Travelling Around Rarotonga

Travelling Around Rarotonga - All the Facts with Some Creative Content

One of the comments we get from guests who have travelled to other Pacific islands is how they love Rarotonga because the entire island is welcoming and great to explore. We agree. 

Here are ways you can explore this slice of paradise with approximate costs.

Walking - It's free and some people love to walk as part of their travel and holiday experience. This is easy you are based around Muri as we have so much nearby. There are many fantastic beach walks, inland walks, the Cross Island Walk and 4 islands to explore. If you feel super fit you could walk the entire main road which is around 32 km or parts of the older and quiet inner road.  Cost = free if you have the time and energy. 

Top Tip if Walking in Summer = Drink lots of water and plan for the return section as well. The bus can assist here if you get tired or if it's extremely hot and humid.

Buses - We have 2 bus routes in Rarotonga. They are called Clockwise and Anticlockwise. Whoever named these was a flipping genius and should get the Nobel Peace Prize or maybe a free Palace Burger. The Clockwise Bus departs Cooks' Corner in Town on the hour every hour from 7:00am to 10:00pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sunday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm then 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It does not run on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday (back to walking, sorry). The Anti-Clockwise Bus departs Cooks' Corner in Town on the half hour every hour from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday and from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturdays. Tickets cost $5 per ride or $35 for 10 rides which can be shared with a partner or as a family. You need cash to buy tickets. You can flag down a bus in most places if it is safe for the driver to pull over. There is an App called TransportME that you can download that tracks the buses if you have Wi-Fi. Cost = $5 per ride or $35 for a 10 ride concession ticket. For more info visit https://www.cookislandsbus.com/ 

Bicycles - These are very popular, especially with Europeans and people who like sweating and sore bums. With mostly flat roads, lots of people enjoy cycling to get around and explore. Ride Rarotonga has the widest range of bikes and can drop them at your accommodation for $20 per bike, which includes the pick-up. There are other companies and links to these will be at the end of the post. Cost = $28 to $30 per day and cheaper when you book 5 days or more. https://riderarotonga.com/

Scooters - Probably the most popular and fun way to get around Rarotonga. They used to be even more fun when we didn't have to wear helmets but that's progress (all the other islands don't enforce the helmet law BTW, only Rarotonga). They are everywhere to hire and shop around for a good deal. The biggest hassle is having to sit your scooter license at the police station in town. Here is a link that explains the painful process https://cookislandspocketguide.com/how-to-get-a-rarotonga-the-cook-islands-scooter-license/   If you have a motorbike license then that's sweet and simple - good on you! Cost = $25 to $35 per day depending on how many days you opt for.                           

Top tip when riding a scooter = ride between the centre line and left in the middle not close to the left side of the road. Riding close to the left side adds the risk of hitting dogs who wander onto the road and cars that pull out without looking. Riding closer to the centre gives you more space and time to react. 

eBikes - These have become very popular for those holidaymakers who like bikes but can't be stuffed peddling...much. They are expensive and similar to hiring a car with paperwork and insurance. If a couple hires an eBike each then that is pricy but sooo good for the environment - just don't tell anyone that the electricity to charge them comes from diesel generators ;-) Ride Raro and Tik-ebikes & Tours seem to be the main suppliers at the moment. Cost = $49 per day then reducing the longer you hire it. 

Top Tip for Free eBike = Motu Beachfront Art Villas offer FREE e-Bikes when you stay with them. The only catch is that rooms cost from $575 to $1100 per night but heck...a free eBike!

Car and Van Hire - This is the safe shot as all you need is a valid driver's license and a credit card for excess and payment. These are especially handy if you have a large group, if it rains, or if you intend to pop into town for food, supplies or beer. There are heaps of options and some great deals when it is off-season. Be aware that during the high season, vehicles can get sold out and vans and people movers go quick. Most can now be booked online and collected from the airport and dropped there for a fee. The quality of vehicles varies but remember that you are driving at 30 km to 50 km per hour and it's only 32 km go right around Raro so keep it simple and cheap.  

Cost = $55 to $75 per day but more for vans and premium cars. These costs will come down for a longer hire period and in the low season. 

Airport Transfers and Taxis - Airport Transfers can be a lovely way to start a holiday as you are greeted, gifted an ei (flower necklace), assisted with your luggage and then driven and taken to your room or resort. Most Shuttle and Transfer companies have set prices ranging from $30 to $25 one way per person. Taxi's also have set fees but they can vary depending on the time and day and who is driving so ask before you get in. Taxis can sometimes be unreliable with pick-up at odd hours back to the airport whereas Transfer Companies often have more staff to fall back on, hence less issues. For Airport Transfers try Tiare Transport or Kaimani Shuttles, or opt for our in-house return transfers as they include a tour of Muri and a stop at the TEM 24-hour Minimart for Food and Supplies. Cost = $30 to $25 per person 1 way with taxis variable so ask first. 

Useful Links

• https://cookislandspocketguide.com/rarotonga-transport-guide-ways-to-get-to-around-rarotonga/
• https://cookislands.travel/how-to-book/getting-around
• https://www.cookislandsbus.com/

Posted by Simon Drewery on February 12, 2025