Oceania > 🇨🇰The Cook Islands
Should You Hire a Car in The Cook Islands? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in The Cook Islands (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in The Cook Islands - 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.
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Avarua | RAR | |
| Mitiaro | MOI |
Should You Rent a Car in the Cook Islands? 🚙🌴
The Cook Islands are a slice of South Pacific paradise — warm lagoons, coral reefs, and laid-back island life. Most visitors stay on Rarotonga or Aitutaki, where turquoise waters and coconut palms set the rhythm of the day. But when it comes to getting around, should you rent a car in the Cook Islands? Let’s find out what suits your travel style best.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
Rarotonga’s circular coastal road makes it easy to explore without driving. With buses circling the island every hour and most resorts close to the beach, you can enjoy the islands stress-free.
✅ Car-Free Situations
| Scenario | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in one area | Beach, restaurants, and shops are nearby | Walking or cycling |
| Using public buses | Easy, scenic loop around Rarotonga | Clockwise and anticlockwise buses |
| Joining excursions | Tour operators include pick-ups | Hotel shuttle or tour bus |
| Visiting Aitutaki | Tiny island—rental scooters are easier | Scooter or bicycle |
➡ The bus system on Rarotonga is fun and social—drivers even shout “clockwise or anticlockwise?” when you hop on.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is Worth It
Renting a car gives you freedom to stop anywhere—from hidden beaches to roadside fruit stalls. It’s great for families, photographers, or travellers who prefer flexible timing.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full flexibility | Explore beaches, markets, and inland trails | Ideal for multi-day stays |
| Comfort | Air-conditioning for humid days | Great for families |
| Convenience | Carry snorkel gear and groceries | No waiting for buses |
| Scenic drives | 32 km loop around Rarotonga | Takes about 45 minutes |
🚙 Vehicle Types
| Option | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Compact car | Couples or solo travellers |
| 4WD | Exploring inland roads |
| Scooter | Budget and fun (license required) |
🚦 Driving in the Cook Islands
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You drive on the left-hand side (like New Zealand)
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Speed limits: 30 km/h in towns, 50 km/h outside
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Scooters and cars share narrow roads—drive carefully
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You can get a local Cook Islands driver’s licence at the police station (popular souvenir!)
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Petrol stations close early, so refuel before evening
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Transport | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Relaxed sightseeing | Loops the island every hour |
| Scooter | Short distances | Cheap and flexible |
| Taxi | Airport transfers | Must be pre-booked |
| Bike | Budget travellers | Great for short, flat rides |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beach resort guest | ❌ No | Everything’s close by |
| Adventurous explorer | ✅ Yes | Total freedom around Rarotonga |
| Short-stay visitor | ❌ No | Bus and tours cover key spots |
| Family traveller | ✅ Yes | Easy, comfortable, and safe |
| Aitutaki guest | ❌ No | Too small for cars—hire a scooter |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in the Cook Islands?
👉 Yes, if you want total freedom to explore Rarotonga’s beaches, villages, and markets at your own pace.
👉 No, if you prefer a relaxed stay relying on the friendly island buses and local tours.
Should You Hire a Car in 🇨🇰 — or Not? Advice on this page has been written using Chat GPT, backed up by 20 years experience in the travel industry. This site is planned for full launch on 1st January 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow. UN flag is a placeholder
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