Wondering where to start with car rental in Rarotonga? Hiring a car in Raro will allow you the freedom for the ultimate island holiday!
Rental cars are reasonably priced and driving in Rarotonga is much like at home in New Zealand and Australia. (Albeit with a few more chickens and coconuts to look out for!).
There are lots of options for car hire in Rarotonga from a small car with basic insurance to a Jeep or convertible to cruise the island in style.
Read all about car hire, pick-up and drop-off, insurance for your rental car, and how to book and pay in our ultimate guide to renting a car in Rarotonga.
Plan your visit to Rarotonga
- Renting a car in Rarotonga
- FAQ
- Driving in Rarotonga
- Rental cars in Rarotonga
- Rental car companies
- Cost to rent a car in Rarotonga
- Payment
- Insurance
- Renting a car in Rarotonga – choosing a company
- Picking up your rental car
Renting a car in Rarotonga
Getting around Rarotonga is easy! Rarotonga is not a huge island. In fact it takes 50 minutes to drive the entire road around the island.
There is a bus in Rarotonga as a public transport option. Two buses circle the island: Clockwise and Anti-clockwise. And visitors can also organise an airport pick up and drop off either directly or via your hotel prior to arriving in the Cook Islands.
However the easiest option for getting around is to hire a car. Renting a car in Rarotonga will allow you freedom to explore and truly enjoy a holiday on your own island time.
- Read our guide for how to get the bus in Rarotonga.
Car rental, Rarotonga – FAQ
From pricing and insurance, road rules and choosing a car to rent. Here are the most commonly asked questions about renting a car in Rarotonga.
Can I drive? What kind of license do I need to rent a car in Rarotonga?
Visitors are able to drive in the Cook Islands provided they have a current full driving license from their home country. Your overseas licence, must be in English or a certified English translation is required as well.
Your overseas license enables you to drive the motor vehicle class that you are entitled to drive in your own country. For example, if you have a motorcycle license you can also use that to ride a motorcycle in Rarotonga.
Drivers licenses are accepted from:
- New Zealand and Australia
- Canada
- United States of America
- EU Members and Norway
- Japan
If you hold a driver’s license from a country that is not listed you will need to get a Cook Islands visitors vehicle license from the Police Station in Avarua.
- Read all about how to get your scooter license in Rarotonga.
What is the minimum driving age for a rental car in Rarotonga?
All drivers must be 18 years or older and hold a full license.
Driving in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Rarotonga drives on the left side of the road. The road rules are similar to New Zealand and Australia.
The coastal road (Ara Tapu) is the main road that circles the entire island of Rarotonga. There is also a second inland road (Ara Metua) that travels inland but does not circle the entire island. There is no road that travels through the centre of the island.
Albeit potential hazards driving in Rarotonga are slightly different to New Zealand.
- Keep an eye out for the animal population – dogs and chickens car dart out in front of you without warning.
- Rarotonga has very few footpaths for pedestrians, including in the main street of Avarua. Be wary of pedestrians crossing the road.
The maximum speed limit on Rarotonga is 50km/ph. The island has further set speed zones with 30km/ph in Avarua, Muri and 20km/ph through school zones.
Child seats are not compulsory in the Cook Islands however some companies have them available for hire. It is recommended to bring your own.
Which cars and vehicles are available for hire?
Vehicles offered for rent in Rarotonga include scooters, small cars, medium cars, people-movers, convertibles, SUVs and minivans. Most vehicles are automatic with the exception of minivans.
Small – compact cars
- Toyota Ist
- Toyota Passo
- Toyota Vitz
- Toyota Yaris
- Nissan March
- Nissan Micra
- Suzuki Swift
Medium cars
- Toyota Ractis
- Ford Escape
- Toyota Altezza
- Toyota Corolla
Large cars
- Nissan Serena
- Honda Odyssey
Some companies offer a range of luxury vehicles for hire (VW Beetle, Jeep or convertible). Though be aware with the limited availability these are more pricey.
Large vehicles available for rent including 8-seater and 12-seater minivans.
What is the standard of rental cars in Rarotonga?
Most rental cars in Rarotonga are standard small and middle-sized cars from 2005 onwards.
Accessories vary from company to company but most vehicles are:
- Automatic
- 4 Door
- Air Conditioning
- Electric Windows
- Power Steering
- Regular Fuel (Unleaded 91)
How much does it cost to rent a car in Rarotonga?
