Cook Islands: Getting There
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive in Rarotonga (airport code RAR) anytime on the first day of your service program.
Plan your departure from Rarotonga anytime on the final day of your service program, or late in the evening on the Friday before the final day. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community.
Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal. Any expenses that occur before the evening meal, other than airport pick-up within the window of arrival, are that of the volunteer.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you inform us of your flight itinerary at least two weeks before the service program arrival date. Your team leader will be at the airport within the prescribed arrival window in the public arrivals area outside of Customs and will be displaying a Global Volunteers logo sign.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the program site. If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our team orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we ask you to arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, please plan to meet your team at the designated airport within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program in order to be transported to the host community. Do not travel to the host community without the team leader.
