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Home > Destinations >Country flagCook Islands > Cook Islands > Avarua


Rarotonga Airport (RAR) Car Rental


Welcome to the car rental Rarotonga Airport information page with information on Rarotonga Airport car rental options, including which side do you drive on, transmission types, local Avarua driving stress, licences, and more. You may also compare your Rarotonga Airport car rental options and search for the best available Avarua car rental rates in the search box below.


Rarotonga Airport Car Rental Advice & Driving Tips




Rarotonga Airport
Car Rental Search

We do not have any RAR Rarotonga International Airport car rental agencies listed for online booking.


  • Sorry, we cannot locate any nearby Rarotonga Airport car rental agencies that offer online booking either.

Rarotonga Airport Car Rental Desk Locations

Rorotonga Airport car rental services are available from 2 on-site providers (desks in the Arrivals Terminal), while 2 local car rental agencies are located across the street from the terminal.


Rarotonga Airport Car Rental Companies

Avis, Budget, Raratonga Rentals Fun Rentals


Avarua Driving Information


 
Driving is on the left side of the road.


 
All Rarotonga Airport rental cars are automatic transmission.


 
Your local drivers' licence is required.


An International Drivers' Permit (or IDP) may be required, especially if your local drivers' licence is in a language other than the local language (you may inquire when you pick up your car).


 
Avarua Driving Stress Level: 5/10

Getting a Cook Islands Driver's License

 

To drive a car you need a Cook Islands driver’s license. Your rental company will issue each driver in your party a temporary licence, valid until noon the following day (NZD 2 fee).

 

Expect a very long queue when you go to purchase your license. At the police station in Avarua, you will pay NZD 20 for a 1 year licence (or NZD 60 for 5 years), upon presentation of a driving license from another country. At the Aitutaki police station, if you are headed that way, you will pay just NZD 2.50 for your licence - and there are no queues. 

 

To drive a scooter you need a Cook Islands driver’s license. If you don't have a motorbike license, be prepared to do a short test, zigzagging between traffic cones (NZD 5 fee). Make sure you go as early in the day as possible to the Avarua police station.

 

Driving Around the Island

 

The speed limit on the island is 50km/h, with 30km/h in some towns.

 

30 minutes driving tmr should really get you to the fartherest point on the island, provided you start off in the right direction.

 

It is not compulsory to wear helmets by law, unless the speed for motorised scooters and motor bikes is exceeded beyond 40 km/h.

 

Expect a remarkable number of chickens to cross the road. It is hard to understand why they do this, but they do. Dogs, walkers, children, and coconuts provide other obstacles on the roads that keep driving interesting.

 

While there is virtually no stress driving around the island in daylight hours, driving after dark has additional hazards due to poor visibility.

 

Motorcycle accidents are sadly fairly common, and cause many injuries and fatalities.


 
Car Rental Protection
Learn how to protect yourself when renting a car at Rarotonga Airport.


Rarotonga Airport Car Rental Recommendations


 
IHateTaxis.com recommends a Rarotonga Airport car rental.

Driving around the island is very straight forward and allows you convenience to come and go as you please.



 More Rarotonga Airport Transfer & Airport Connection Options



Last Updated: 16 Sep 2023