Getting here
Two flights to the whales of Aitutaki
Remote by nature
Part of the reason the whales love it here
Aitutaki sits about 220 km north of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Getting here takes two flights: an international flight to Rarotonga, then a short domestic flight of about 50 minutes across the ocean to Aitutaki’s lagoon.
Your city
International flight
Rarotonga
RAR · Cook Islands gateway
Aitutaki
About 50 minutes with Air Rarotonga
The whales
Meet us at Arutanga Harbour
Step 01
Fly to Rarotonga
Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) is the only international airport in the Cook Islands. Direct flights arrive from Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Brisbane, Honolulu and Papeete, with flights throughout the week.
Air New Zealand flies daily from Auckland, with up to three flights a day on some days in peak season (June to October). Jetstar flies from Auckland on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Auckland to Rarotonga takes just under 4 hours.
Air New Zealand also runs a seasonal direct service from Christchurch, up to three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) during the season.
Jetstar flies direct from Sydney (4 days a week) and Brisbane (3 days a week) in about 6 hours. You cross the date line and arrive early morning on the same day, so book your first night’s accommodation from the night before to have your room ready when you land.
You can also connect via Auckland with Jetstar or Air New Zealand, with same-day connections from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on some flights.
A weekly direct flight links Honolulu and Rarotonga, leaving Honolulu on Friday afternoon and arriving the same evening. With connections into Honolulu from across the US and Canada, it’s one of the easiest routes from North America (Hawaiian Airlines / Alaska Airlines).
From Los Angeles, Air Tahiti Nui flies four times a week via Papeete, connecting to Rarotonga. A great way to add Tahiti to your trip.
Four weekly flights connect Papeete and Rarotonga, operated jointly by Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti, so you can book any day on either airline’s website. The flight takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Schedules change by season. Check with the airlines when you book.
Step 02
Rarotonga to Aitutaki
Air Rarotonga, the Cook Islands’ national airline, flies between Rarotonga and Aitutaki several times a day. The flight takes about 50 minutes, many departures are timed to connect with international arrivals, and some can be booked through Air New Zealand as a codeshare.
As you come in to land you’ll see the barrier reef, the turquoise lagoon and its 15 small motu below you. Look out for whales spouting outside the reef.
Booking the 7-Night Whale Swim Retreat? These flights are included.
Arriving in Rarotonga
What to have ready when you land
At the airport
- Have your passport, arrival card, proof of accommodation and proof of your return flight ready.
- Your airport transfer will be waiting at its collection desk.
- Car hire, an ATM and a Vodafone shop for visitor SIM cards are right in Arrivals.
- Flying straight on to Aitutaki? Domestic Departures is a one-minute walk down the corridor after you exit customs.
Entry requirements
- Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond your departure date from the Cook Islands.
- A visitor permit is granted on arrival: 90 days for New Zealand passport holders, and up to 31 days for other passports.
- You'll need to show proof of onward travel and proof of accommodation.
Source: Cook Islands Tourism. Requirements can change, so check before you travel.
Step 03
Meet the whales
Once you’re on Aitutaki, shared tours meet at the boat at Arutanga Harbour in town. Private charters and our 7-night retreats include transfers from your accommodation.
We recommend arriving on Aitutaki at least one day before your first tour. Flights can be delayed by weather, and a day to settle in means you’re rested for the ocean.
Good to know
Before you travel
Time zone
Cook Islands time is UTC−10, the same as Hawaii.
Currency
New Zealand dollar, alongside local Cook Islands coins.
Entry
Passport valid 6 months beyond departure. Visitor permit granted on arrival.
Whale season
July to October. Retreats book out early, so reserve flights and tours early.
Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any unforeseen circumstances.
Ready to plan your trip?
Pick your dates and we’ll help you line up flights and tours. Not sure when to come? See the best time to swim with whales.