Which Car Hire to Choose in the Cook Islands?
Tiny pieces of paradise that barely take an hour to drive around, the atolls of the Cook Islands are an easy road trip well worth doing! Stop by stunning beaches, historical sites, natural wonders and more on the islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and even the lesser-visited paradises of Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro. We compare all of the best car rental companies in the Cook Islands that can make your roadie dreams a reality in this complete guide to the top car hire companies in the Cook Islands!
5 Things to Look For When Comparing Car Rentals in the Cook Islands
Before we dive into our comparison of the car hires in the Cook Islands, know what to look for with these car rental comparison tips.
1. Location
Contrary to popular belief, not all cars need to be rented from Rarotonga International Airport (which incurs an extra fee in most instances). Most car rental companies in the Cook Islands, including in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, offer free delivery to your accommodation, so it may work out cheaper to get an airport transfer to your chosen accommodation and only rent a vehicle once you’re ready to drive! Check out more ways to shave the cents off your car rental in the 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in the Cook Islands.
2. Prices and Inclusions
Car rental companies in the Cook Islands have very similar basic inclusions depending on the island, with rentals on Rarotonga having more inclusions than those on Aitutaki or the other outer islands. There are a few subtle differences in price, however, when it comes to the cost of extra drivers and airport pick-up, while some rental companies don’t even provide basic inclusions like roadside assistance. We make sure to list inclusions in the comparison below. Due to the fluctuating rental rates, these are not listed below, but average rates can be found in The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown.
3. Vehicles Offered
The Cook Islands’ car rental companies tend to have a generous offering of vehicle types, especially on Rarotonga, while the outer islands have limited choice. The size of your vehicle will matter depending on how many people are travelling in the vehicle. However, due to the short journeys you’ll be taking on any one of the Cook Islands, as well as the low speed limits, you don’t have much reason to hire touring vehicles. Just stick to something that complements your budget. Or, you know, you could treat yourself to a convertible, BMW or VW Beetle “just ’cause”. Learn more about what it is like to drive in our guide, How to Drive in the Cook Islands + 10 Road Rules.
4. Payment Options
Not everyone wants to have a Visa or MasterCard credit card. If that’s the case for you, double-check which car rental companies accept other payment methods. Note that most car rental companies in the Cook Islands require a bond payment, which is typically a pre-authorisation (block) for credit cards. Learn more about paying for things in What is the Best Way to Pay in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?
5. Service
Once you have picked one or two car rental companies to compare, give them an email or a phone call and ask them a few questions. See how helpful they are in their answers. This little test will give you an idea of how helpful the company will be should anything go wrong during your trip.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comIsland Car & Bike Hire
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest car in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands or a luxury car that will be the envy of all your friends, Island Car & Bike Hire has the vehicle to suit! Ride around in a photo-worthy VW Beetle, Nissan Micra convertible or Suzuki Scooter or opt for something more practical like a Toyota Passo or Ford Escape. If you’re looking for a family car, baby seats are available to hire for a small fee. They also have a price match guarantee.
See how Island Car & Bike Hire compare solely with other car hire companies on Rarotonga in the 8 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Avarua (opposite Punanga Nui Market), Muri Beach (opposite Muri Beachcomber) and Arorangi (opposite Maniua Beach Resort).
They also offer free pick-up and drop-off to accommodations. Airport pick-up and drop-off are available for a “small” fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Island Car & Bike Hire include scooters, motorcycles, small cars, medium to large cars, convertibles, people-movers and minivans. They also have a luxury fleet. Most vehicles are automatic with the exception of minivans.
