🏝️ Getting Around Rarotonga

Rarotonga is the Cook Islands’ main island and is relatively small (32 km circumference), making it easy to explore in a day or two.

🚍 Public Bus

• Two buses: Clockwise and Anti-Clockwise

• Operates every 30–60 minutes

• Great for getting around the ring road (Ara Tapu)

• Hop-on/hop-off style — wave the driver down

• Costs around NZ$5–8 per ride or NZ$16 for a day pass

🚗 Car Rentals

• Widely available and ideal for flexibility

• Rental cars start from ~NZ$40–60 per day

• Driving is on the left (same as NZ/Australia)

• International licence accepted

🛵 Scooter / Motorbike Rental

• Very popular option

• From NZ$20–35 per day

• A temporary Cook Islands licence is needed (NZ$20) if your current licence doesn't cover motorcycles

🚲 Bicycle & E-bike Rentals

• Great for short distances and beach cruising

• E-bikes cost around NZ$35–45/day

• Some accommodations provide bikes for free

🚕 Taxis

• Available but not cheap

• Must be pre-booked by phone

• No rideshare services (e.g. Uber)

🚐 Airport Transfers & Shuttles

• Pre-arranged or hotel-organized shuttles

• Cost: ~NZ$25 per person

🚶‍♂️ Walking

• Safe in town areas and beaches

• Not ideal for exploring the full island (no continuous sidewalks)

🏝️ Getting Around Aitutaki

Aitutaki is smaller and quieter, known for its beautiful lagoon and outer motus (islets).

🚗 Car Rentals

• Available through local providers

• NZ$65–85/day

• You'll need an Aitutaki driver's licence, which you can easily get at the local police station

🛵 Scooter Rentals

• Popular and cheaper than cars

• Local licence required

• Good for short trips around the main island

🚲 Bicycles

• Suitable for fit travelers — roads can be hilly

• Rent from accommodations or local shops

• E-bikes also available

🚕 Taxis

• Limited; only a couple on the island

• Must be pre-booked through your accommodation

🚤 Lagoon / Water Taxis

• Main way to reach nearby motus (islets) like Honeymoon Island or One Foot Island

• Offered by tour operators or as private trips from Ootu Beach

🚶‍♀️ Walking

• Easy for exploring local villages, beaches, and resorts

• Not ideal for seeing the entire island due to heat and distance