Cheap Flights from Palmerston north to Rarotonga

What should I know before visiting Rarotonga?

The New Zealand Dollar is the official currency of the Cook Islands

You don’t need to worry about exchanging currency before catching your cheap flights to Rarotonga from Palmerston North as local businesses operate with New Zealand dollars.

“Island time” is real in the Cook Islands

Things tend to move at a slower pace in the Cook Islands compared to what you may be used to back home. Tours, buses, and other scheduled events often follow a loose timetable. Embrace the local way of life and try to have a laid-back attitude in case anything gets delayed.

Buildings in the Cook Islands can’t be any taller than a coconut tree

Here’s a fun fact for you: a government mandate states that no structures in the Cook Islands can be taller than a coconut tree (which often stands about 15 to 18 metres tall). This means you won’t come across any high-rise hotels or office buildings while holidaying on flights from Palmerston North to Rarotonga – so don’t go looking for sky-high viewpoints or lookouts of the man-made variety!

Where are the best places to stay in Rarotonga?

Avarua District

Avarua is the northernmost part of Rarotonga and also the capital of the Cook Islands. Avarua is home to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) as well as several beautiful hotels and resorts that are available to book through Webjet. Take a look at Avarua accommodation after booking your cheap flights from Palmerston North to Rarotonga if you’d like easy access to some of the island’s top restaurants, markets, and cultural attractions. Things to see and do include Punanga Nui Market, Cook Islands National Museum, and the Arai-Te-Tonga marae. Avarua is also where you’ll find the start of the Cross Island Trek that leads to the iconic Te Rua Manga peak.

Ngatangiia District

Ngatangiia is located in the southeast of Rarotonga. It has beautiful beaches, including the famous Muri Beach and Lagoon. The lagoon has calm and clear water, making it one of the most popular spots to go swimming or paddle boarding while holidaying on flights from Palmerston North to Rarotonga. The neighbourhood is also where you’ll find the Muri Night Market where you can taste the authentic Polynesian cuisine of the Cook Islands. There are plenty of cultural activities away from the beach as well. Learn about local history and culture at the Te Vara Nui Village and Te Ara Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise.

Takitumu District

The Takitumu District covers much of Rarotonga’s south coast. Consider basing yourself in Takitumu if you’d like to have some of the island’s best nature at your fingertips while holidaying on cheap flights to Rarotonga from Palmerston North. Places to visit include Wigmore’s Waterfall, the Takitumu Conservation Area, a handful of beautiful and quiet beaches, and the Maire Nui Gardens. Tikioki Beach and Marine Reserve is also located on the eastern end of the Takitumu District and considered one of the top areas for snorkelling on Rarotonga. Takitumu isn’t as busy as Avarua or Ngatangiia, but you’ll still find plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

What is the best way to get around Rarotonga?

Travellers holidaying on cheap flights from Palmerston North to Rarotonga can easily get around the island using the public bus. The bus operates in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, circling around the perimeter of Rarotonga. The buses don’t follow a strict schedule or specific stops along the way. Wave to the bus when you see it approaching and it will stop for you.

Cycling is another great way to get around Rarotonga. The hotel you stay at while holidaying on Palmerston North to Rarotonga flights may even have some complimentary or rental bikes available to guests.

You can also consider renting a car after booking your tickets to Rarotonga from Palmerston North. International visitors are able to drive on a foreign licence in the Cook Islands as long as it’s in English. You can hire a car with Webjet, then pick it up once you land at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR).

FAQs

How long does it take to fly from Palmerston North to Rarotonga?

Flights from Palmerston North to Rarotonga take about six hours and 15 minutes including a stopover.

What airlines fly from Palmerston North to Rarotonga?

You can book Palmerston North to Rarotonga return flights with Air New Zealand. These flights include one or two stopovers along the way.

When is the best time to book flights from Palmerston North to Rarotonga?

Winter is the best time of year to travel on Palmerston North to Rarotonga flights. This is the dry season when temperatures cool down a bit, there’s not much rain, and humidity levels are low. Daytime temperatures reach about 24°C and evenings cool to about 19°C.

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons. You may experience some rain and humidity in the months bordering summer, but for the most part, you can comfortably spend plenty of time outdoors during these seasons. Daytime temperatures average about 24° to 26°C.

Summer is the wet season in the Cook Islands. Temperatures heat up to about 27°C, humidity increases, and tropical rain showers are common. Summer is the low season and typically sees smaller crowds than the other seasons. You may find some good deals on hotel rooms by booking tickets to Rarotonga from Palmerston North for a summer trip.