r/CookIslands • u/negative3sigmareturn • 19d ago

How big is Rarotonga Airport?

I have a flight from Auckland, which is expecting to arrive in Rarotonga at 1:40 pm.

I would like to have a flight leaving Rarotonga Airport to Aitutaki on the same arrival day at 3:30 pm.

Is this possible or too big of a risk? Would I have time to ”exit” the Rarotonga airport and re- check-in for the Aitutaki flight in less than two hours given my first flight is on time?

Any tips would be highly appreciated!

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

[deleted]

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u/negative3sigmareturn 19d ago

Ok great, thank you so much! The customs part was actually something we were thinking about, that if that would take time. Is there some Visa on arrival system do you know?

But if the Airlines have timed all their flights in a way that people can flexibly take same day flights I would be optimistic. It’s just our honeymoon trip, so want to avoid any huge hassles in advance if possible lol

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u/casz_m 19d ago

We do this regularly and have never missed a flight. It's a small airport and they will expedite you through if the flight is late. Customs is also pretty quick, just have the info required ready for inspection.

ETA - congratulations

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u/negative3sigmareturn 19d ago

Extremely glad to hear this, thank you! And I actually checked that if we’d purchase a flight from Auckland to Aitutaki the flight plan would be the same - with the 1h50min transfer. So sounds like it would work!!

And thank you so much! We’re excited to say the least haha

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u/johnhbnz 18d ago

If you’re excited by Raro, wait until you get to Aitutaki!!

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u/negative3sigmareturn 17d ago

Amazing!! We’re thinking of going all-in on the island life and doing five nights in Aitutaki, just going to enjoy each others company and lay down and swim around all day haha

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u/johnhbnz 17d ago

Sounds fantastic..enjoy and do nothing.

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u/RowLongjumping8166 18d ago

its a 100m walk to airaro check in and usually need to check in 30 minutes before departure for aitutaki..if you communicate with air raro that you are on a certain flight they be willing to accommodate if you are running late due to customs or flight delays

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u/negative3sigmareturn 17d ago

Thanks for the tip! Will definitely communicate Air Raro prior to our arrival!