Gateway to the Cook Islands in the South Pacific.
Opened
1974
Location
Avarua, Cook Islands
Rarotonga International Airport (IATA: RAR, ICAO: NCRG) is the main international airport serving the Cook Islands, located near the capital Avarua on the island of Rarotonga. It is the primary entry point for visitors to the Cook Islands and handles both international and domestic flights.
The airport sits at near sea level on the northern coast of Rarotonga and has a single runway. It serves as the hub for Air Rarotonga, the domestic carrier connecting Rarotonga to the outer islands of the Cook Islands archipelago.
Due to its remote South Pacific location, the airport handles a relatively modest number of flights, primarily connecting the Cook Islands to New Zealand, Australia, and other Pacific island nations. Tourism is the dominant driver of passenger traffic.
Terminals
The airport has a single terminal building handling both international and domestic arrivals and departures.
Getting to & from
Taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services provide ground transport between the airport and Avarua and other parts of Rarotonga.
Airlines here
Major airlines serving Rarotonga include Air New Zealand and Jetstar, while Air Rarotonga operates domestic and regional services.
Notable facts
- ›The airport's single runway (IATA code 08/26) is approximately 2,683 metres long.
- ›Air Rarotonga uses Rarotonga as its main hub for inter-island services to the outer Cook Islands.
- ›The airport is situated at approximately 1 metre above sea level on the northern coastal flat of Rarotonga.
- ›International flights primarily connect to Auckland, Sydney, and other Pacific destinations.
- ›The Cook Islands uses New Zealand dollars as its currency, reflecting close ties with New Zealand reflected in airline traffic.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
