Free Things to do in Rarotonga - Part 1

Free Things To Do in Rarotonga | Part 1 - Watch the AirNZ 1:40 pm flight land

The beautful approach to Rarotonga International Airport

 

This is much better than it sounds, as the plane feels like it is going to land on top of you.

Click Here to see a recent landing video https://youtube.com/shorts/6dBIuXAQ9Vw?feature=share 

Here are some tips to ensure that you see it on time.

  • Use Flight Radar to check the actual arrival time https://www.flightradar24.com/
  • The plane will land into the wind if there is any wind strength. If the wind is blowing from the sea towards the runway, the plane will land at the town end
  • Park in the area past the runway where the seawall art starts (see photos below)
  • Walk to the area opposite the runway
  • Look for a distant low flight of the approaching plane
  • These land at 2:40 pm when Daylight Savings end
  • Enjoy the short but intense sensation
Google Maps - wait the the Ara Tapu end
Park at the P and walk about 30 metres to where the plane approaches the runway
Enjoy the short but exciting landing

 

 

Posted by Simon Drewery on December 04, 2025

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