A two-way, quarantine free, travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands started today with the first flight to Rarotonga leaving Auckland this morning.

It was a full flight, according to Air New Zealand, helping to reconnect families, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, which relies mainly on tourism.

The flight also delivered doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for the Cook Islands vaccination roll out program.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation General Manager for Australasia Graeme West said tourism makes up 75% of the Cook Islands GDP, so when numbers hit zero in March 2021 when borders closed, it caused significant hardship for many people.

“Today is a momentous occasion for the local community, and they will be ready to welcome the first arrivals with open arms."

Air New Zealand Chief Customer & Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the airline has seen strong sales, in particular throughout July and October, coinciding with school holidays. 

"It’s no surprise that Kiwis are booking in a much-needed break, especially as the temperature drops at home. In 2019, we saw almost 110,000 New Zealanders head to Rarotonga, so it’s great to see strong demand for flights following the bubble announcement.

Air New Zealand are initially offering two flights to Rarotonga a week on Tuesday and Saturday and then will fly daily in July.

Travel requirements

Customers must 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. Due to requirements from the Government of The Cook Islands, bookings for flights to Rarotonga will be closed 48 hours prior to departure.

Air New Zealand has also extended its flexibility policy allowing customers with flights scheduled to depart before 11:59pm on 31 December 2021, the ability to opt into credit or make a change to the date or time of the flight with change fees waived (fare difference may still apply).