![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](https://cdn-fojcd.nitrocdn.com/AUevZCvvpNLjUhQllworIyFwxgzvbEXo/assets/images/optimized/rev-bd83f8f/cookislandspocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rental-Car-Palm-Hire-Vehicle-Transport-MUST-CREDIT-LINK-CookIslandsPocketGuide.com_-1-974x650.jpg)
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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!
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.
![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzYwOjM5Ng==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MyIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comRaro Cars
Easily topping this list of one of the cheapest car rentals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, Raro Cars offers a wide range of vehicles for 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 cheaper again after seven, starting at around NZ$40 per day. They also offer further discounts for long-term rentals (30 days).
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.
![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzg4OjM4MQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comIsland Car & Bike Hire
Island Car & Bike Hire might have some luxury vehicles in their fleet but they are also one of the cheapest 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$40 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 8 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Rarotonga: Avarua (opposite Punanga Nui Market), Muri Beach (opposite Muri Beachcomber) and Arorangi (opposite Maniua Beach Resort).
They also offer free pick-up and drop-off to accommodations. Airport pick-up and drop-off are available for a “small” fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Island Car & Bike Hire include scooters, motorcycles, small cars, medium 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 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.
![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODI0OjQwNg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comAquila Rentals
Aitutaki‘s ultimate entrepreneur, the Aquila company not only runs a convenience store, gas station, 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 cars and a people-mover. Vehicles have 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.
![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODQ2OjQwNw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comRarotonga Rentals
Rarotonga Rentals is worth mentioning as one of the cheapest car rentals at Rarotonga International Airport thanks to their depot being located directly opposite the airport, requiring no extra fee to pick up at the airport! Rarotonga Rentals is also a good go-to for younger drivers with a limited driving age of 18 years old. Note that they charge a small administration fee for car bookings online (under NZ$10), but this is nothing to the usual NZ$25-$50 usually paid for picking up at the airport.
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 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 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.
![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODc3OjM1OA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODIiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands TourismAtiu Villas
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$55 per day for cars.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Atiu: At Atiu Villas accommodation at the southern end of Areora village.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Atiu Villas include a 4WD Suzuki Jimny (or something similar), scooters and bicycles. Vehicles have automatic transmission.
![The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODg1OjM2Ng==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA1NzciIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU3NyIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Taniera - Cook Islands TourismCheapest Car Rentals on the Outer Islands of the Cook Islands
Following the suit of Atiu with accommodation-provided rental vehicles, the other outer islands of the Cook Islands also offer cheap car rental, especially considering most have fuel included.
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: 7 Ways to Get to (& Around) Mauke.
Mitiaro Car Rental
Accommodations on Mitiaro can arrange cars and scooters for guests to rent. 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: 6 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 has some scooters available to 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 6 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.
![7 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTAzNTo0NDE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA2ODo0MTk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🚗 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA3OTo0Mzc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA5MDo0NDU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDY3NSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NzUiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTE1OTozMjE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTIwMCA4MDEiIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwMSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies [2024]")
