Tongareva Airport (PYE)

Penrhyn Island, CK 🇨🇰 Small Airport

ICAO

NCPY

IATA

PYE

Elevation

8 ft

Region

CK-U-A

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: NCPY

Local Code: Not available

Location: -9.01437° N, -158.03241° E

Continent: OC

Type: Small Airport

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Tongareva Airport (PYE) on Penrhyn Island, Cook Islands, primarily serves as a gateway to an extremely remote and untouched Polynesian atoll, meaning traveler experiences are less about airport amenities and more about the unique adventure of reaching such an isolated destination. While direct traveler reviews are scarce, the overall sentiment points to an acceptance of very basic facilities in exchange for access to a truly distinctive locale. Visitors are typically seeking a secluded and authentic cultural experience, understanding that the journey will be part of the adventure.

What Travelers Love
  • Access to Remote Beauty: The airport provides the necessary link to Penrhyn Island, known for its vast, pristine lagoon and untouched natural environment, offering exceptional fishing, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
  • Authentic Cultural Experience: Travelers appreciate the chance to immerse themselves in a unique Polynesian atoll community, with opportunities to experience local life, handicrafts, and pearl farming.
  • Sense of Adventure: The challenging journey to Penrhyn is often embraced by those seeking off-the-beaten-path travel.
Common Complaints
  • Limited and Unreliable Transportation: There are no scheduled flights to Tongareva Airport; only charter flights operated by Air Rarotonga, which can be cancelled on short notice due to insufficient passengers or fuel. The cost of air travel is also notably high, around NZ$3,000 for a return trip. Cargo ships offer an alternative but are infrequent and often delayed.
  • Extremely Basic Facilities: The airport lacks comprehensive amenities. It is not an Airport of Entry, meaning international arrivals cannot clear customs or immigration directly at PYE. There are also no fuel or lighting services available.
  • Security and Customs Limitations: While security wait times are estimated to be around 24-28 minutes and immigration around 8 minutes, the absence of customs facilities at the airport restricts its use for international direct entries.
  • Lack of On-Island Infrastructure: Penrhyn Island has no tourist accommodation, requiring visitors to arrange stays with local families.

In summary, Tongareva Airport serves as a rudimentary access point to one of the Cook Islands' most remote and captivating destinations. While the lack of modern airport facilities and reliable transport can be challenging, these are generally accepted trade-offs by adventurous travelers seeking the unparalleled beauty and authentic culture of Penrhyn Island.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
14/32 7077 ft 98 ft UNK Active

Type Description Frequency

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Ground Transportation

Ground Transportation Information

Detailed ground transportation information for Tongareva Airport is being prepared. This includes information about taxis, rental cars, and public transportation options.

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Taxis

Taxis are typically available outside arrival terminals at most airports.

Rental Cars

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Public Transportation

Many airports offer bus or train connections to nearby city centers.

Nearby Airports

No nearby airports found within reasonable distance.
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.