Rarotonga transport options
Kia Orana,
So you’ve got your flights and accommodation booked, and now you’re starting to think about how you’ll get around Rarotonga? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options to choose from - and even mix & match during your stay!
Airport Transfers First up, how to get from the Airport to Palm Grove. Simply send us your flight details and we will arrange your airport transfers for $20pp one way. Available for both domestic and international flights, 24 hours a day.
Tours A lot of tours offer transfers (either in the price or for a small extra fee), so this is the easiest option for excursions, if you don’t opt for your own transport during your visit. Enquire with the tour operator, or send us an email and we’ll let you know which tours will pick you up right from Palm Grove
Local Bus Service If you’re keen to head to town for shopping or Muri Beach for a wander - or anywhere else on the Main Road - then the local bus service is your best bet. Cooks Transport stops at Palm Grove every 30 minutes during the day, and every hour during the evenings. $5pp one way - or grab a 10-ride ticket for $30, if you’re planning to use the bus a few times. They also have a fabulous Transport Me app which shows the location of all of their buses in real time. The bus will pick up and drop off anywhere on the Main Road, so don’t be shy to flag down the bus when you see it coming.
Bicycles and E-Bikes Whether you are interested in renting for just a day or two, or using bikes as your main form of transport, there are both bicycles and e-bikes available for rent. We’d recommend you book in advance, as they can sell out.
Motorbikes A popular transport option that most of our visitors love. We have motorbikes onsite for rental (on a first come first served basis). Or we can recommend where to book them in advance if you want a guaranteed reservation. Just bear in mind the driver must be over the age of 21 and their overseas license must permit them to drive a motorbike. Otherwise, a trip to the Police Station for a written test and road test will get you a Cook Islands motorbike license. Please note licensing is only available Mon-Fri 8am to 1pm.
Rental Vehicles From 2-seater convertibles to 12-seater vans, Island Car & Bike Hire has got all your rental options covered. If you want a vehicle for part of your stay, they will come and pick you up from Palm Grove for no charge, and drop you back to Palm Grove upon the completion of your rental. Or if you’d prefer to reserve your vehicle right from arrival until departure, they can arrange airport dropoff and pickup for a small fee.
Taxis Our recommendation is that you use taxis only as a last resort. There are multiple taxi companies available, but taxis must be booked in advance and charges are per person. However, if you need to get somewhere outside of bus service hours, or inland on the back road, a taxi will be your only option.
Rarotonga is only 32km around, so nothing is further than 20 minutes away by vehicle. And walking to a close-by destination is always an option!
If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to email me direct on beach@palmgrove.net
Kia Manuia, Betsy