Travelling from Rarotonga Airport (RAR) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is 21 hours ahead of Avarua, where Rarotonga Airport is located.
Leave plenty of time to catch your RAR to Melbourne flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
From central Avarua, RAR is around 3 kilometres away. Visit the official airport website or use navigation apps to find the best way to reach the terminal.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near RAR. Whether you've booked an early flight from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of all flights leaving Rarotonga Airport, 69.18% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rarotonga Airport (RAR) to Melbourne
$343 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne flight. A return flight ticket right now is $775. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares can change.
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from RAR to Melbourne. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you have flexibility with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the lowest price across each month when searching for a Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne ticket.
You don't need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from RAR to Melbourne.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne takes around 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 24 kilometres away.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 40 minutes.
Book a hotel close to MEL if you have a late flight from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne. Check in to one of these options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Explore without limits with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and venture far and wide through Melbourne and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from RAR to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is roughly 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. Following your flight from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
Corio Bay Motel is a comfortable accommodation option within a short drive of AVV. Make yourself at home here after your RAR to Melbourne flight and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign to get some rest.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make collecting an Avalon Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 19 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a taxi or ride-share once you've hopped off your flight from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Book a hotel close to MEB and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're arriving on a late RAR to Melbourne flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Begin your journey without stressing about how to reach your next stop with an Essendon Airport rental car. Book your wheels with reliable companies here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental providers sometimes offer discounts for early bookings, so secure your ride from MEB well ahead of your flight from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne. A little planning can save you money.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before securing your flights from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Melbourne offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Melbourne is January, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne plane ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
July sees average temperatures of between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from RAR to Melbourne around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Rarotonga Airport to Melbourne, browse our selection of hotels including:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are must-visits when exploring Melbourne.
Explore more of Australia
Melbourne has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Australia you'll want to see. Around 467 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, a trip to Canberra will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
If there's time to check out another corner of Australia, head for Launceston, about 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience are highlights.