By Rashneel Kumar, Cook Islands News
Air New Zealand is launching a new seasonal non-stop flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga from 26 May to 24 October 2026. Photo: Cook Islands News
Air New Zealand is launching a new seasonal non-stop flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga from 26 May to 24 October 2026, adding 18,000 seats, the airline announced Monday.
The new seasonal service will operate up to three times a week, with flights departing Christchurch at 3:40pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and departing from Rarotonga at 11:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The new flight route, which removes the need for a domestic connection in New Zealand for South Island residents, comes at the back of a growing New Zealand market, which, as of September, accounts for 64.8 percent of the Cook Islands' total visitor arrivals.
Of the 137,894 visitors who have been to the Cook Islands from January to September 2025, 89,414 were Kiwis, followed by Australians (32,727) and Europeans (6019).
The total visitor arrivals from January to September this year showed an 8.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, projecting a record arrival year of over 180,000 visitors.
For New Zealand, arrivals during the January to September period increased by 2.6 percent from the 87,142 recorded in the same period in 2024, and 15.7 percent (from 77,300) in 2023.
The Rarotonga to Christchurch direct flights will add an extra 18,000 seats across the season, taking New Zealand arrivals to a new level.
Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation CEO Karla Eggelton said Kiwis remain the primary visitor market for the Cook Islands "and this additional airlift and non-stop option from the South Island allows seamless travel, removing the need to transit through Auckland".
"More options and frequency make the Cook Islands easier to book, and this makes our destination an attractive option," Eggelton said. "The outlook for 2026 is looking positive."
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott said she was delighted to hear the announcement of the return of the direct flight from Christchurch to Rarotonga.
"This connection reestablishes the vital link between South Islanders and the Cook Islands. This service is a game changer for South Island travellers, removing the need for a domestic connection making it cheaper but also being able to reach the destination in under 5 hours is such an appeal," said Scott, general manager of the Muri Beach Club Hotel.
"For many, that simplicity and cost saving can be the deciding factor when choosing a holiday destination, thus opening up accessibility for families, groups and repeat visitors.
"This will boost demand and support more consistent visitor flow - benefiting accommodation providers, tour operators and local businesses alike. Exiting times ahead!"
According to Air New Zealand, the launch marks another milestone in the airline's commitment to growing international connectivity from Christchurch, giving South Islanders even more reasons to head straight for their holiday.
Air New Zealand chief executive officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the new route strengthens the airline's dedication to growing travel opportunities from the South Island.
"We've seen strong appetite for travel to Rarotonga from our Christchurch customers, so this is fantastic news for the South Island. Launching this direct service ahead of the July school holidays makes it even easier for families to trade frosty mornings for tropical sunshine," Ravishankar said.
"Christchurch continues to strengthen its position as a key international gateway, and we're thrilled to be part of that growth story. Every new route we launch from the South Island opens up more opportunities for our customers and connects our communities to the world."
Justin Watson, chief executive Christchurch Airport, says, "South Islanders love escaping to Rarotonga, and this new direct flight makes that even easier. It's another great step in growing international options for our airport, helping more people reach their favourite destinations seamlessly."
Flights are available to book from Wednesday 5 November at www.airnewzealand.co.nz, subject to regulatory approval.
Air New Zealand services 17 weekly flights from Auckland, including daily wide-body aircraft and additional narrow-body flights during peak periods.
Jetstar maintains its three weekly services from Auckland and had increased flights from Sydney to five per week from May to October, with four running year-round. The airline will begin a new three-times-a-week direct flight from Brisbane in May 2026.
Hawaiian Airlines has shifted its weekly flight from Honolulu to a more convenient Sunday afternoon departure, enhancing connections to continental US destinations.
Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti have doubled flights between Papeete and Rarotonga from July to December.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News.
