The Complete Guide to Taxis in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands
Ah, the convenience of taxis. Taxis are the universal symbol of “getting around”, where the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki have certainly jumped on the taxi bandwagon. But with no taxi stands nor the custom of hailing taxis, taxi services run a little differently in the Cook Islands. Find out how, as well as the cost, in this complete guide to taxis in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxis in the Cook Islands
Before we jump into the guide to all things “taxi” in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands, see if you can find the answer to your questions from the internet’s most frequently asked questions about taxis in the Cook Islands!
Does Rarotonga Have Taxis?
Yes, Rarotonga does have taxis that operate 24/7, which you can book by calling. Find out more in the taxi guide below!
How Much is a Taxi from Rarotonga Airport to the Edgewater Resort?
A taxi from Rarotonga Airport to the Edgewater Resort costs approximately NZ$20-$25 per person. Head to How Much Does a Rarotonga Airport Taxi Cost? to learn more.
Are There Taxis on Aitutaki?
Yes, there are taxi services available on Aitutaki, as well as water taxis, which all have operating hours and can be booked via phone call. Learn more about taxis on Aitutaki in the taxi guide below!
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comWhat are Taxis Like in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands?
Taxis are available in the Cook Islands on the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. On the outer islands, transfers are usually arranged with your accommodation.
Taxis on Rarotonga
Taxis on Rarotonga almost all look the same: bright green vehicles with a white chequered band on the sides. This indicates that they are part of the Cook Islands Taxi Association (CITA), which are privately owned taxi companies operating under the same constitution and code of conduct and carry third-party insurance. Note that there some older vehicles of CITA taxi companies are not green. Taxis on Rarotonga are available 24/7.
Taxi operators on Rarotonga include:
- Dorothy’s Taxi – phone 21400 or 52355
- Price Taxis – phone 133
- 1AAA Taxi (formerly H-K Taxis) – phone 21400 or 52355
- Atupa Taxi – phone 70002
- AJ Taxi Services – phone 52800
- Mama Ru’s Taxi – phone 51953.
Learn more about transport on Raro in our Rarotonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Rarotonga.
Taxis on Aitutaki
Taxis on Aitutaki are owned by private companies and are not part of the CITA like on Rarotonga. The taxi companies on Aitutaki include:
- Aitutaki Taxi Service – phone 71472
- Kutekute Tours & Transfers – phone 74193.
Water taxis are also a thing in Aitutaki, transporting you to the motu (islets) of the lagoon by boat. Find out more in How to Catch a Water Taxi in the Cook Islands: The Complete Guide. Plus, learn more about transport on Aitutaki in our Aitutaki Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comHow to Get a Taxi in the Cook Islands
Apart from greeting arrivals with enthusiasm at Rarotonga International Airport, there are no real “taxi stands” in the Cook Islands. There’s also little opportunity to hail a taxi, as most taxis you see on the road are usually booked. So how do you book a taxi in the Cook Islands?
The best way to get a taxi in Rarotonga or Aitutaki is to book one via phone call. Phone numbers can be found in the listings above! The international dialling code for the Cook Islands is “+682”. Learn more about making calls in Rarotonga and Aitutaki in Will Your Phone Work in the Cook Islands? and The Best SIM Card in the Cook Islands for Travellers.
You can also book taxis in advance via email or through taxi companies’ Facebook pages.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comHow Much Does a Taxi Cost in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands?
Admittedly, taxis in the Cook Islands aren’t cheap. Nevertheless, if you need to use a taxi for a one-off trip, paying for the convenience might be worth it. Here are some typical fare prices that are charged in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Note that prices are approximate and subject to change.
Taxi Fares on Rarotonga
- Taxi fare per kilometre – NZ$3+
- Minimum day fare – NZ$10
- Minimum night fare – NZ$15.
Fixed Fares on Rarotonga
- Airport/Cruise Ship to Avarua: NZ$15 per person
- Airport/Cruise Ship to Arorangi: NZ$25 per person
- Airport/Cruise Ship to Muri: NZ$40 per person
- Island tour (1 hour): NZ$120.
We have more details in our guide to How Much Does a Rarotonga Airport Taxi Cost?.
Taxi Fares on Aitutaki
- Arutanga to Ootu Beach – NZ$20 (there are some deals available for NZ$5 per person)
- Pacific Resort/Tamanu, etc. to Ootu Beach – NZ$15
- Pacific Resort/Tamanu, etc. to Arutanga – NZ$20
- Island tour (2h30mins) – NZ$55.
Check out more costs to budget for your trip using our guide, Rarotonga & Cook Islands Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to the Cook Islands Cost?.
More About Taxis in the Cook Islands
That’s it for our complete guide to taxis in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands. Need to know more? Check out our other transport articles:
- The Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- Cook Islands Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around the Cook Islands
- 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
Finally, get more tips for planning a smooth trip to the Cook Islands from The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide and the 30 Tips for Travelling in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
