9 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies

Go Cook Islands Car Rentals is a locally owned company known for its modern fleet of low-mileage vehicles and thoughtful, traveller-friendly services. Most cars in their fleet have only around 18,000 to 19,000 km (11,184.7 to 11,806 mi) on the odometer, and options range from compact economy cars to premium models, SUVs, 7–8-seaters, and even 15-seaters.

Standout features include an eco-cleaning option that uses baking soda instead of harsh chemicals—ideal for allergy-sensitive travellers—and child seats available upon request. Don't forget to check out our guide on Can You Drive in the Cook Islands With an Overseas License? to ensure you're all set for the road!

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

The main office is located near Vaima, with a satellite office in Muri.

Airport pick-up and drop-off available via a reserved parking bay and Whitebox key return system for convenient after-hours access.

Vehicles Available

Vehicles offered by Go Cook Islands Car Rentals include small cars, medium-sized cars, large cars, SUVs, people movers, and minivans. Vehicles have an automatic transmission.

• Toyota Yaris
• Suzuki Swift or similar
• Subaru Trezia or similar
• Nissan Bluebird or similar
• Holden Equinox or similar
• Subaru Exiga or similar
• Nissan Serena or similar
• Toyota HiAce or similar

Inclusions

• 1 driver (21+ years old) - additional drivers are NZ$5 per day
• Unlimited kilometres
• Child seats are available on request
• Standard insurance included (excess and bond apply)
• After-hours service 7 days a week until 9 pm

Insurance

Go Cook Islands Car Rentals offers three levels of insurance coverage. Standard Insurance is included in the rental price and comes with a maximum excess of NZ$5,000 plus VAT; a NZ$750 bond is also required under this option. For added peace of mind, travellers can upgrade to Relaxed Insurance for NZ$15 per day, which reduces the excess to NZ$1,500 plus VAT and removes the bond requirement.

For the highest level of protection, Peace of Mind Insurance is available at NZ$25 per day, lowering the excess to NZ$500 plus VAT, also with no bond required. All insurance options cover accidents and damage to the rental vehicle.

Offering one of the most comprehensive fleets of cars and scooters on Rarotonga, not to mention having rental locations across the Cook Islands' main island, Polynesian Rental Cars & Bikes is one of the most convenient options for getting around Rarotonga.

Vehicles come with unlimited kilometres and roadside assistance is available daily from 8 am to 8 pm. With offices dotted around the island and an airport location open for international flights, there are plenty of convenient places to arrange your rental.

See more scooter rentals in Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

St Joseph Road, Downtown, Edgewater, Titikaveka, Aroa, Muri, Rarotonga International Airport and Club Raro.

Opening hours vary between locations. Most weekday locations operate from 8 am to 4 pm, while selected locations open at weekends. The Airport office opens for international flights. All other stores are closed on public holidays.

Vehicles Available

Vehicles offered by Polynesian Rental Cars include scooters, compact cars, premium cars, people movers and minivans. Most cars are automatic, while the HiAce is manual.

• Yamaha Mio 125cc Scooter
• Toyota Noah or similar
• Toyota HiAce or similar
• Toyota Sienta or similar
• Toyota Prius or similar
• Suzuki Vitara or similar
• Toyota Raum or similar
• Toyota Porte/Spade or similar
• Toyota Ractis 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
• Roadside assistance available daily from 8 am to 8 pm

Insurance

Car rentals have a standard refundable bond and insurance excess. An optional excess reduction is available to reduce the excess to zero, in which case a security deposit is required instead. Credit card details must be kept on file.

Scooters also have a standard refundable bond and insurance excess, with optional excess reduction available. Helmets are required by law, and Polynesian Rentals' helmets must be worn at all times for insurance cover.

The international car rental giant Avis has three locations on Rarotonga, with offices at Rarotonga International Airport, Pacific Resort Rarotonga in Muri and downtown Avarua. Its fleet ranges from compact hatchbacks to SUVs and people movers, with options seating up to 14 passengers.

Most vehicles are automatic, although the 12-seater Toyota Hiace is manual. People movers can have limited availability, so booking ahead is recommended if you’re travelling with a larger group.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Rarotonga: Rarotonga International Airport and Pacific Resort Rarotonga (Main Road, Muri) and downtown Avarua.

