Ever fantasized of lying on Polynesian shores, watching the sun set over the South Pacific? Think you can’t afford that kind of luxury? Think again.
Rarotonga by Pixabay user NBNB-NZ
Air New Zealand is hosting an extraordinary sale for high season flights to Rarotonga, largest of the Cook islands in the South Pacific. For as little as $545 you can book non-stop flights from Los Angeles from March to October, prime time for visiting the region. That’s an absurd price given that these flights usually cost $1500 – $2000! And again these are nonstop flights, meaning you’ll spend more time on the island and less in airports.
Available every single Saturday!
Several other West Coast cities are available as well. I tested San Francisco and Seattle as well; both priced around $680. Those are great fares as well, though you’ll stop in L.A. on the way.
Rarotonga is a dream destination. The island boasts Muri Lagoon, a snorkeling and kite-boarding paradise featuring unbelievable fish and reef watching. You can also hike The Needle, Rarotonga’s high point, for spectacular vistas of the island and lagoon. There are also amazing sandy beaches – white, pink, and even black – that boast some of the best views of the Pacific.
Rarotonga flat bottom boat by Pixabay user NBNB-NZ
Purchasing With Cash or Chase Ultimate Rewards (36K Points)
These fares are available directly from AIr New Zealand as well as numerous online travel agencies. A quick search of Google Flights will show sale dates.
Booking with Vayama will lower the fare a few bucks, if you’re willing to use the Dutch travel agency.
If you’d rather not spend the cash, these fares are also available through the Chase travel portal if you have a Chase travel rewards card. Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth 1.5 cents each with the Sapphire Reserve, meaning these round trips can be purchased for just over 36K points. That’s a pretty nice deal to the South Pacific!
Availability & Air New Zealand Economy Cabin
As mentioned above, round trips are available from March to October, for 6-day round trips starting on Saturdays. 7-day+ trips reprice significantly higher. Expect one “day” in travel, since even though the flight is only 9 hours you’ll pass the international date line on the way to Rarotonga.
These are main cabin fares, which is a plus. That means you can select your seats and bring a checked bag as well as your carry-on. Basic economy is generally not an option on trans-Pacific flights.
Air New Zealand Skycouch, from AirNewZealand.co.nz
Air New Zealand’s most interesting addition to economy travel is the Skycouch. The Skycouch is a pad that stretches across the seat row, turning it into a play space for kids and/or a bed. It’s a great idea for families or people who need more room to relax on long flights. Upgrading to the Skycouch means paying a bit more (but less than buying 3 seats), depending on whether on or to people are sharing it. Information is available at Air New Zealand’s website.
Air New Zealand Skycouch, from AirNewZealand.co.nz
Aside from the Skycouch, Air New Zealand’s economy is pretty standard. Seats are just over 17″ wide, with 31″ pitch between rows. Meals are included as well.
This fare is incredibly cheap, and lower than any offered in well over a year. That means it may not last long, so book this sale today and visit the South Pacific island your dreams!
Polynesia by Pixabay user Julius Silver
How to Book
- Follow link for sample dates or search your favorite OTA / Google Flights for departure and destination
Travel Dates
- Saturday departures, March – October
- 6 day stay required
Where to Stay on Rarotonga
Things to Do on Rarotonga
Good luck and happy flying!
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at 
Sweet deal! And I thought the $600 sale they did last year was good! We went in late Nov. and we absolutely loved it. The fact that these are direct, overnight flights each way from/to LAX is great.
There’s a bunch of dreamy, surprisingly cheap beachfront houses or “bachs” as the kiwi’s call them in Raro, listed on places like VRBO, AirBNB, and various sites. I’d recommend going this route vs pretty much any hotel. We did and had the beach and beautiful lagoon a literal stone’s throw from our back porch. Might have to go back sooner than planned!
Excellent idea for the beach front stay! I’ve been suggesting this deal for some friends, and they’d love to stay in a little place by the water.