Rarotonga Hotels - Getting to and from and around once in the Cook Islands
Getting to and from Rarotonga and around once there: Below is a comprehensive guide to transport to from and around Rarotonga covering the Buses, Taxis, Flights, Trains, Cycling, by Car and much more.
Don’t forget to check out our other sections for details on Rarotonga Hotels, Things to Do & Attractions in Rarotonga, plus candid traveler photos and reviews.
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Transport – Rarotonga:
Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, and it has about 90,000 tourists each year who come to sample its soft, sandy beaches or dive to look at the fantastic coral reefs. Diving, snorkelling and fishing are all very popular activities on this island.
However, there are disadvantages to Rarotonga, getting there being perhaps the most important.
Getting to Rarotonga by Plane
Rarotonga Hotels - where are the Cook Islands?
Even with air service, the problems are not over, as the ‘international’ airport (the only one on the island) is several km from the capital city. It is necessary to transport tourists into the towns either by car or by motor scooter. But to do either of these things, it is legally necessary to obtain a Cook Islands driving license.
Getting There by Boat
The only other way of travelling to Rarotonga is by boat but this is more complicated than it looks, because there are no scheduled ferries making trips to and from the city.
If anyone wishes to go by boat, then they will need to book a cruise which makes a port call on the island. Tourists can also rent a yacht to travel to the island if they do not own one.
For a popular tourist destination, there are few direct services to the island. Only 2 major air companies operate a Rarotonga flight– Air New Zealand, which flies from Auckland, Fiji and French Polynesia, and Pacific Blue which operates flights from Australia and New Zealand.
Pacific Blue – flights from Australia and New Zealand to Rarotonga
Air New Zealand – direct flights from New Zealand & worldwide to Rarotonga
Around Rarotonga, once here:
Rarotonga Hotels - Getting around once here
As well as the ubiquitous coconut palms, Rarotonga is home to many mature and beautiful tropical trees. Wandering down the back roads either on foot rented bicycle or motor scooter can be a rewarding experience.
Poinciana, known locally as ‘flamboyants’, are an import from South America but look wonderful against the predominant greens and blues of Rarotonga. Massive old trees can be found in the quieter parts such as along the ancient Ara Metua, the Great Road of Toi, built about 1000 AD from coral slabs.
There is a regular round-the-island bus service which runs in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Several companies offer bicycle, motor scooters and automobiles for rent. Prices can range from about US$35 to US$25 per day for an automobile and US$15 to US$10 for a motor scooter.
It is worth checking out some of the smaller operators. Many hotels and motels rent out bicycles and scooters.
Our 7 day itinerary!:
Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, a small group of islands to the northeast of New Zealand. Made up of 15 islands, the Cook Islands were formed ages ago by volcanic activity. They are split up into 2 groups, the Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands. Rarotonga is the home of the island’s main airport and is also the most populous. Because of its beautiful beaches and tropical climate, Rarotonga has become popular with tourists.
Day 1
Fly in to Rarotonga International Airport. The most frequent flights in are from Aukland, New Zealand, but there are also direct flights from Los Angeles if you are coming from the east. If you want you can stop at the duty free store on your way out of the airport. Grab a taxi or a shuttle to your hotel. If you arrive early and still have time go check out the beach.
Day 2
If you want to rent a car or a motor scooter you will have to get a license, making this a good start to Day 2. A valid driver’s license and a small fee will get you a driver’s license, while to rent a scooter you will likely have to take a short test. Once you have transportation, explore the island. Stay on the exterior, as most roads that run in-land will either come to a dead end or peter out.
Day 3
Rarotonga has some great scuba diving opportunities, with comfortably warm tropical waters and beautiful coral reefs. If you aren’t or don’t want to worry about getting certified, spend an afternoon snorkeling instead
Day 4
Now that you’ve explored the outside of Rarotonga, explore the inside. This former volcano has some tropical scenery inside that’s not to be missed. Pick up a local guidebook and head on in, there are trails and walking tracks heading in-land all around the island.
Day 5
If you’ve ever considered taking up windsurfing, now is your chance. Rarotonga’s Muri Lagoon has some great waves for windsurfing, and because winds usually stay relatively mild, it’s a great place to learn.
Day 6
On your last full day in Rarotonga, take advantage of some more time windsurfing, scuba diving, or hiking the in-land trails. If not, just relax on the beach, finish up your shopping and maybe check out a rugby game at the National Stadium.
Day 7
Depending on when you leave, the last day of a vacation sometimes doesn’t feel like a vacation day at all. If you have the time on your way to the airport, stop at the sea wall which skirts the edge of the airport runway and watch as jets come in right above your head.
Useful tips for Rarotonga and helpful information:
Rarotonga Hotels - useful information and tips
If you are travelling to the Cook Islands, you should be aware of certain information. Here is a list of Rarotonga practical information.
Formal Name:
Rarotonga Island
Country:
Cook Islands
Capital:
Avarua is the country’s capital, located on Rarotonga Island. Rarotonga city is the largest city.
Languages:
Maori, English and Pukapukan are the most commonly spoken languages.
Population:
Over 14,000 people
Size:
67.19 km square (26 square miles)
Voltage:
240 V; 50 Hz
Outlets:
V-shaped flat prongs
Country Code:
+682
Area Code:
The Cook Islands do not have individual area codes. Just dial the country code plus the local number.
Time Zone:
UTC-10 hours; No DST
Currency:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Banking:
The best place to do your banking on Rarotonga is in Avarua or in Rarotonga. Banks will exchange currency and traveler’s cheques. There are also ATMs available at most banks.
Visa:
No visa is required for most visitors for tourism stays of less than 31 days. You should have 6 months validity remaining on your passport, evidence of funds and accommodation and a return ticket.
Airport:
Rarotonga International Airport handles all incoming and outgoing international flights, as well as most of the traffic between islands. Air Rarotonga operates inter-island flights.
Transportation:
You can travel around the island or between islands via boat. Rarotonga has 3 harbors: Avatiu, Avarua and Avana. You can also ride the bus around the island. There are no through roads due to the island’s geography, but there are 2 ring roads around the island. You can catch or disembark from a bus at any point, though there are designated bus stops.
Geography:
Rarotonga is the youngest of the volcanic islands that make up the Cook Islands. As such, it is still craggy, filled with volcanic peaks and valleys that are densely covered in vegetation. As such, the center of the island is mostly uninhabited. A large part of the island has been designated a conservation area. As for the waters, a lagoon surrounds most of the island. There is a reef to the north which makes water sports dangerous. The southeast is the most appropriate and popular for swimming and other water activities.
Tipping:
Tipping is considered rude in the Cook Islands.
Drinking Age:
The legal drinking age is 21.
Police:
In an emergency, dial 999. If you need police assistance but it is not an emergency situation, dial 22-499.
Hospital:
For an ambulance, dial 998.
Fire:
In the event of a fire emergency, dial 996.
Embassies:
There is only 1 foreign embassy in the Cook Islands. Most international visitors will have to contact their local embassy in New Zealand for assistance.
Departure Tax:
When leaving Rarotonga on an international flight you will be required to pay a departure tax of NZD 30.
Want to learn more about Rarotonga?
- Things to do and attractions in Rarotonga
- Getting to and from Rarotonga and transport once there
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