- Suzuki AN 125cc Scooter
- Suzuki GN 125cc Motorcycle
- Toyota Passo or similar
- Toyota Vitz or similar
- Toyota Wish or similar
- Honda Oydessy or similar
- Nissan Micra or similar
- Ford Escape or similar
- Toyota Hiace or similar
- Chrysler PT Cruisers
- BMW Z3
- BMW 318
- VW Beetle
- Toyota Altezza
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old) – additional drivers are NZ$2 per day
- Child and baby seats (NZ$2 a day)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Insurance is included in car rentals with third-party liability and collision damage waiver excess of NZ$2,500. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$500/$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$13/$19 a day. For scooters and motorcycles, the excess rate can be reduced to NZ$1,000/$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$5/$19 a day.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comPolynesian Rental Cars & Bikes
Offering one of the most comprehensive fleets of cars, scooters and bicycles on Rarotonga, not to mention having a presence seemingly everywhere on the Cook Islands’ main island, Polynesian Rental Cars & Bikes is simply one of the most convenient car rentals on Rarotonga. Vehicles are kept to a high standard, while free accommodation pick-up/drop-off is a welcome addition.
See more scooter rentals in Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: St Joseph Road Avarua, Aroa Beach, Edgewater Resort & Spa, Rarotonga International Airport, Titikaveka & Wash Bay*, Mairie Nui Drive Avarua*, Club Raro Resort* and Muri Beach*.
* Available depending on visitor numbers
One-way rentals are available. They also offer free pick-up and drop-off to accommodations.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Polynesian Rental Cars include scooters, convertibles, small cars, medium cars, people-movers, SUVs and minivans. Most vehicles are automatic with the exception of minivans.
- Yamaha Mio 125cc Scooter or similar
- Yamaha Cygnus-ZR 125cc Scooter or similar
- Mini Cooper Convertible or similar
- Mazda Axela or similar
- Toyota IST or similar
- Toyota Sienta or similar
- Toyota Voxy or similar
- Honda CRV or similar
- Toyota Hiace or similar
- Fat-tyre mountain bikes – See Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old) – additional drivers are NZ$1 per day
- Unlimited kilometres
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Insurance is included in car rentals with third-party liability and collision damage waiver excess of NZ$2,500. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$20 a day. For scooters, the third-party liability and collision damage waiver has an excess of NZ$500 and can’t be reduced.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comPopoara Rentals
Offering a range of well-maintained cars and scooters on Aitutaki, Popoara Rentals is well worth considering for vehicle rentals on the island. Their selection of Toyota Ractis has enough room for up to five people, as well as for luggage, while their scooters are some of the most affordable on the island.
To compare Popoara Rentals with just other rentals on Aitutaki, head to The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Aitutaki: Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas at Ootu Beach. Delivery/drop-off is available anywhere on Aitutaki.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Popoara Rentals include scooters, small cars, medium cars and a people-mover. Vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Toyota Ractis
- Toyota Estima
- Scooters
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals. A pre-authorisation (block) of your credit/debit card is held until the vehicle is returned: NZ$1,000 for cars plus NZ$50 for petrol and NZ$500 for scooters plus NZ$20 for petrol.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comRarotonga Rentals
One of the rare car rental companies on Rarotonga offering hybrid vehicles, Rarotonga Rentals is a good choice for those wishing to travel a little greener. They also offer scooter, motorcycle, car and van hire, while their depot opposite Rarotonga International Airport means that they offer airport rentals at no extra cost! Rarotonga Rentals is also a good go-to for younger drivers with a limited driving age of 18 years old.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Rarotonga International Airport (located across the road) and Tapere (between Muri Beach and Titikaveka).
Free airport pick-up and drop-off are available. They also offer a free pick-up and drop-off service at accommodations.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Rarotonga Rentals include scooters, motorcycles, hybrids, small cars, medium cars, SUVs, convertibles, people-movers and minivans. Most vehicles are automatic with the exception of minivans.
