Orientation
The Cook Islands are some of the most remote in the world. Spread over 690,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, getting around poses some unique problems. While the islands in the south are mainly accessible by air, the northern group relies on intermittent boat services with timetables complicated by poor harbourages, making the boat journeys highly weather dependent.
Getting Around
By Air -- Air Rarotonga (tel. 22-888; www.airraro.com) is the country's only airline, and it's a good one. It has several flights from Monday through Saturday to Aitutaki and one per weekday to Atiu, Mauke, Mangaia, and Mitiaro. Regular round-trip fares are about NZ$370 (US$296/£148) to Aitutaki, slightly less to the other islands in the Southern Group. You can save with Air Rarotonga's discounted but restricted fares, which can be as little as NZ$150 (US$120/£60) round-trip to Aitutaki. Check the airline's website for special fares.
Don't forget to reconfirm your return flight.
By Bus -- Rarotonga is the most populous of the Cook Islands. It’s also home to the country’s only international airport, and there is a bus service that loops around the island both clockwise and anti-clockwise.
By Boat -- Boats regularly ply the waters between the southern group of islands. The northern islands are also served by boat, but it should be noted that the inaccessibility of these islands make pre-defined timetables mere guidelines.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
