Rarotonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Rarotonga

Most travellers get to Rarotonga by international flight. The majority of international flights depart from Auckland, New Zealand, taking around four hours. Flights are also available from Sydney, Australia, Honolulu, Hawaii and Papeete, French Polynesia. Rarotonga's (and the Cook Islands') only international airport is located in Nikao, right next to the nation's capital, Avarua.

Find out more about which airlines fly to the Cook Islands, as well as how to get a good deal in Which Airlines Fly to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands? And How to Book a Cheap Flight to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Note that upon arrival, you will be asked questions concerning biosecurity, and the one that trips many travellers, "Where are you staying?" Learn more about the arrival formalities in our guide, 'Arriving in Rarotonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process'.

Note that Rarotonga Airport has connecting domestic flights to other islands in the Cook Islands, such as Aitutaki. Find out more on the subject in Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

A popular way to navigate the island of Rarotonga is by hiring a scooter. There are plenty of scooter rentals on Rarotonga, but note that a local scooter license is required to legally drive one around the island (only if your current license doesn't cover motorcycles).

Scooter licenses can be obtained from the Avarua Police Station, and there are costs and a practical test involved - find out more in How to Get a Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Scooter License. Plus, learn more about hiring a scooter in our guide, Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More.

Although less "Rarotongan" than a scooter, car rental on Rarotonga is still a viable way to get around and comes with the added benefit of not requiring a local driving license or getting soaked when there’s a tropical downpour. You have a decent selection of car rental companies on the island, which we compare in The Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga.

We also recommend that you become familiar with the local road rules, which are outlined in How to Drive in the Cook Islands + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.

The cheapest way to get around Rarotonga is by taking the bus. Rarotonga has a regular bus service with buses travelling both clockwise and anticlockwise, picking up passengers anywhere along the Main Road (Ara Tapu) - you just need to wave them down.

Buses operate every hour from 7 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday. Have cash available. All of this is detailed further in our guide, Taking the Bus in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Bus Fares, Routes & More.

There are several taxi services available on Rarotonga. They don’t work like your typical city taxi; i.e., they can’t be hailed down, nor do they have taxi stands other than at the airport. You need to book them prior to travel by either calling them directly or having your accommodation’s concierge service call them on your behalf.

Fares are either per kilometre or at a flat rate, so you can ask for fares before your journey. Learn more about getting a taxi on Rarotonga in our guide, Taxis in the Cook Islands: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More.

Another affordable way to get around Rarotonga (aside from walking) is to hire a bicycle or an e-bike. Cycling around the entire island of Rarotonga is only a viable option for the fittest, considering the outer road is approximately 32 km (20 mi).

Plus, that sun can be pretty brutal when cycling! However, bicycles can be a good way to cycle to nearby towns or attractions from your accommodation, as well as for fun by following the 5 Best Bike Trails in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Some accommodations provide bicycles for free, while others also offer bicycles and e-bikes for hire through adventure sports and vehicle rental companies. Find out more about where to rent a bike in Cycle the Cook Islands: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes.

Another way to explore Rarotonga and see the sights is with a guided tour that includes transportation. Tours with Raro Tours, Cook Islands Tours, and Raro Safari Tours offer sightseeing tours around Rarotonga, transporting you in minibuses or safari Jeeps.

Find out more about your guided options in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands and the 10 Best Tours in Rarotonga.

Before you go, book a taxi or arrange for a car rental to be delivered to the airport. However, consider that your accommodation may offer return airport transfers, which you can use even before you're ready to depart. Many resorts and even holiday homes offer an airport meet-and-greet with the eis (neck garlands) at the ready!

Alternatively, airport transfer services are available with Cook Islands Tours and Raro Tours. Compare all of your options in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

For a quick visit to Rarotonga, the island is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises. Cruise passengers typically enter Rarotonga on zodiac boats through the lagoon’s main passage, arriving in the town of Avarua.

From there, passengers spend the day on lagoon cruises, island tours and more, as listed in the 10 Best Shore Excursions in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands. Find out which cruises visit Rarotonga in the 10 Best Cruises That Go to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

With the exception of the cyclone season (November to March), Rarotonga is a port of entry for yachties. The Ports Authority is located at the Avatiu Harbour on the north side of the island.

Find out more about visiting Rarotonga via yacht and the protocols involved in our Sailing Guide to the Cook Islands: Tips for Yachting in the Cook Islands.