- Suzuki AN 125cc Scooter
- Suzuki GN 125cc Motorcycle
- Toyota Auris Hybrid or similar
- Toyota Passo or similar
- Toyota Vitz or similar
- Toyota Wish or similar
- Honda Oydessy or similar
- Nissan Micra or similar
- Ford Escape or similar
- Toyota Hiace or similar
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old) – additional drivers are NZ$2 per day
- Child and baby seats (NZ$2 a day)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Insurance is included in car rentals with third-party liability and collision damage waiver excess of NZ$2,500. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$500/$10 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$13/$19 a day. For scooters and motorcycles, the excess rate can be reduced to NZ$1,000/$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$5/$19 a day.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comRino’s Rentals
Boasting the largest fleet of rental cars, scooters and even bicycles in Aitutaki, Rino’s Rentals is an easy go-to for your rental car. Stay at their accommodation, Rino’s Bungalows (see 10 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Aitutaki) and you’ll get a bit of a discount. They also have vehicles, including scooters, ready to go at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki. For more scooter options on the island, see Scooter Hire on Aitutaki: Where to Rent, Cost & More.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Aitutaki: Rino’s Rentals on the main road in Ureia, as well as at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki. Delivery/drop-off is available anywhere on Aitutaki. Airport delivery for cars only.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Rino’s Rentals include small cars, people-movers, scooters and bicycles. Vehicles have automatic transmission, while scooters are semi-automatic.
- Suzuki Swift
- Mitsubishi Colt
- Toyota Voxy
- Yamaha scooters
- Bicycles – See Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes
Inclusions
- One driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Unlimited kilometres
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals. A pre-authorisation (block) of your credit/debit card is held until the vehicle is returned.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comPacific Cars
There’s no risk of being overwhelmed with the offering from this small locally owned company. Pacific Cars have all the vehicles most travellers actually need for travelling around Rarotonga: small to medium cars, scooters and e-bikes. The car rentals and insurance are transparent with no hidden costs while boasting competitive prices. The only downside is that they only have one location (or the airport for a fee) and don’t offer free accommodation deliveries.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Muri (opposite the driveway to the Muri Beach Club Hotel).
Airport pick-up and drop-off are available for a fee (around NZ$30).
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Pacific Cars include scooters, small cars, medium cars, people-movers and e-bikes. All vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Honda Vision 125cc Scooter
- Nissan March or similar
- Toyota Ractis or similar
- Nissan Serena or similar
- E-bikes – See Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old) – additional drivers are NZ$10 per day
- Unlimited kilometres
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Insurance is included in car rentals with third-party liability and collision damage waiver excess of NZ$2,000. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$500 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$10 a day.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comRaro Cars
Among some of the cheapest car rentals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, Raro Cars offers a wide range of vehicles for highly competitive prices. In fact, they offer a price match guarantee! Cars are cheaper per day the longer you rent them, with discounted rates taking effect after three days and cheaper again after seven. They also offer further discounts for long-term rentals (30 days). Although cars are, understandably, a little old, they are well-groomed and maintained after each rental. Plus, roadside assistance is included at least.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Avatiu Avarua (opposite the Avatiu Harbour).
Airport pick-up and drop-off are available. They also offer a free pick-up and drop-off service at accommodations.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Raro Cars include small cars, medium cars, SUVs, people-movers and minivans. There is a mix of manual and automatic transmissions, so be sure to ask for your preferred option.
