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A Guide to the Cheapest Car Hires in the Cook Islands
Would you rather spend more on guzzling cocktails than your car rental guzzling your savings? We hear you. Luckily, Rarotonga, Aitutaki and even some of the outer islands are home to some very affordable rental vehicles to make exploring their little pieces of paradise just that little more frugal. Compare the car rental companies with the best daily rates, deals and inclusions in this guide to the cheapest car rentals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands!
Before we begin, be sure to open up Cook Islands Transport Guide: 15 Ways to Get Around the Cook Islands to check out some alternatives that are even cheaper than car rental!
This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!
Table of Contents
5 Things to Look For When Comparing Cheap Car Rentals in the Cook Islands
Before we dive into our comparison of the cheapest car rentals 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.
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.
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Raro Cars (Rarotonga)
Easily topping the list of the cheapest car rentals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, Raro Cars offers a wide 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, starting at around NZ$40 per day. 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. At least roadside assistance is included.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Avatiu Avarua (opposite the Avatiu Harbour).
Airport pick-up and drop-off are available for a fee. 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.
Rino's Rentals (Aitutaki)
One of the longest-running car and scooter rental companies in Aitutaki, Rino's Rentals is an easy go-to for your rental car.
Their prices are some of the most reasonable on the island, with cars starting from NZ$90. But stay at their accommodation, Rino's Beach Bungalows (see 10 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Aitutaki) and you'll get even more of a discount!
They also have vehicles, including scooters starting from NZ$30 per day, ready to go at their depot in Ureia or at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki.
Book your rental today with Rino's Rentals!
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, even at the airport, for a small flat fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Rino's Rentals include small cars, people movers and scooters. Vehicles typically have automatic transmissions.
- Nissan Note
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Nissan Serena
- Yamaha Mio 125 cc
- Honda Dio 125 cc
Inclusions
- One driver (16+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Unlimited kilometres
Insurance
An imprint of your credit/debit card is held until the vehicle is returned.
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Island Car & Bike Hire (Rarotonga)
Island Car & Bike Hire may have some luxury vehicles in their fleet, but they are also one of the most affordable car rental companies on Rarotonga, thanks to their price-match guarantee. Ride around in an affordable and practical vehicle, 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. Prices start from NZ$29.95 per day if hired for over seven days. There is, however, a small administration fee (around NZ$10).
Compare Island Car & Bike Hire with all of Raro's car rental companies in the 10 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies.
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 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, with an 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.
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Aquila Rentals (Aitutaki)
Aitutaki's ultimate entrepreneur, the Aquila company, not only runs a convenience store, takeaway and the airport cafe but also has the cheapest cars for hire on the island!
Aquila Rentals offers a small selection of vehicles to get you around the Cook Islands' second-most visited atoll, ranging from small cars to people-movers. Prices start from around NZ$60 per day.
See how Aquila Rentals compares to others on Aitutaki in The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies.
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-sized cars, and a people mover. Vehicles have an 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.
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Arore Mountain Adventures
Head up into the hills behind Muri on this rewarding guided trek through the private Arore Mountain Trail. Steep but manageable thanks to installed ropes and steps, the trail winds through...
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Rarotonga Rentals (Rarotonga)
Rarotonga Rentals is worth mentioning as one of the most affordable car rental options at Rarotonga International Airport, not only for their starting rates at NZ$40 per day but also thanks to their depot being located directly opposite the airport, with no extra fee required for airport pick-up. Rarotonga Rentals is also a good option for younger drivers, with a minimum driving age of 18 years.
Note that they charge a small administration fee for car bookings online (under NZ$10), but this is negligible compared to the usual NZ$20-$50 typically paid for airport pickups.
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-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 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, with an 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.
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Atiu Villas (Atiu)
Atiu's most convenient accommodation, Atiu Villas, strives to provide everything you need for an effortless stay on the island, including the island's cheapest rental cars. They have one 4WD jeep-style vehicle that is ideal for Atiu's roads. Should you only need it to pop into town, the vehicle is available by the hour if available.
Gas is included in the cost of short-term vehicle rentals, starting from NZ$60 per day for cars.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Atiu: At Atiu Villas, accommodations are located at the southern end of Areora village.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Atiu Villas include a 4WD Suzuki Jimny (or a similar vehicle), as well as scooters and bicycles. Vehicles have an automatic transmission.
Cheapest Car Rentals on the Outer Islands of the Cook Islands
Following the lead of Atiu, which offers accommodation-provided rental vehicles, the other outer islands of the Cook Islands also provide affordable car rental, especially considering that most include fuel.
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. Prices start from NZ$70 for cars, NZ$25 for scooters and NZ$10 for bikes.
Learn more about these accommodations in the Where to Stay on Mauke: The Best Mauke Accommodations and about transport in Mauke Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mauke.
Mitiaro Car Rental
Accommodations on Mitiaro can arrange for cars and scooters to be rented by guests. Prices start from NZ$70 per day for cars and NZ$25 for scooters.
Check out Where to Stay on Mitiaro to learn more about the accommodations, and our Mitiaro Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mitiaro to learn more about getting around.
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 offers some scooters for hire. Prices start from NZ$80 per day for cars and NZ$30 per day for scooters.
Learn more about accommodation providers in Where to Stay on Mangaia and about transport in the 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mangaia.
More About the Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
That's it for our list of cheap car rentals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands! For more ways to save on car hire, check out the tips in the following articles:
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown
- Which is Better, Renting a Car or Taking the Bus on Rarotonga?
For a complete guide to renting a vehicle, check out What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
