As New Zealand’s temperatures drop, Air New Zealand is warming up its engines for more flights to Rarotonga. From 17 May, Air New Zealand will operate to the Cook Islands 2-3 times weekly using its 787-9 fleet, following the opening of two-way quarantine-free travel bubble between New Zealand and Rarotonga. The airline expects to operate daily from July in time for the school holidays.

Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran says it’s terrific to be opening the bubble between Rarotonga and New Zealand in both directions after four months of a one-way arrangement. “This announcement is a major milestone for both New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Air New Zealand. The Cook Islands hold a very special place for New Zealanders and Air New Zealand. More than a paradise with off-the-scale natural beauty, many Kiwis will be eager to head over for a warm break and some R&R. We know it’s a popular destination because in 2019, of the 446,000 Kiwis who took a trip to the Pacific Islands, almost 110,000 headed to Rarotonga.”

Customers will be required to wear masks during travel to and from Rarotonga and screening questions will be asked at check-in. To be eligible to travel, customers will need to have been in New Zealand for the preceding 14 days.