- Toyota Passo, Toyota Vitz or similar
- Toyota Avensis, Nissan Wingroad, Toyota Fielder, Honda Airwave or similar
- Toyota Mark X, Toyota Crown, Nissan Teana and Honda Sedan Inspire or similar
- Nissan Serena, Honda Odyssey, Mazda Premacy, Honda Stream, VW Golf Tourun or similar
- Jin Bei Haise, Foton, Changan Karavaan or similar
- Foton Transor, BAW or similar
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Child and baby seats (NZ$3 a day)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Insurance is included in car rentals with a collision damage waiver excess of NZ$2,000. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$500/$10 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$10/$20 a day.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comAquila Rentals
Aitutaki‘s ultimate entrepreneur, the Aquila company not only runs a convenience store, gas station, takeaway and the airport cafe but also has vehicles for hire! Aquila Rentals offers some of the cheapest car rentals in Aitutaki, ranging from small cars to people-movers.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Aitutaki: Aquila Rentals and Store on the main road in Amuri. Delivery/drop-off is available anywhere on Aitutaki.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Aquila Rentals include small cars, medium cars and a people-mover. Vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Nissan Note
- Honda Fitz
- Toyota Voxy
Inclusions
- One driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Unlimited kilometres
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals. A pre-authorisation (block) of your credit/debit card is held until the vehicle is returned. Insurance excess is NZ$1,000 for each claim in respect to any and all damage, theft and any losses sustained by the vehicle.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comAvis
The international car rental giant Avis has a presence on Rarotonga, renting cars out of Muri Beach and Rarotonga International Airport. Their rental vehicles are kept to a high standard, ranging from small hatchbacks to more spacious SUVs. While they offer roadside assistance, they lack a few other services that other car rentals on Rarotonga are offering, such as free accommodation delivery.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Rarotonga International Airport and Pacific Resort Rarotonga (Main Road, Muri).
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Avis include small cars, medium cars, people-movers, SUVs and minivans. Most vehicles are automatic with the exception of some minivans.
- Toyota Yaris or similar
- Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
- Toyota Corolla SW or similar
- Toyota Rav4 or similar
- Toyota Noah or similar
- Toyota Hiace or similar
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
- Unlimited kilometres
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Insurance is included in car rentals with a collision damage waiver excess of NZ$2,000. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$8.70-$15 a day.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands TourismSuper Brown Atiu
The main convenience store on the outer island of Atiu, Super Brown Atiu is also convenient in that fact that it hires out cars! Choose from jeeps and mini-trucks, ideal for getting around the flattened coral road of Atiu.
For more Atiu rental options, head to The Best Car Rentals on Atiu: The Top Atiu Car Rental Companies.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Atiu: At the Super Brown store located on the main street of Tengatangi.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Super Brown include Daelim and automatic scooters, jeeps and mini-trucks. There is a mix of automatic and manual transmissions available, so be sure to ask if you prefer one over the other.
© Logan Dodds - Cook Islands TourismCar Rentals on the Outer Islands of the Cook Islands
More intrepid travellers may have noticed that there are no car rental companies on this list of the best car rentals in the Cook Islands from the outer islands of Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro, for example. That’s because there are no “rental companies” per se, but vehicles are available to rent through accommodation providers on these islands.
Mangaia Car Rental
SUVs and scooters are typically available to rent on Mangaia through accommodation providers, such as Babe’s Place. Te Vai Anga gas station also has some scooters available to hire. Learn more about accommodation providers in Where to Stay on Mangaia and about transport in the 6 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mangaia.
Mauke Car Rental
4WD trucks and scooters are available to hire through Tiare Cottages, while scooters and bicycles are also available to hire at Ri’s Retreat. Learn more about these accommodations in the Where to Stay on Mauke: The Best Mauke Accommodations and about transport in Mauke Transport Guide: 7 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mauke.
Mitiaro Car Rental
Accommodations on Mitiaro can arrange cars and scooters for guests to hire. Rental typically includes the price of fuel. Check out Where to Stay on Mitiaro to learn more about the accommodations and our Mitiaro Transport Guide: 6 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mitiaro to learn more about getting around.
More About Car Rentals in the Cook Islands
That’s it for our complete comparison of the car rental companies in the Cook Islands. Learn more about renting a car using the following guides:
- What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- Can You Drive in the Cook Islands With an Overseas License?
- Which is Better, Renting a Car or Taking the Bus on Rarotonga?
Finally, compare car rentals with other ways to travel around the Cooks in the Cook Islands Transport Guide: 15 Ways to Get Around the Cook Islands.
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