Rates are competitive starting from $40 NZD per day for car rental in Rarotonga.
- Small car/day – NZ$40-$70
- Medium car/day – NZ$50-$80
- Large car/day – NZ$65-$100
- Premium car/day – NZ$70-$100
- Minivan/day – NZ$70-$120
Note that cars are cheaper per day the longer you rent them.
- Discounted rates take effect after three days and it becomes cheaper again after seven days with weekly rates starting at $40 NZD per day.
Rental car companies also offer further discounts for long-term rentals (30 days).
Expect to pay between $280 – $500 NZD for 7 days car hire in Rarotonga.
What method of payment is accepted for car hire in Rarotonga?
The currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Payment is accepted in New Zealand Dollars only.
Payment for car rental can be made by credit card or debit card (VISA, MasterCard), bank transfer and cash.
- Note that most car rental companies on Rarotonga require a bond payment. This is typically a pre-authorisation (block) for credit cards.
Options for car rental in Rarotonga
There are more than eight registered rental car companies in Rarotonga.
The largest company is Polynesian Rental Cars and Bikes. Avis Cook Islands is the only international car rental in Rarotonga.
- Polynesian Rental Cars and Bikes
- Raro Cars
- Rarotonga Rentals
- Island Car and Bike Hire Rarotonga
- Pacific Rental Cars & Bike Hire (used to be RaroRentalCars)
- Avis Cook Islands
- Sweet As Rentals
- Go Cook Islands Car Rentals
Map of Rarotonga – Rental Car Companies
Choose a company for car rental in Rarotonga near your accommodation for ease and convenience.
Do you need insurance for car rental in Rarotonga?
Insurance for car rental is compulsory in the Cook Islands. Standard insurance is included in the daily price of car rentals with third-party liability and a collision damage waiver excess of $2500 – $3500 NZD.
- The excess rate can be reduced (to $0 – $500 NZD) by purchasing an excess reducer for between $20 – $30 NZD per day on top of the standard daily rental rate.
What is the best way to find and book a car rental Rarotonga?
Gone are the days of needing to call ahead with an international phone call to rent a car in Rarotonga. Now all car hire in Rarotonga is done online.
You can book a car online through Booking.com or visit the company website directly for a quote online for hire.
- Polynesian Rental Cars and Bikes
- Raro Cars
- Rarotonga Rentals
- Island Car and Bike Hire Rarotonga
- Pacific Rental Cars & Bike Hire (used to be RaroRentalCars)
- Avis Cook Islands
- Sweet As Rentals
- Go Cook Islands Car Rentals
You will receive a confirmation email for your reservation.
Picking up your rental car in Rarotonga
Arriving in Rarotonga there are several options to pick up and start your car rental:
- Pick up on arrival from Rarotonga International Airport
- Delivery to your accommodation
- Pick up directly from the car rental office (located in different villages around the island)
Not all cars need to be rented from the airport. Some companies offer free delivery to your accommodation so it may work out cheaper to get an airport transfer and start your car rental from your hotel.
- If you are picking up your rental car from Rarotonga International airport you will see a representative from the rental car company waiting at a signposted kiosk or with a board with your name.
To pick up your rental car you will need to bring:
- Copy of your reservation (electronic is ok)
- Driver’s license
- Passport
Final thoughts?
A rental car ultimately allows you the freedom for a relaxing island holiday at your own pace. It’s easy to pick up your rental car on arrival and just drop it off when you fly out. Book your rental car in Rarotonga and start getting excited for your holiday!
Planning travel to Rarotonga – more information
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family (for five years now) and ones that we would recommend to anyone booking a holiday trip to Rarotonga.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. There is a great selection of budget and mid-range accommodation for Rarotonga.
- Air New Zealand – Book your flights to Rarotonga.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before traveling to Rarotonga!
Read more from Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
- Supermarkets In Rarotonga: Everything You Need To Plan Your Visit.
- A Reef Walk In Rarotonga With Ariimoana.
- Raemaru Mountain: The Easiest Climb On Rarotonga?
- Hiking The Needle: Rarotonga’s Famous Cross Island Walk.
- 20 AWESOME Things To Do In Rarotonga With Kids!
- A Morning At Punanga Nui Market, Rarotonga.
- How To Get Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.