Getting to Penrhyn is the defining challenge of a visit. Air Rarotonga operates flights from Rarotonga when demand is sufficient, but the schedule is irregular and the flight takes around three hours. There are no scheduled services — contact Air Rarotonga directly to inquire about the next available departure. Booking well in advance is essential and even then the schedule can change.
Cargo vessels calling at Penrhyn are infrequent and not designed to carry passengers comfortably. The supply ship from Rarotonga calls every few months. For those with genuine flexibility and patience, arriving by cargo ship is an experience in itself, but it is not a reliable travel method. Penrhyn rewards those who treat transport as part of the adventure rather than a constraint.