From the time you step off the plane we can organise your transport for you
We do recommend that you arrange your airport pick-up in advance and not rely on trying to do it when you arrive. Pricing for the transfers are much the same so there's generally no need to shop around for the best deal. Just let us know at the time of booking and we will be happy to help you arrange this.
You will either be picked up by the accommodator or one of the airport shuttle services depending on what service the accommodator uses and the time of day that you arrive. We will advise you on who will be there to meet you and where. Rarotonga airport is small and easy to navigate your way around.
There is plenty to choose from when it comes to getting around Rarotonga
Rarotonga is easy to move around with a ring road that runs all the way round the coast of the island (the front road). The other main road which runs parallel to the front road is the Are Matua (commonly called the back road). The old road of Toi was originally built and - paved - around 1200 years ago by the famous chief of the same name. This road does not go all the way around the island but is well worth exploring.
Scooters Most guides will tell you a common form of transport for tourists and definitely locals is the scooter.
They are either semi-automatic or automatic. For the novice we would recommend the latter. Most scooters comfortably seat two people. Some of the hire companies also rent motorbikes for the more experienced rider. We do recommend that you wear a helmet (a helmet is legally required when travelling over 40kph) and if you are not confident on a scooter we suggest you consider a more appropriate choice of transport.
The convertible jeep is another good option, one which gives you the best of both worlds and is usually priced slightly higher than a car.
Cars vary in size from a small 'shopping basket' style to vans and wagons to accommodate families and larger groups.
Bicycles are easy to hire in Rarotonga and a wonderful way to get around especially as the terrain is mostly flat with spectacular sea views a lot of the way. This is an ideal mode of transport if you are meandering slowly to take in the scenery or feel the need for regular exercise. After all who is in a hurry here?
Taxi's there are a number of reliable taxi services in Rarotonga however they are generally a slightly more expensive option.
Here are a few you can choose from - Tiare Transport, Atupa Taxis, JP Taxis, Doro's Taxis and Parekura Taxis
Cook’s Island Bus offers an excellent circuit service which runs both clockwise and anti-clockwise 5 days a week originating from and ending at Cook’s corner in Avarua. There is a limited service at weekends, particularly on Sundays when there is no anti-clockwise bus.
A bus fare costs approximately $3.00 per adult and takes around 50 minutes to complete the round trip.
All Day Bus About passes with the ability to hop-on-hop-off, a great and economical way to explore the island and all it has to offer. Currently fares are NZ$10.00pp or NZ$20.00 for a family fare.
You may well decide you want to explore one of the other beautiful islands in the group
Air Rarotonga is the domestic airline of the Cook Islands and flies to 7 of the 15 islands - Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, Manihiki and Penrhyn.
Aitutaki
225 km from Rarotonga...From Raro several times daily, Monday – Saturday & one flight departing Rarotonga Sunday at 11.15pm
Atiu
Direct flights from Raro, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Mangaia
Direct flights from Raro, Monday to Saturday
Mauke
Direct flights from Raro, Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Mitiaro
Direct flights from Raro on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Manihiki
Direct flight from Raro on Thursday
Penrhyn
Direct flight from Raro on Saturday (request only)
You can visit http://www.airraro.com/ for online availability and bookings
Some helpful hints for getting around in Rarotonga
Driving in the Cook Islands is on the left hand side of the road with the average speed being 40kph. Please reduce your speed through villages, schools and the main township where the speed limit is 20-30kph.
To drive a car or motor scooter in the Cook Islands, it is a legal requirement to have a Cook Islands drivers licence from the Police Department located in Avarua (the main township).
For a car licence, you will need to produce your current drivers licence and in return you will be issued with a Cook Island driver's license which is valid for 6 months.
For a scooter or motorbike licence, you will need to produce your current drivers licence. You will also be required to pass a short practical test and in return will be issued with a Cook Island driver's license valid for 6 months.
To ride a scooter or motorbike in the Cook Islands you MUST be 16 years and over.
We also recommend that you wear a helmet when riding a scooter. You must wear a helmet if travelling over 40kms per hour.
Most rental transport companies offer a free pick up/drop off service to their clients. There is the option of having your car and driving yourself to the airport for your return flight.
For those of you who have been here before and know your way around there is the option of having a car at the airport or your accommodation for when you arrive...
Come to us, we can help