The relaxed pace of Cook Islands will win you over!

Our Cook Islands Transportation Guide provides information about the different mode of transport to use to get to, from and around the Cook Islands. Going on one of the Cook Islands tours is a great way to go on a sightseeing trip around this island. Further in depth information about the Cook Islands can be found in our Cook Islands Country Guide.

Cook Islands Transportation Guide

Getting to the Cook Islands

Air Travel

The Cook Islands are well serviced by the following flight providers to Rarotonga: Air New Zealand, Aloha Airlines, Royal Tongan Airlines and Pacific Blue.

The International Airport at Rarotonga lies 4.5 km from Avarua. The airport in Cook Islands has a duty free shop and banks and you will be greeted with strumming ukuleles. A taxi to Avarua will cost around USD$25. There is only one local commuter airline, Air Rarotonga, because of which fares are on the higher side. There are flights to Cook Islands several times a day from Rarotonga to Aitutaki, except on Sunday when you can fly only once a day. There is a daily flight to Atiu except on Sunday. Flights leave several times a week to Mauke, Mitiaro and Mangaia. There is also a weekly flight to Manihiki and Penrhyn. The quaint arrival hut at Aitutaki International Airport is worth checking. The runway here is huge, thanks to the American troops during World War II.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Cook Islands.

Flights to Cook Islands

Arrival by Sea

For sailors in the South Seas, Rarotonga is a desirable port of call. Many yachts anchor in the docks of 'Avatiu Harbour'. The harbour master can be contacted for maritime information.

Inter-island cargo ships are scheduled according to demand and travel either once or twice a month. There are no fixed timetables.

Getting around Cook Islands

Driving and Road Safety

Cook Islands follow a right hand drive system. Drivers need to obtain a Cook Islands' Driver's Licence from the police station in Avarua. It takes only a few minutes to get your licence, depending upon the tourists in queue. You can get the licence for a little fee upon showing your own. This is only a revenue generator, so think about your licence as a cheap souvenir. The maximum speed limit on roads in towns and villages is 40 kph and 60 kph outside populated areas.

There are firms which rent out cars and scooters on Rarotonga, including Avis and Budget offices and a few local ones. There is an additional charge of NZ $6 for a compulsory driving test while hiring a motor scooter. Helmets are legally required for driving two wheelers for speeds above 40 kph.

Taxis

Before hiring a taxi in Cook Islands, it is better to clarify with the driver that the rate quoted is the total price and not the price per person.

Public Transport

Rarotonga offers transportation which is cheap and convenient - operating on a regular basis, according to schedule. Cook Islands buses depart from Cook's Corner and encircle the island both in a clockwise and anticlockwise manner. Buses which go around clockwise depart on the hour from 7 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. Buses going anticlockwise start from 8:25 am and leave at 25 minutes past the hour until 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, they run between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. There is no service available on Sundays on this route. On request, buses can pick you up from anywhere and drop you off wherever you choose. Please check the timetable carefully for timings.

Bicycles

Around the coastline of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, there are flat roads which make cycling effortless. There are many places where you can hire a bicycle in Cook Islands and it can make for a memorable day out. Remember to take your time and carry lots of water to replenish yourself!

Walking

Once you have gotten acclimatised to the humidity in a day or two, you can simply walk. Walking in Cook Islands is a good way to soak in the atmosphere and chances are that a passer-by will offer you a lift. Hop in if you are in the mood for a chat and are feeling warm due to the humidity.

Please be careful while walking on the roads of Cook Islands. There are no footpaths in many areas so ensure that you walk on the grassy edge alongside roads. Do not walk on the road itself. Please ensure that you are visible while walking along the roadside at night. Carry a torch or wear something which will glow in the dark.

Visiting the Outer Islands

'Mangaia' is a place for people who want to go off the beaten track - those who love the outdoors, appreciate warmth and enjoy serenity. It is 45 minutes from Rarotonga by flight. Accommodation is relaxing, though limited and therefore it is wise to book ahead. There are numerous tours carried out on the island. These include different types of cave tours, a 4X4 Safari cross-island tour, beach tours, inland picnic tours and special interest tours. Other activities include reef and lagoon walks, bush walks and deep sea fishing.

'Manihiki' provides total isolation but is the most accessible out of the northern group of islands. Flying time from Rarotonga is approximately 4 hours. However, Air Rarotonga flights are dependent upon bookings. Be prepared for a two week delay due to the weather or a change in flight schedules. Bring supplies to last for an additional two weeks over and above your stay.

Departure Taxes

All tourists will be charged the following taxes on departure:

- Adults - NZ $30
- Children under 12 years - NZ $15
- Children who are 2 years or less are exempt.

Please note departure tax is not included in the prepaid taxes along with the airline ticket. Departure tax can be purchased from the Westpac Bank at the International Terminal on the airport or in Avarua.