, flight duration may vary depending on weather conditions and the specific airline. Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways are two major airlines offering direct flights, with varying frequencies depending on the season. You won't typically need a stopover with these direct routes.

While direct flights are generally the most convenient option, finding cheap flights might require some flexibility. The ideal months for budget travellers are typically April to May and September to October – these are considered the shoulder seasons. Booking your flight well in advance, ideally 2-3 months before your travel dates, can also help secure the best deals. Seasonal airfare trends often see higher prices during the peak tourist season (July-August and December), coinciding with school holidays in New Zealand and Australia. Peak travel time for Rarotonga is generally during these months because of the warm weather and the dry season. The quietest times to visit are usually January to March, which is the wet season.

Best time to fly to Rarotonga

Rarotonga enjoys a tropical climate, with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. Summer (December-March) sees temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C, accompanied by higher humidity and occasional rain showers. Winter (June-August) offers temperatures averaging around 20°C to 26°C, with drier conditions. Spring (September-November) and autumn (April-May) are considered the shoulder seasons, offering warm temperatures and less rainfall. Extreme weather events such as cyclones are rare but possible during the summer months.

Wellington airports

Wellington offers a good range of airports currently operating and serving commercial flights, with Wellington Airport being the main airport.

Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport is the primary airport serving Wellington and the surrounding region. It is a modern airport equipped with the latest technology for passenger convenience. It hosts a significant number of domestic and some international airlines, making it a crucial transport hub. It is an important airport for the New Zealand economy and the city of Wellington.

Main airlines for this route

Air New Zealand
Fiji Airways
Jetstar

Rarotonga airports

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

Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)

Rarotonga International Airport is the only international airport in the Cook Islands. It's a relatively small airport but serves as a vital gateway to the island's tourism industry. While it is not a large or extremely modern airport, it offers all the basic amenities and services required by the passengers.

Getting from the airport to the city centre is easy using several modes of transport. Public buses provide a cost-effective option with regular services to various locations across Rarotonga. Taxis are also readily available at the airport, offering a more direct route to your destination. You can also rent a car at the airport, providing you with the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

What to do and see in Rarotonga

Rarotonga offers a diverse range of activities to suit every taste, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring the island's lush interior. The island's stunning natural beauty is a major drawcard.

Muri Beach: Relax on this iconic beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Cross Island Trek: Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike across the island, offering stunning panoramic views.
Island Night: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rarotonga with a traditional island night, featuring music, dance, and food.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Wellington to Rarotonga Island

Is it safe to travel from Wellington 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 Wellington to Rarotonga Island, how can I find the cheapest price?

The cheapest price for a flight from Wellington to Rarotonga Island is 267$. 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 Wellington to visit?

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

while train tickets cost 11% more at Rarotonga Island: $ 5.00 NZD versus $ 4.50 NZD at Wellington.

Comparing the price of a meal, they range from 15.00 NZD euros in Rarotonga Island, 49% less than the 29.50 NZD euros in Wellington.

The price of the coffee is around 11% more expensive in Rarotonga Island, with an average of 6.83 NZD , while in Wellington the coffee costs 6.14 NZD.

How is the weather in Rarotonga Island compared to Wellington?

While in Wellington the temperatures can reach an average of 22.98 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 2.7 ºC average degrees reported in Wellington. During the winter period, Wellington can register 6 mm precipitation, while Rarotonga Island have an average of 6 mm rain level.

Which airports have flights between Wellington and Rarotonga Island?

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

Jetstar.

Air New Zealand.

Plan your trip

Alternate routesPopular routes