![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](https://cdn-fojcd.nitrocdn.com/AUevZCvvpNLjUhQllworIyFwxgzvbEXo/assets/images/optimized/rev-bd83f8f/cookislandspocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Steering-Wheel-Electric-Car-Rental-Driving-MUST-CREDIT-LINK-CookIslandsPocketGuide.com_-867x650.jpg)
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](https://cdn-fojcd.nitrocdn.com/AUevZCvvpNLjUhQllworIyFwxgzvbEXo/assets/images/optimized/rev-bd83f8f/cookislandspocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Steering-Wheel-Electric-Car-Rental-Driving-MUST-CREDIT-LINK-CookIslandsPocketGuide.com_.jpg "The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2024]")
The Cost of Car Rental in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands
Can you afford to rent a car in the Cook Islands? With the Cook Islands’ main island, Rarotonga, offering a wide range of vehicle rental companies, along with a few others in Aitutaki and accommodations on the outer islands that offer car rental too, you’re bound to find something that’s convenient. Not only that but from compact economy cars to premium convertibles, there’s something for every travel style and budget. See how much it costs to rent a car in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in the guide below.
For more car rental talk, see What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
4 Tips for Making Your Car Rental Budget for Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Before we get started on the cost of car rental in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, here are a few quick tips and things to consider when making your car rental budget.
- Daily rental rates on Rarotonga are lower if hiring for over 7 or sometimes even 5 days; rates do not change depending on the hire period on the outer islands
- Having your car delivered to Rarotonga International Airport costs about the same or slightly more than an airport transfer (see The Cheapest Airport Transfers in Rarotonga); you are usually not charged for airport delivery on the outer islands
- Consider whether it is worth paying extra for insurance. If insurance is offered, it is usually already included in the daily rate of the car rental. All you are paying for is an “excess reducer”, i.e. having to pay less if the car were to get damaged. You are not paying for a “better” insurance policy, per se
- Note that some car rental terms and conditions don’t cover you for insurance if you use gravel roads on Rarotonga, such as the road to the Papua Waterfall.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for more ways to save on car hire.
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzU3OjQxMw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comThe Price of Budget Cars
Budget cars are the most popular category of rental vehicles in the Cook Islands. This is mainly because most of the roads that visitors use are well-maintained and journeys are short. The main difference between budget cars is the size, with models suitable for couples up to large groups.
Note that most car rental companies on Rarotonga decrease the daily rate depending on the number of days you hire for. That’s why our price estimates are split accordingly. Car rentals on the outer islands, such as Aitutaki, don’t follow this trend.
The Cost of Hiring a Small Car
The typical “small car” or “budget/thrifty/entry” car, or whatever the car rental company is branding it, is a Nissan March, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Passo, Suzuki Swift, etc. Daily rates are usually NZ$45-$70 if hiring for 1 to 3 days or around NZ$40-$65 a day if hiring for 5 or 7+ days.
The Cost of Hiring a Medium Car
The typical medium car is models such as Toyota Ractis, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Corolla, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Avensis, Nissan Wingroad, Toyota Fielder, Honda Airwave, etc. Daily rates are usually NZ$50-$78 if hiring for 1 to 3 days or around NZ$45-$72 a day if hiring for 5 or 7+ days.
The Cost of Hiring a People-Mover
Typical people-movers are models such as Toyota Noah, Nissan Serena, Toyota Estima, etc. Daily rates are usually around NZ$65-$100 when hiring for 1 to 3 days or around NZ$70-$95 a day when hiring for 5 to 7+ days.
For rental companies that hire vehicles at the cheaper end of the price scale, see The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzY5OjM5Mg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MyIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comThe Price of Premium Cars
For something a little more “premium”, there is a range of convertible cars to hire on Rarotonga that are ideal for photos. There are also larger car models, should you want as much space as you can get, as well as SUVs.
Note that most car rental companies on Rarotonga decrease the daily rate depending on the number of days you hire for. That’s why our price estimates are split accordingly. Car rentals on the outer islands, such as Aitutaki, don’t follow this trend.
The Cost of Hiring a Convertible Car
Typical convertible cars that you are able to hire on Rarotonga include Nissan Micra, VW Beetles and Mini Coopers. Prices are around NZ$70-$100 for 1 to 3 days or NZ$65-$95 per day when hiring for or 5+ days.
The Cost of Hiring a Large Car
Typical large cars available to hire in the Cook Islands include models such as Toyota Mark X, Toyota Crown, Nissan Teana, Honda Sedan Inspire, etc. Prices are around NZ$80-$90 for 1 day, around NZ$75-$80 per day if hiring for 3 days and around NZ$70-$75 per day for 7+ days.
The Cost of Hiring an SUV
Typical SUV models found in the Cook Islands are Jeep Renegade, Ford Escape, Honda CRV, etc. The price is approximately NZ$75-$100 per day if hiring for 3 days and around NZ$70-$95 per day if hiring for 7+ days.
For rental companies that hire vehicles at the cheaper end of the price scale, see The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzgxOjQwOA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comThe Price of Vans
If you have a whole tribe to move, vans and minivans are also available to hire in the Cook Islands. Vans typically sit around 16 people including the driver.
Note that most van rental companies on Rarotonga decrease the daily rate depending on the number of days you hire for. That’s why our price estimates are split accordingly. Car rentals on the outer islands, such as Aitutaki, don’t follow this trend.
The Cost of Hiring a Minivan
Typical minivan brands in the Cook Islands are models such as Toyota Hiace and Foton Transor. The daily rate for hiring for 1 to 3 days is around NZ$70-$115 and around NZ$65-$105 for hiring for 5 to 7+ days.
For rental companies that hire vehicles at the cheaper end of the price scale, see The Cheapest Car Rentals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzg5OjQxOQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comAdditional Costs of Hiring a Car
Of course, hiring a vehicle doesn’t just include the daily rate. There are other costs to keep in mind, such as the mandatory cost of fuel and the administration fee (which is payable with companies such as Island Car & Bike Hire and Rarotonga Rentals). There are also optional extras, such as airport delivery, additional drivers, baby seats and insurance excess reduction.
Note that there will likely be some inclusions in your car rental that are free, such as accommodation delivery, unlimited kilometres and roadside assistance.
- Petrol/litre – NZ$2.60-$3.20
- Airport delivery – NZ$25-$50
- Accommodation delivery – NZ$0
- Additional Driver/day – NZ$0-$2
- Administration fee – NZ$0-$8
- Insurance/day – NZ$0-$25
- Baby seat/day – NZ$2
- Unlimited kilometres – NZ$0
- Roadside assistance – NZ$0
- Bond (refundable) – NZ$500-$2,500.
How Much Does Fuel Cost to Drive Around Rarotonga?
Rarotonga has a circumference of 32km (20 miles). Using a median fuel consumption of 8L of fuel per 100km (60 miles), which is what a small car from 2010 usually ranks at, you will need 2.8L of gas to go around Rarotonga. Basing ourselves on an average of NZ$3.00 per litre, the total cost to drive around Rarotonga by car would be NZ$8.40. This is obviously based on a lot of average figures and will vary widely depending on the car used, detours driven and the current price of gas.
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODA4OjQwNA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNjgzIDEwMjQiIHdpZHRoPSI2ODMiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comHow Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car on Rarotonga?
Rarotonga is the island where most people rent a car in the Cook Islands. With that, the rental companies are a little more competitive on pricing and have different rates depending on how long you hire for.
How Much is it to Hire a Car for a Day on Rarotonga?
Car rental for just one day on Rarotonga is approximately NZ$65-$70, based on one-day budget car rental rates, an administration fee and the fact that you may have to top up your fuel tank by around NZ$7.50 if just taking one loop (around 32km+/20 miles+) around Rarotonga. Note that this does not include an airport delivery fee, an insurance excess reducer or any other additions.
How Much is it to Hire a Car for Five Days on Rarotonga?
Budget car rental on Rarotonga is approximately NZ$292.50 for five days (that’s NZ$65 for 5 days minus 10% discount for hiring for 5 days), based on discounted daily rates for five days, an administration fee and the fact that you may have to top up your fuel tank by around NZ$22.50 if taking three loops around Rarotonga. Note that this does not include an airport delivery fee, an insurance excess reducer or any other additions.
How Much is it to Hire a Car for a Week on Rarotonga?
Budget car rental on Rarotonga is approximately NZ$409.50 for seven days (that’s NZ$65 for 7 days minus 10% discount for hiring for 7 days), based on discounted daily rates for seven days, an administration fee and the fact that you may have to top up your fuel tank by around NZ$52.50 if taking the equivalent of five loops around Rarotonga. Note that this does not include an airport delivery fee, an insurance excess reducer or any other additions.
![The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODE4OjQwOA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comHow Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car on Aitutaki and the Other Outer Islands?
Pricing structures on the outer islands are a little more basic when it comes to renting a car. Daily rates tend to be a flat rate no matter how long you hire for. Plus, many companies don’t charge for extras, such as insurance excess reducers, airport delivery fees, etc.
How Much is it to Hire a Car for a Day on Aitutaki and the Outer Islands?
Car rental for just one day on Aitutaki or the other outer islands is approximately NZ$70-$80, based on budget car rental rates and the fact that you may have to top up your fuel tank by around NZ$7 if just taking one loop (around 25km+/15.5 miles+) around Aitutaki and bearing in mind fuel is a little more expensive than on Rarotonga. On some of the outer islands, you may not be charged for fuel at all.
How Much is it to Hire a Car for Five on Aitutaki and the Outer Islands?
Budget car rental on Aitutaki and the outer islands is approximately NZ$315 for five days (that’s NZ$70 per day), based on daily rates and the fact that you may have to top up your fuel tank by around NZ$19.20 if taking three loops around Aitutaki (and fuel is a little more expensive on Aitutaki than Rarotonga). On some of the outer islands, you may not be charged for fuel at all.
How Much is it to Hire a Car for a Week on Aitutaki and the Outer Islands?
Budget car rental on Aitutaki and the outer islands is approximately NZ$441 for seven days (that’s NZ$70 per day), based on daily rates, an administration fee and the fact that you may have to top up your fuel tank by around NZ$35 if taking the equivalent of five loops around Aitutaki (and bearing in mind fuel is a little more expensive on the outer islands). On some of the outer islands, you may not be charged for fuel at all.
More About the Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
That’s it for our complete cost breakdown of how much it costs to rent a car in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. For more about renting a car, head to the following guides:
- Which is Better, Renting a Car or Taking the Bus on Rarotonga?
- 10 Best Car Rentals in the Cook Islands: The Top Cook Islands Car Hires
- What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
Finally, plan more of your travel budget using How Much Does a Trip to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Cost?
![The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTAwMTo0MTk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🚗 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTAxMjo0Mzc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![7 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTAyMzo0NDE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![7 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA2NTozNDI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTIwMCA4MDEiIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwMSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "7 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga: The Top Car Rental Companies [2024]")
![The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA5MjozMjE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTIwMCA4MDEiIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwMSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki: The Top Car Rental Companies [2024]")
