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A regular timetabled bus service operates around the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. All services start and finish at Cook's Corner, right in the heart of Avarua. There are two routes - clockwise and anti-clockwise round the island. Fares are simple to remember: $3 for a oneway ticket and $5 for a return trip. Tell the driver where you are going when you get on and he will drop you off there. The driver will sometimes call out the names of places that he is going to stop - which is very helpful... just make sure you yell back "yes".
If you are catching the bus from somewhere else on the island, make sure you grab a timetable while in town. You will see the times that the bus passes certain key places on each route. You can then work out where those are in relation to you and either walk to them or just flag the bus down where you are. The bus will pick up people whereever they are. Of course, if you can see a bus shelter then you should walk to it out of consideration for the driver and other passengers. It is a bit silly when the bus pulls over to pick up people waiting 300 metres from what is clearly a regular bus stop!
If you are carrying large backpacks or suitcases, you will be charged extra (usually a 'student' fare) for these. Be aware of that if you are using the public bus from the airport. Only the anitclockwise bus stops at the airport proper. If you want to catch a clockwise bus after arriving by plane, you'll have to go out of the airport car park and cross the road. Leave a Comment Theme: Bus
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There is a convenient bus service around the island during the week. Buses during the day leave about every half hour from the main town of Avurua - one going clockwise and one going anti-clockwise. There are a few "bus stops" on the road but basically you stand where you are and flag the bus down when it comes along. To get off, just let the bus driver know where you're going. At night it's a little more tricky as there is only one bus every hour travelling clockwise - you may have yourself a long ride home depending on where you get on and where you get off. Nonetheless, travelling on the bus is thoroughly entertaing at any time and the bus drivers are friendly. If you're staying and travelling on the bus for more than a few days, you might want to enquire about a "10 ride pass". Theme: Bus
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A good way to get around Rarotonga is the bus! It circles the island in ca. 50 minutes and you can flag it down from anywhere on the route. The one-way ticket costs 2,50NZ$, the return ticket 4NZ$ and a 10-rides pass 17NZ$. Leave a Comment Theme: BusPhone: 25512
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The only way to get to Aitutaki from Rarotonga (where the international airport is), is to fly Air Rarotonga. They operate a little Saab 340 between the two islands on a regular basis. Check their website for timetables and fares. The cheapest way to book a flight seems to be via the website. In late 2004 (when I organised this trip), the cheaoest fare was $127 one way, if booked on the web and if the last flight out of Rarotonga on the day of travel was taken and the first flight out of Aitutaki was taken on the return leg. The flight takes about 50 minutes, though, when we flew back to Rarotonga it took only 45 minutes. Leave a Comment
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Renting a bike is the best way to get around, it only takes 2 hours to cycle around the island. You will see a lot of the scenery. You can also rent cars, but please DON'T do it. It is a beautifull island, why destroy it with fumes if you can do it eco-friendly and just ride a bike, or even walk. They also offer jeep tours to peaks, and yes I know it brings money to the islanders, but I am sure that there are many other ways to leave your money there. SO please for once, don't be a lazy bum and let your legs do the work ( and yes, if you are not able to ride a bike for reasons, rent a car, this message is more for the extremely lazy people) Leave a Comment Theme: Bicycle
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Hiring a car on Rarotonga for a few days is a great way to have more freedom to explore. The island is very small, so you will circumnavigate it in less than an hour! The speed limit in Avarua and villages is 40km/hour and on the "open road" it is 60kph. A rental means that you can go out for dinner to restaurants more easily (they're spread all round the island), or pack a picnic lunch and head off to some beach for the day. Because we were in a big group, it worked out to be quite a good deal for us, but the price is prohibitive if you're single or a couple. Motorbike rental would be a better bet.
Daily charges are about $70 a day for a car.
We hired from Island Car & Bike Hire over in Arorangi. Leave a Comment Theme: Car/Motor HomePhone: (on Rarotonga) 22632Website: www.islandcarhire.co.ck Other Contact: vinsen@islandcarhire.co.ck
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The reqiirement to drive a vehicle is to pay for a Cook Island License. It was $15.00 . You rent the car a go to the police staion pay your money and an hour later you have a nice lamentated license...good souvenir. If you are renting a motor bike you have to take a little test. Theme: Other
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We had no problem in renting a car . There are a few agencies but we found Budget was about the same price as the smaller local companies and they offered 24 emergency service.
The prices were pretty good. We rented for 5 days at $45.oo ( NZ) per day for a small car. I think it was an off season special. The island is so little a few days is all you need to drive around and explore and then try a few different resturants in the evening.
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The only way to get there basicly is to fly, or you want to swim, or you own your own boat.
There are two busses on rarotonga, one going clockwise, the other anti clockwise, it is fun to do it one time. But the best way to get around is to rent a bike and let your legs do the working, it is a small island, so don't be lazy. Leave a Comment Theme: Airplane
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I am pretty sure that the only international airline flying to the Cooks is Air New Zealand. Direct services from Auckland, Nadi, Papaete, and Christchurch are available. The cheapest fares are usually obtained online. See the website below. Flying time from AKL is about 4 hours. Flights do come and go at awful hours so plan carefully when booking accommodation. You may have to pay for a night's accommodation that you don't actually fully utilise in order to ensure you have somewhere wating for you upon an early morning arrival. Crossing the dateline from New Zealand, you gain a day, which is nice. Of course, you lose one coming back! Leave a Comment
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on October 8, 2005
on June 12, 2006
on May 9, 2004
on February 26, 2003
on December 14, 2006
