5 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Car or Scooter Hire

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

The Resorts with Free (or Cheap) Car and Scooter Rental in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands

Our Take on the Places We’ve Stayed or Visited

Looking for free vehicle rental in the Cook Islands or at least a discount? We’ve compiled the best, albeit small, selection of resorts and accommodations offering car or scooter hire (sometimes for free) for guests! These accommodations can be found in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and even some of the outer islands. Check them out in the list below!

And before you hit the road, be sure to check out How to Drive in the Cook Islands + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.

Side note: Our insights come from experienced travel writers who’ve visited these Cook Islands accommodations, plus trusted recommendations. We’re not AI-generated – scroll down to learn more about us.

🏝️ Accommodation	🌟 Highlights	💰 Price
Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows (Rarotonga)	Fleet of electric vehicles for hire with free charging.	$$
Nevaeh Holiday Home (Rarotonga)	Car rental for as low as NZ$50 per day.	$
Rino’s Bungalows (Aitutaki)	Discounted car and scooter rentals with stay.	$
Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas (Aitutaki)	Solar-powered electric golf carts for hire.	$$

1. Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows (Rarotonga)

Discover the eco-friendly side of Rarotonga at Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows. Their fleet of electric vehicles for guests to hire makes exploring the island a breeze (and fuel-free!). We loved trying these EVs during our last stay – they’re competitively priced with Rarotonga’s car rental companies but kinder to the environment.

Choose from sustainably-built Polynesian-style bamboo bungalows, two full two-bedroom units, or a compact version for groups or families (12+ years). The resort’s kitchen amenities include handmade ceramics, while complimentary snorkel gear and reef shoes are available for guests.

It’s the perfect base for your eco-conscious island adventure! Learn more about this eco-friendly boutique resort in the 10 Best Eco Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Book Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows:

6 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Car or Scooter Hire

2. Nevaeh Holiday Home (Rarotonga)

A holiday home with an irresistibly cheap car rental, Naveah Holiday Home on the northern coast of Rarotonga is a tempting prospect. This modern and relatively spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home not only has a private swimming pool and a playground but also a car rental for as little as NZ$50 per day!

With Avarua just down the road, you now have an easy way to get into town. See how Nevaeh compares to alternative holiday stays in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands.

Book Naveah Holiday Home:

3. Rino’s Bungalows (Aitutaki)

The largest vehicle rental company in Aitutaki, Rino’s, also run Rino’s Bungalows. Guests can take advantage of this fact by receiving a small discount on car and scooter rentals when staying at the accommodation; you’ll save approximately NZ$10 per day on car rentals and NZ$5 per day on scooter rentals.

As for the accommodation in Amuri, their garden-view rooms are set up for families with beds, a basic kitchen and a separate bathroom in a studio layout, while the beachfront units are reserved for adult guests. Each unit has basic cooking facilities, but you’re close to town and have plenty of dining options.

See similar stays to Rino’s in the 10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands.

Book Rino’s Bungalows:

4. Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas (Aitutaki)

Experience sustainable luxury at Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas on Aitutaki. This adults-only retreat offers an eco-friendly getaway with complimentary e-cart and bike hire for exploring the island.

Guests are treated to guest transfers via electric buggy or passenger van upon arrival. The property is renowned for its lush tropical fruit gardens and provides a complimentary breakfast featuring fresh local eggs and bread.

With Starlink WiFi available, you can stay connected while surrounded by paradise. Enjoy the lagoon with SUP and kayak hire, or relax by the swimming pool.

For a deeper dive into boutique stays, check out the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Book Etu Moana:

5 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Car or Scooter Hire

5. Accommodations with Vehicle Hire on the Outer Islands

It’s important to note that if you’re staying at one of the less-visited islands of the Cook Islands, whether it’s the Southern Group islands of Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke or Mitiaro or even the Northern Group islands such as Penrhyn and Manihiki, your accommodation usually arranges vehicle rental, either for free or for a daily fee.

Learn more in What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

More Accommodations with Vehicle Hire or Free Cars and Scooters in the Cook Islands

That’s it for the accommodations in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands with car or scooter hire available. See how the accommodations compare to those with other forms of vehicle hire, as well as other freebies, as listed in these guides:

Finally, if you haven’t yet found the perfect place to stay in the Cook Islands, go back to square one with Where to Stay in the Cook Islands: The Best Cook Islands Accommodations.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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