Home Shipping from China to Cook Islands LCL sea freight from China to the Cook Islands — 2026 reference rates
LCL sea freight from China to the Cook Islands — 2026 reference rates
The Cook Islands sit deep in the South Pacific: boxes consolidate to Auckland and feather across to Rarotonga, Aitutaki — and, on the same loop, Niue, a separate self-governing state served alongside. Transits run 24–31 days from the Chinese origin but stretch to 50 days ex-Ningbo on the COSCO connection.
This is premium territory: rates start around USD 227 per CBM and reach USD 389. The standard/express warehouse split applies, with express charging 1 CBM = 500 kg.
How to read these rates: figures are indicative reference levels for port-to-port LCL ocean freight, updated for October 2026. They exclude origin haulage, warehouse and customs charges, destination port charges and any surcharges. Space, cut-off times and rates must be re-confirmed at booking.
LCL rates from China to the Cook Islands — via Auckland
| Port of departure | Port of destination | Volume range (CBM) | Rate (USD/CBM) | MIN (CBM) | Transit port | Cut-off / ETD | Carrier | Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Rarotonga | 0~15 | 227 | 1 | Auckland | Closed Thu / ETD Tue | ONE | 27 |
| Shanghai | Rarotonga (express warehouse) | 0~15 | 254 | 1 | Auckland | Closed Thu / ETD Wed | ONE | 24 |
| Xi'an | Aitutaki | 0~15 | 242 | 1 | Auckland | Closed Thu / ETD Tue | ONE | 28 |
| Xi'an | Aitutaki (express warehouse) | 0~15 | 269 | 1 | Auckland | — | ONE | 27 |
| Shantou | Niue | 0~15 | 362 | 1 | Auckland | Closed Thu / ETD Tue | ONE | 31 |
| Shantou | Niue (express warehouse) | 0~15 | 389 | 1 | Auckland | — | ONE | 29 |
| Ningbo | Rarotonga | 0~15 | 336 | 1 | Auckland | Closed Tue / ETD Sun | COSCO | 50 |
Shanghai to Rarotonga — USD 227 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier ONE; cut-off/ETD Closed Thu / ETD Tue; transit time about 27 days.
Shanghai to Rarotonga (express warehouse) — USD 254 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier ONE; cut-off/ETD Closed Thu / ETD Wed; transit time about 24 days.
Xi'an to Aitutaki — USD 242 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier ONE; cut-off/ETD Closed Thu / ETD Tue; transit time about 28 days.
Xi'an to Aitutaki (express warehouse) — USD 269 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier ONE; cut-off/ETD —; transit time about 27 days.
Shantou to Niue — USD 362 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier ONE; cut-off/ETD Closed Thu / ETD Tue; transit time about 31 days.
Shantou to Niue (express warehouse) — USD 389 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier ONE; cut-off/ETD —; transit time about 29 days.
Ningbo to Rarotonga — USD 336 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Auckland; carrier COSCO; cut-off/ETD Closed Tue / ETD Sun; transit time about 50 days.
Niue is a separate realm from the Cook Islands but is served on the same Auckland loop; it is the most expensive destination in the table.
Freight may be collected on arrival for most of these services, subject to the destination agent's approval.
Shanghai is the value origin
Shanghai's standard service undercuts Ningbo's by USD 109 per CBM to the same island — and arrives three weeks sooner. Unless your cargo is already positioned in Ningbo, Shanghai is the default choice for Rarotonga.
Delays are part of the deal
South Pacific feeders are weather-exposed and low-frequency. Build slack into any promised delivery date: a delayed Auckland connection can add two to three weeks, and neither the carrier nor the destination agent compensates for consequential loss.