Getting Around Rarotonga and Aitutaki
In Rarotonga, rent a scooter or take the island bus, which runs clockwise and anti-clockwise. In Aitutaki, you must rent a scooter or a car as there is no formal public transport and the island is too spread out to walk.
- Get your local scooter license. If you plan to ride a scooter, you must visit the police station in Avarua (Rarotonga) to take a practical driving test. You need your home country's motorcycle license; if you don't have one, you will need to complete a test on a scooter before they issue you a temporary Cook Islands license.
- Navigate Rarotonga by bus. The 'Clockwise' and 'Anti-Clockwise' buses circle the entire island. You can flag them down anywhere; just wave your hand. A single fare is $5 NZD. It takes about 50 minutes to do a full loop of the island.
- Rent a vehicle for Aitutaki. Book your rental car or scooter at least 2 weeks before arrival, as inventory on Aitutaki is extremely limited. Rental agencies will often meet you at the airport with the keys.
- Use local taxi services. Taxis are available in Rarotonga for late-night airport transfers or dinner trips. Always ask the hotel reception to book one for you in advance, as they don't patrol the streets.
- Can I walk between villages?
- You can walk within the main village of Avarua or around the Aitutaki town center, but the islands are too large to walk between villages comfortably in the tropical heat.
- Do I need a helmet?
- Yes. It is illegal to ride a scooter without a helmet in the Cook Islands, and police strictly enforce this.
- Are there ride-sharing apps like Uber?
- No. Ride-sharing apps do not operate in the Cook Islands.