Rarotonga car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Fri 26/4
Fri 3/5

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Rarotonga car hire information

Pick-up locationRarotonga
Car types
Hire locations3
Airport locations1

Cheap car hire in Rarotonga

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
People carrier
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pick-up truck

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Rarotonga

  • Hire a car to collect as soon as you arrive in Rarotonga and give yourself the freedom to explore the island at your own leisure. It is easy to drive around the main township Avarua, on the island, and once you’ve done that, take your car hire and venture inland to the more mountainous region. Take your Rarotonga car hire and visit sights such as Te Rua Manga or The Needle, one of the highest summits on the island.
  • There are two car hire companies situated in the Arrivals area of the terminal at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) – Avis and Polynesian Rentals. Once you’ve completed your paperwork at the reception desks, you’ll be shown to your car hire in Rarotonga, which will be parked in the airport parking across the road from the terminal. Rarotonga Car Rentals is another company, located opposite the exit to the airport car park. With this company, you can organise to have your car delivered to the airport for your arrival.
  • Driving in Rarotonga is very easy, as there is only one main road that goes around the entire island. There are no traffic lights and very few roundabouts that you will have to navigate. It is important that your driving licence is in English; if not, you will need to have a certified translation of it in order to drive on the island.
  • There is no rush hour per se in Rarotonga, but the things to look out for when driving are people crossing the road and animals wandering into your path. It is important to stick to the speed limit, which is relatively low, but this is enforced by law and is particularly important around schools, where the limit is lower. The main city, Avarua, is where you may encounter slightly more traffic and roundabouts.
  • Book your car hire in Rarotonga at least 1 week before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy car hire in Rarotonga are around 17% cheaper than other car types, on average

Rarotonga car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Rarotonga 
Verified travelerSep 2023
Obey the road rules, look out for dogs.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Driving in Rarotonga was really easy. Loved the slow pace and I would pull over to let cars past if I was going too slow.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Inner roads a bit rough, lots of coconut trees don’t park under them. Parking in general pretty good easy to find parks.
Verified travelerMay 2023
I wasn’t sure if I had to clean the car before return, I decided that maybe a vac and car wash before returning the car would be good, as we had sand from going to the beach. After searching and asking, there isn’t anywhere in Rarotonga to clean or use a vac. I’m still not sure if I had to return it clean, I did wipe the car down-Inside. Other then the smell, I would definitely recommend Avis- great value for $ and service was easy

FAQs about hiring a car in Rarotonga

  • What is the most popular car hire in Rarotonga?

    Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Rarotonga.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Rarotonga?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Rarotonga?

    An Economy car hire in Rarotonga costs R772 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Rarotonga?

    A Standard car hire in Rarotonga costs R903 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in Rarotonga?

    A Mini car hire in Rarotonga costs R1 163 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Rarotonga?

    When selecting your car hire in Rarotonga, think about the type of driving you will be doing around the island. If you plan to stick to the main tarred road, it is advisable to stick to a more compact car or perhaps a standard sedan, as this is easier to manoeuvre and may be more economical. If you plan to drive on unsealed gravel roads, it is advisable to look at a more robust vehicle such as an SUV if there is one available. You’ll need to check the terms of hire to see if you can take the vehicle offroad.

  • What’s the speed limit in Rarotonga?

    The speed limit in Rarotonga is 50 kph on the open roads, and this drops to 30 kph around schools, Avarua Township and the Muri Beach area, where you will find more traffic. In the small villages, the speed limit may drop to 40 kph; when you are out and about in your car hire in Rarotonga, be sure to pay attention to the road signs that indicate speed limits. As the road surfaces may not be of the best quality, it is advisable to stick to the speed limit at all times.

  • Where are the best places to park in Rarotonga?

    While a number of hotels and resorts in Rarotonga provide parking for guests, on-street parking is also possible where there is room. Parking your car is quite a casual affair in Rarotonga, and you can leave your car anywhere on the side of the road so long as there is room for other vehicles to pass. Some of the beaches may also have small car parks, which are free, but you may need to park somewhere up the road and walk to the beach if these are full. It is advisable not to park your car under a coconut tree, as falling coconuts can do a lot of damage. 

Rarotonga car rental reviews and directory

Avis

9,2

Wonderful

33 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.2

Value for money

8.7

3 locations in Rarotonga

Show locations

Locations in Rarotonga

Citc Mainstore, Avarua

+682 22 833

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00

Main Road

+682 22 833

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00

Terminal Building

+682 22 833

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday00:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

8,0 Very Good

Mar 2024

KAYAK
Good service. Easy to deal with. All good

10,0 Wonderful

Mar 2024

KAYAK
Easy collection of vehicle. Great experience and holiday

10,0 Wonderful

Dec 2023

KAYAK
Folks are very friendly!! Important, make reservations ahead of time. I saw walk-ins who weren't able to get a car (demand & supply). I highly recommend AVIS in Rarotonga.

8,4 Very Good

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

yes

Cons:

charge per day could have been cheaper

8,8 Very Good

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff were friendly

8,0 Very Good

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very easy pick up and drop off from the airport, our pick up was during office hours, drop off after hours. Friendly and efficient staff.

1 out of 8

33 travellers who hired a car in Rarotonga gave the car agency they used an average rating of 9.2

Car hire locations in or near Rarotonga

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a car hire in Rarotonga

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches