Getting around
Do you need a car in Rarotonga?
When the bus is enough, when a rental car makes the holiday easier, and what to know before choosing a scooter.
When the bus is enough, when a rental car makes the holiday easier, and what to know before choosing a scooter.
You can visit Rarotonga without hiring a car. There are clockwise and anti-clockwise buses, taxis/transfers and compact areas such as Muri where a lot can be done locally. A rental car becomes valuable when you want flexibility, have children or mobility needs, stay away from the busiest visitor areas, or simply dislike planning around a timetable.
Official Tourism says Rarotonga has one main road around the island, no traffic lights and two roundabouts. The island is about 32km around and the full loop is roughly 45 minutes by vehicle. Driving is on the left.
If you stay in Muri, mainly want nearby food and lagoon activities, are comfortable using the bus and only need the occasional taxi/transfer, you can easily start without a car. Hiring one for only a couple of days is another sensible middle ground.
Your overseas licence only lets you ride the vehicle class you are licensed for at home. If you do not hold the appropriate motorcycle class and want to ride a scooter, you need to follow the current Cook Islands visitor motorcycle-licence process. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on Rarotonga.
Cook Islands Tourism currently lists a maximum of 30km/h in Avarua township, Muri Beach and school zones, and up to 50km/h around villages and the rest of the island. Recheck the current rules and road signage when you travel.
The official Getting Around directory currently includes local operators such as Polynesian Rental Cars & Bikes, Raro Cars and Rarotonga Rentals. Polynesian currently lists seven Rarotonga locations, including the airport, Avarua, Muri, Titikaveka, Aro'a and Edgewater.
Last content check: 26 August 2026. Always recheck changing details before relying on them.