Vehicles Available

Vehicles offered by Avis include small cars, mid-size cars, people movers, SUVs, minivans and scooters. 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
• Toyota Raize
• Subaru Forester or similar
• Nissan Micra (available from the Avarua and Muri branches only)
• Scooters

Inclusions

• 1 driver (21+ years old)
• Full cover insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Unlimited kilometres

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.

Whether you're looking for the cheapest car on the island 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.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Island Car & Bike Hire offers convenient pick-up and drop-off spots at Avarua (opposite Punanga Nui Market), Muri Beach (opposite Muri Beachcomber), and Arorangi (opposite Maniua Beach Resort). The Muri and Arorangi offices are open seven days a week, while the town office operates six days a week.

They offer free pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation. Bookings can be made easily by phone, email, or through their website. Airport transfers are available for a "small" fee.

Vehicles Available

Vehicles offered by Island Car & Bike Hire include scooters, motorcycles, small cars, medium-sized 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 Odyssey 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, with an excess of NZ$2,500. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$500 or NZ$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$13 or NZ$19 per day.

For scooters and motorcycles, the excess rate can be reduced to NZ$1,000 or NZ$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$ 5 or NZ$19 per day.

There's no risk of being overwhelmed by the offerings from this small, locally owned company. Pacific Cars has 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, and boast 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

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-sized cars, people movers, and e-bikes. All vehicles have an 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, with an 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.

Among the most affordable car rentals on the island, Raro Cars offers a diverse range of vehicles at 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 becoming even cheaper after seven.

They also offer additional discounts for long-term rentals (30 days or more). Although cars are, understandably, a little old, they are well-groomed and maintained after each rental. Additionally, roadside assistance is included. See more car rentals like this in The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

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, mid-sized cars, SUVs, people movers, and minivans. There is a mix of manual and automatic transmissions, so please specify 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 or NZ$10 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$10 or NZ$20 per day.

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. Their depot, located opposite Rarotonga International Airport, means that they provide airport rentals at no extra cost.

Rarotonga Rentals is also a good option for younger drivers, with a minimum driving age of 18 years. Please note that they charge a small administration fee for online car bookings (under NZ$10).

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

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-sized 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 Odyssey 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, with an excess of NZ$2,500. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$ 500 or NZ$10 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$13 or NZ$19 per day.

For scooters and motorcycles, the excess rate can be reduced to NZ$ 1,000 or NZ$0 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$5 or NZ$19 per day.

While offering a decent range of recent-model cars and jeeps, Sweet As Car Rentals has a few hidden costs that you need to be aware of, such as a mandatory NZ$10 insurance fee that isn't included in their advertised rates. But once you get through the obscurities, you'll be behind the wheel of one of their sweet Suzuki Swifts or Jeep Renegades.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Ngatangiia (north of Muri Beach).

Airport pick-up and drop-off are available for a fee of approximately NZ$25-$50 each.

Vehicles Available

Vehicles offered by Sweet As Car Rentals include small cars, medium cars and jeeps. Vehicles have an automatic transmission.

• Suzuki Swift
• Toyota Yaris
• Honda Jazz
• Jeep Renegade

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
• Unlimited kilometres
• Basic insurance (mandatory NZ$10 on top of daily rate)
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Insurance is included in car rentals with third-party liability and collision damage waiver, with an excess of NZ$3,000. The excess rate can be reduced to NZ$1,000-$2,500 by purchasing an excess reducer for around NZ$12-$25 a day.

Guests at Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalow get exclusive rental of the resort's fully electric vehicles.

At NZ$89 per day for two consecutive days (or NZ$105 for a standalone day), the price is competitive with other luxury vehicle rentals on the island.

Better yet, insurance and energy are included, so you don't have to pay for fuel while using these vehicles; the staff at Magic Reef will charge your rental vehicle when you park up at the resort using solar power.

E-bikes are also available to hire at Magic Reef - see the Cycle Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes.

Find out more about staying at the resort in the 20 Best Resorts on Rarotonga, as well as more of their eco-initiatives in the 8 Best Eco Resorts in the Cook Islands. Plus, see other ways to travel around Rarotonga that are greener in the 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Renting a Car in Rarotonga.

Oh, and check out the limited few accommodations that also offer car rental in the 6 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Car or Scooter Hire.