CK Prefix and Three-Character Location Code
Cook Islands locations use the country prefix CK followed by a three-character location designator. Examples in the Ecer Freight sample include CKRAR for Rarotonga and CKAIT for Aitutaki.
Seaports in Cook Islands: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Cook Islands has 7 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, serving a small and geographically dispersed maritime network across the South Pacific.
Review Cook Islands port codes, island-level cargo roles, indicative trade lanes and current data coverage.
Cook Islands Port Overview
The Cook Islands maritime network is island-based, with Rarotonga functioning as the principal international logistics gateway. Port activity is generally shaped by vessel schedules, limited infrastructure and transshipment connections through larger South Pacific hubs.
7
Cook Islands ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
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National seaborne cargo tonnage, 2025; YoY change not published
Cook Islands official statistics · 2025
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Container throughput in TEU, 2025; YoY change not published
Port and transport authorities · 2025
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Commercial berth count, 2025; YoY change not published
Port infrastructure sources · 2025
How many seaports does Cook Islands have?
Cook Islands has 7 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its Cook Islands port database as of November 2026.
What is the main seaport in Cook Islands?
Rarotonga, identified by UN/LOCODE CKRAR, is the leading Cook Islands port in the indexed sample and the principal maritime gateway for international cargo.
Which area handles most Cook Islands sea freight?
The Rarotonga and Avarua area is the main cargo focus, with Rarotonga (CKRAR) ranked first in the Ecer Freight sample and Avarua (CKAVA) also represented.
Top Cook Islands Ports by Indexed Activity
The table follows the Ecer Freight activity ordering for Cook Islands. Cook Islands does not publish a consistently comparable national container-port league table; therefore, no unsupported TEU, world-rank or year-on-year figures are inserted.
Indexed Cook Islands port sample, reviewed November 2026
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Rarotonga | CKRAR | — | — | Rarotonga |
| — | Aitutaki | CKAIT | — | — | Northern Cook Islands |
| — | Arutunga | CKARU | — | — | Rarotonga |
| — | Avarua | CKAVA | — | — | Rarotonga |
| — | Atiu | CKAIU | — | — | Northern Cook Islands |
| — | Mangaia | CKMGS | — | — | Southern Cook Islands |
| — | Mitiaro Island | CKMOI | — | — | Northern Cook Islands |
Cook Islands Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Port roles are grouped by island geography rather than by a formal national port-region classification. Service patterns and cargo availability are subject to vessel schedules and local operating conditions.
Rarotonga Gateway
Rarotonga is the principal logistics cluster in the indexed Cook Islands sample.
Rarotonga port group
Northern Cook Islands
Northern island ports support inter-island supply chains and community cargo flows.
Northern island port group
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aitutaki | CKAIT | Aitutaki | Island supply, general cargo and passenger-linked logistics |
| Atiu | CKAIU | Atiu | Inter-island supply and general cargo |
| Mitiaro Island | CKMOI | Mitiaro Island | Local island supply and community cargo |
Southern Cook Islands
Southern island facilities are primarily relevant to scheduled inter-island movements and local provisioning.
Southern island port group
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangaia | CKMGS | Mangaia | Island supply and general cargo |
Cook Islands UN/LOCODE Guide
UN/LOCODE entries help identify places used in shipping documents, booking systems and customs workflows. Code availability does not by itself indicate container-terminal capacity or a fixed sailing schedule.
City-Level and Port-Level Distinctions
A UN/LOCODE may identify a city, island location, port area or specific maritime facility. The displayed name should be checked against the booking party, terminal operator and shipping line instructions.
How to Verify a Port Code
Compare the code with the UNECE UN/LOCODE reference and cross-check the latest Ecer Freight port directory before preparing shipping documents.
Shipping from Cook Islands: Main Trade Lanes
Cook Islands sea freight is typically consolidated through regional hubs. Transit times are indicative only and depend on sailing frequency, transshipment, equipment availability, weather and port operations.
Cook Islands to New Zealand
A core regional lane for imported consumer goods, project cargo and consolidated commercial supplies.
Cook Islands to Australia
Australia-linked services can support replenishment cargo and project shipments through regional connections.
Cook Islands to Pacific Islands
Inter-island and regional Pacific movements connect Cook Islands supply chains with other island economies.
International Consolidated Cargo
LCL and project cargo may move through one or more regional transshipment points before final delivery in Cook Islands.
Data Sources and Methodology
The page separates Ecer Freight indexed coverage from national throughput and international port rankings. Where a current official figure could not be verified, the relevant field is shown as unavailable rather than estimated.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party Cook Islands coverage of 7 indexed ports and terminals, snapshot November 2026.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — maritime location and navigational reference context.
- Cook Islands Government — official government information used for national context and source cross-checking.
- United Nations Data — international statistical context where comparable national series are available.
Cook Islands Seaport FAQ
How many seaports does Cook Islands have?
Cook Islands has 7 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight as of the November 2026 data snapshot.
What is the largest or busiest port in Cook Islands?
Rarotonga (CKRAR) is the leading port in the indexed Cook Islands sample and is generally treated as the principal international cargo gateway.
What is the UN/LOCODE prefix for Cook Islands?
The UN/LOCODE country prefix for Cook Islands is CK. Location codes then add three characters, such as CKRAR for Rarotonga.
Which Cook Islands regions are covered by the port database?
The indexed sample covers the Rarotonga gateway, Northern Cook Islands locations including Aitutaki and Atiu, and Southern Cook Islands locations including Mangaia.
Are Cook Islands throughput figures available for 2025?
A consistently comparable official 2025 container throughput series was not verified for the indexed Cook Islands locations. Port-level throughput and schedules should therefore be confirmed with the carrier or local authority.
Can freight be booked from Cook Islands as FCL or LCL?
FCL and LCL availability depends on equipment, consolidation plans, carrier rotations and transshipment arrangements. Current rates can be reviewed through the relevant Ecer Freight quotation pages.
How should a Cook Islands port code be checked before shipment?
Verify the code against current carrier booking instructions, the UNECE reference and the Ecer Freight port directory before issuing shipping documents.
Editorial note: Cook Islands port names and codes are based on the Ecer Freight database snapshot for November 2026. National statistics and maritime reference sources are reviewed against available official publications, while port coverage and content are refreshed quarterly or when material source changes are identified.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Cook Islands: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact