Oceania > 🇳🇫Norfolk Island
Should You Hire a Car in Norfolk Island? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Norfolk Island (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Norfolk Island - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
Norfolk Island, a remote Australian territory in the South Pacific, sits roughly halfway between Australia and New Zealand. With its emerald-green hills, pine-fringed cliffs, and relaxed pace of life, it feels like a world apart. Despite its small size, visitors quickly realise that getting around easily makes a huge difference — so, should you rent a car on Norfolk Island?
🚗 Why You Should Rent a Car
The island measures only about 8 km long and 5 km wide, but the roads wind through rolling countryside rather than following a compact grid. Public transport doesn’t exist here — no buses, no trains, and only a very small number of taxis that must be booked in advance.
That means a rental car isn’t just convenient — it’s almost essential if you want to explore at your own pace. The road network is good, traffic is minimal, and the local custom of waving at every passing driver adds a friendly charm to every journey 🚘.
Most accommodations include car-hire options or can arrange rentals from local providers such as Borry’s Car Hire, Aloha Rent-A-Car, or Baunti Car Rentals. You can also pick up a vehicle at Norfolk Island Airport (NLK) upon arrival.
🏝️ What to See and Do with a Car
Having a car makes it easy to reach the island’s highlights scattered across its rolling landscape:
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Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA): A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with convict-era ruins and ocean views.
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Emily Bay Lagoon: Calm turquoise water ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or paddleboarding.
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Captain Cook Lookout: A stunning viewpoint where you can see the offshore islets and forested coastline.
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Norfolk Island National Park: Walking trails wind through towering Norfolk pines to Mount Pitt and Mount Bates, offering panoramic views.
Parking is free everywhere, and distances are short — you can drive from one end of the island to the other in under 20 minutes, though frequent photo stops will slow you down!
🛣️ Driving Conditions
Driving on Norfolk Island is relaxed but quirky:
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Vehicles drive on the left, like on mainland Australia.
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Cows have right of way, particularly in rural areas where they graze freely.
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Speed limits are low (usually 50 km/h or less), and the roads are narrow but well maintained.
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Fuel is available in Burnt Pine, the island’s main town.
Because the island is small, most visitors rent compact cars — though small 4x4s can help reach scenic gravel roads after heavy rain.
🛵 Other Ways to Get Around
If you prefer a slower pace, scooters and e-bikes are available to hire, but the island’s hills can be challenging for cyclists. Some accommodations offer courtesy shuttles into Burnt Pine, and organised tours cover major sites, but they won’t give you the flexibility to stop wherever the views demand.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car on Norfolk Island?
Why you should:
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No public transport, few taxis.
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Attractions are spread out across hilly terrain.
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Easy, scenic, and enjoyable driving experience.
Why you might not:
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You’re joining guided tours or staying at one resort for your whole visit.
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You’re comfortable exploring on foot only in the Burnt Pine area.
✅ Conclusion: On Norfolk Island, a rental car isn’t just helpful — it’s practically essential. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, historic ruins, or peaceful forest trails, a car gives you the freedom to explore every corner of this small but unforgettable South Pacific gem.
