Accommodation and holiday advice on Rarotonga and the Cook Islands - from local experts.
Transport - how to get around & explore
To your hotel
This is usually arranged when you book your accommodation, and will either be with the accommodators own transport, or by arrangement with a specialist operator.
Around Rarotonga
As the entire island of Rarotonga is only 32 kilometers in circumference, getting around is easy.
There are two main roads on Rarotonga, you can circle the island on the Ara Tapu sealed road, through the villages and past the beaches; or you can take the older inland road, which winds through fields of taro, pawpaw, bananas and local farmlands.
A variety of transport options are available, from rental bicycles, motor bikes or cars, to public buses.
Self Drive
If you want to drive in the Cook Islands, you will need to obtain a Cook Islands Drivers license from the Police Department. For a motor car license, just present your current drivers license. For a motor bike license, you will have to do a short practical test. Driving is on the left-hand side and the speed limit is 50 km/h except for motorcyclists without a helmet who are restricted to 40km/h.
If you would rather be driven around, than drive yourself, buses and taxis are available.
Buses
Riding the bus is a great way to get around. Once on board, just sit back and relax while you travel to your destination.
Buses routes all originate from run outside the Cooks Corner Cafe in the town center and run close to most accommodations, making it a simple matter to catch them.
You can hail the bus to stop from anywhere on the main road, and as there are two buses running in opposite directions around the island, you never need to wait more than about 30min for the next to come along.
Clockwise busses depart from Cook's Corner Depot on the hour, every hour, from 7:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Saturday.
Anti-clockwise busses depart from Cook's Corner Depot from 8:25am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Saturday Anti-clockwise busses depart from Cook's Corner Depot from 8:30am - 12:30pm.
Night busses depart from Cook's Corner Depot on the hour, every hour, clockwise only, from 6:00pm - 11:00pm, Monday to Thursday and Saturday.
Friday Night busses depart from Cook's Corner Depot clockwise only, from 6:00pm - 10:00pm and at 12:00 midnight, 1:00am and 2:15am (Last Bus). There is no anti-clockwise night bus.
Sunday busses depart Cook's Corner Depot clockwise only, from 8:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
NOTE: There is no Sunday night bus.
Click here for current bus timetables.
Cook's Island Bus Passenger Transport Ltd can be contacted on 25512, 9am to 4pm or 20349 after hours
Getting to other Islands
Getting to Islands such as Aitutaki is easily arranged with the local airline Air Rarotonga.
Flights to southern group islands in particular are frequent and convenient.
Flight Schedules and fares can be viewed or booked on:
Air Rarotonga
Aitutaki has Rental vehicles available to allow you to explore its exclusive attractions.
Don't forget - Uncle Jeff can arrange rental vehicles for your use on arrival. This can be arranged either with your accommodation booking or later.