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Airport Guide to Rarotonga International (RAR)

Airport Name

Rarotonga Airport

Airport Location

Rarotonga (RAR) is two miles west of Avarua.

Terminals

1

IATA Code

RAR

Telephone

+682 (00)25890

Airport Overview

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Situated two miles (3km) west of Avarua, Rarotonga International (RAR) is the main airport for the Cook Islands. Revamped in 2010, the facility is shiny and new, although still pretty basic. As the Cook Islands are so remote and there isn’t much air traffic the facility is rarely crowded.

Direct flights to Rarotonga International Airport are available from destinations in Australasia, including Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Papeete. Air New Zealand also operates a direct route from Los Angeles, and Air Rarotonga has domestic flights within the Cook Islands from Aitutaki, Atiu, Manihiki, Mauke, Mangaia and Mitiaro.

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Terminal Transfer

There is only one terminal.

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Getting into Town

Train: There is no train service on Rarotonga.

Bus: The “Round the Island” bus stops at Rarotonga Airport twice an hour, going both clockwise and anti-clockwise, between 7am and 4pm (clockwise only, 8am-12pm and 2pm to 4pm on Sundays). It stops at dozens of hotels and resorts, as well as the main marketplace on the island. A one-way fare is NZD 4 (about £2).

Taxi:  There are taxis available at the airport. The 10-minute ride into Avarua will not be less than NZD 10 (£5).

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Car Parking

Airport parking is only available for rental cars.

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Information Desks

There is an information desk in the terminal.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: The airport has banks and an ATM.

Luggage: There are automatic and guarded baggage storage facilities.

Conference and business: There are coin-operated Internet terminals.

Other facilities: The airport has public toilets and snack bars.

Wi-Fi: There is Wi-Fi access available in the airport.

Shopping: There are a few duty-free shops at the airport, although they aren’t the bargains they once were. Unless you’re after duty-free staples such as cigarettes and alcohol, you’ll find better deals elsewhere on the island.

Food and drink: There are a couple of snack bars at the airport.

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Top flight deals

Car Rentals

Avis and Budget offer rental cars from Rarotonga Airport, as well as several local companies.

Travel Tips

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