Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) Avarua, Cook Islands
Rarotonga International Airport (IATA: RAR, ICAO: NCRG) is the main international gateway to the Cook Islands, located near Avarua on the island of Rarotonga. It is owned and operated by the Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) and serves both international and domestic aviation. The airport officially opened in January 1974 and remains the country’s principal air transport hub.
Quick Airport Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Rarotonga International Airport |
| Local name | Papa Rererangi o Rarotonga |
| IATA code | RAR |
| ICAO code | NCRG |
| Location | Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands |
| Country | Cook Islands |
| Airport operator | Airport Authority Cook Islands |
| Airport type | International / public airport |
| Approx. distance from Avarua centre | About 3 km west |
| Elevation | Approximately 6 m / 20 ft |
| Runway | 08/26 |
| Runway length | Approximately 2,328–2,329 m |
| Runway surface | Concrete |
| Terminal arrangement | International and domestic terminal facilities, including arrivals and departures areas |
| Official website | Airport Authority Cook Islands — Official Website |
| Wikipedia | Rarotonga International Airport — Wikipedia |
The airport’s published information identifies it as the Cook Islands’ main gateway and records its official opening in 1974.
Important Airport Contact Numbers
| Department / Purpose | Telephone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Authority Cook Islands – main contact | +682 25890 | General airport enquiries; Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| Airport / Air Traffic Services | +682 25890 | Air traffic services |
| Aviation Security | +682 25890 ext. 205 or 250 | Security-screening enquiries |
| Cook Islands Immigration | +682 29347 | Immigration / arrival matters |
| Cook Islands Customs | +682 29365 | Customs enquiries |
| Airport Police | +682 22499 | Airport security/police matters |
| Rarotonga Hospital | +682 22664 | Medical assistance |
| Air Rarotonga | +682 22888 | Domestic flights, reservations, baggage and airline services |
| Air New Zealand – Rarotonga | +682 26300 | Airline enquiries |
| Jetstar | +61 3 9645 5999 | Airline enquiries |
| Air Tahiti | +689 40 86 42 42 | Airline enquiries |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 1-800-367-5320 | Airline enquiries |
Emergency Numbers at Rarotonga Airport / Cook Islands
For an immediate emergency, the safest number to remember is 999. Current Australian government travel advice for the Cook Islands lists 999 as the emergency-services number and separately identifies fire/rescue as 996.
| Emergency service | Number |
|---|---|
| General emergency services | 999 |
| Fire & Rescue | 996 |
| Police | 22 499 / +682 22499 |
| Rarotonga Hospital / medical emergency | 22 664 / +682 22664 |
| Airport Police | +682 22499 |
| Airport Authority | +682 25890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the airport code for Rarotonga?
Rarotonga International Airport’s IATA code is RAR and its ICAO code is NCRG.
2. Where is Rarotonga International Airport located?
It is in the Avarua area of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, approximately 3 km west of central Avarua.
3. Is Rarotonga Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. The Airport Authority says Rarotonga International Airport is open 24 hours, although active airport operations are aligned with scheduled flights.
4. Does Rarotonga Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, limited free Wi-Fi is available in international arrivals and departure halls, with additional Wi-Fi options available elsewhere in the airport.
5. Is there an ATM at Rarotonga Airport?
Yes. An ATM is available in the arrivals area. The airport does not provide an in-terminal currency-exchange service.
6. Are taxis available at RAR Airport?
Yes. Taxis are generally available around scheduled international arrivals, and travellers can also arrange transfers through accommodation providers.
7. Is parking available?
Yes, but public parking is limited. Parking is paid on the day and does not require advance reservation.
8. Can I store luggage at Rarotonga Airport?
Yes. The airport provides lockers, while Air Rarotonga also offers additional baggage-storage services.
9. What is the emergency number at Rarotonga Airport?
For an emergency in the Cook Islands, call 999. Fire and rescue is listed separately as 996.
10. What is the Rarotonga Airport phone number?
The main Airport Authority telephone number is +682 25890.
11. What is the hospital number on Rarotonga?
Rarotonga Hospital can be reached at +682 22664.
12. Is there a single terminal at Rarotonga Airport?
The airport operates international and domestic passenger facilities, including separate arrival/departure areas and domestic and international gate-lounge arrangements.
13. Does Rarotonga Airport have an airport lounge?
Yes. There are domestic and international lounge areas, and an Air New Zealand Koru Lounge is available to eligible passengers and Koru Club members.
14. Where can I report lost baggage?
Missing baggage should first be reported to the airline’s baggage-service counter in the arrivals area. The Airport Authority says subsequent follow-up is handled by the airline.
15. Can I smoke inside Rarotonga Airport?
No. Rarotonga International Airport is smoke-free. A designated smoking area is provided in the car park.