Rarotonga car rentals

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Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in Rarotonga

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
Minivan car
Minivan
Passenger van car
Passenger van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Avis
Mini
$40/day
$37/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Rarotonga car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Rarotonga with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Rarotonga?

You should book your rental car in Rarotonga around 71 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular rental car in Rarotonga?

Economy rentals (Class Economy Car or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Rarotonga. Economy rentals in Rarotonga cost $41/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $37/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Rarotonga?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Rarotonga is May at an average cost of $39/day. October is the most expensive month to rent a car in Rarotonga when prices are $41/day on average, which tends to be 2% above the yearly average rental price for Rarotonga.

Rarotonga car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Rarotonga 
JosieJul 2024
book early to avoid missing out
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

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Rarotonga

  • Obtaining a vehicle from a car rental in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, provides several benefits over relying on buses or trains. A rental car will enable you to explore the island at your own pace, touring its many attractions, including Punanga Nui Market, Maire Nui Gardens and Cafe, Titikaveka Beach, and Muri Beach, without being limited by the fixed bus or train schedules. In addition, a rental car will allow you access to the region's remote areas, which may not be easily reachable by public transportation. Furthermore, renting a car from Rarotonga car rentals will provide you with privacy and comfort, allowing you to travel with ease and convenience, free of crowded buses or trains.
  • Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) is the main international airport serving Rarotonga and its surrounding regions. When flying into Rarotonga, you will arrive at this airport before you can proceed with your journey to your intended destination. As you disembark from your flights and make your way through the arrivals area, you will find the car rental desks located adjacent to the baggage claim area. At these desks, you will find friendly and knowledgeable staff members who are ready to assist you in completing paperwork and selecting your rental car for your ride on the island. Avis is one of the car rentals in Rarotonga that you'll find at RAR.
  • When acquiring a vehicle from car rentals in Rarotonga, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules to ensure a safe journey. The minimum age to drive a rental car in Rarotonga is 21 years old. You must have a valid driver's license to rent a car in this region. You should note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. You should also obey the posted speed limits. You must not use your mobile phone while driving, as it is strictly prohibited unless you are using a hands-free device. In addition, you should note that drunk driving is illegal.
  • In Rarotonga, the morning rush hour usually occurs between 7:30 am and 9:00 am, when locals are commuting to work or school. During this time, you can expect increased congestion on the city's major roads. Similarly, in the late afternoon, from around 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, there is another increase in traffic as people return home after work. These rush hour periods feature longer queues, longer travel times, and busier intersections. To avoid rush hour congestion, you should plan your trips outside these rush hours or consider alternative inner routes, including Ara Metua and Ara Tapu-Enua, which run parallel to the main roads and offer alternative routes with fewer vehicles.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Rarotonga for $37 or less
  • Mini rental cars in Rarotonga are around 24% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Rarotonga

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Rarotonga?

    On average a rental car in Rarotonga costs $40 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Rarotonga found in the last 2 weeks is $40.

  • Can I rent an automatic car in Rarotonga?

    Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Rarotonga. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

  • Which car rental companies are at Rarotonga airport (RAR)?

    The only car rental company onsite at Rarotonga airport is Avis.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Rarotonga airport (RAR)?

    The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Rarotonga airport to off-airport locations is Avis.

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

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

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

    A Mini car rental in Rarotonga costs $39 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car rental in Rarotonga costs $48 per day, on average.

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

    An Economy car rental in Rarotonga costs $44 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Rarotonga?

    In Rarotonga, cars are most frequently rented at Avis Terminal Building (1 miles from city center).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Rarotonga?

    Most car rental providers in Rarotonga offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Rarotonga, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Rarotonga?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 1 car rental agencies in Rarotonga.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Rarotonga?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Rarotonga?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Rarotonga so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

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

    When choosing a car for a trip to Rarotonga, it is essential to consider a car that can easily be driven through the narrow and winding roads of Rarotonga. In addition, a car with good fuel efficiency would also be an added advantage, as it can go farther around the island without frequent refueling. You should therefore consider an Economy or Compact car.

  • What is the speed limit in Rarotonga?

    In Rarotonga's built-up areas, including towns and villages, the speed limit is usually lower, about 25 mph. The region's general speed limit on the major highways is around 31 mph. The speed limits are subject to change for specific roads, and hence you should check the signage and adhere to the posted speed limits.

  • Where are the best places to park in Rarotonga?

    One of the best places to park your rental car is at the Rarotonga International Airport, which offers ample parking amenities for both short-term and long-term parking. The airport parking rates start at around 8 NZD (5 USD) for the first hour and increase gradually, with a daily maximum fee of about 24 NZD (15 USD). Another great parking space is the Avarua Town Center, where you'll find accessible parking lots with parking charges ranging from around 1.5 to 3 NZD (1- 2 USD) hourly.

Rarotonga car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Avis

9.2

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

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

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Good

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Economy

KAYAK
I phoned to ask for car to be picked up a day earlier .. avis said yes no problem .. but when arrived nothing different had changed. they had no info about a change having been made

8.0 Very good

June, Mar 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Good service. Easy to deal with. All good

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Easy collection of vehicle. Great experience and holiday

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Economy

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.

1 out of 8

32 travelers who rented a car in Rarotonga gave the car agency they used an average rating of 9.2

Car rental locations in or near Rarotonga

Rarotonga car rental information

Pick-up locationRarotonga
Car types
Rental locations3
Airport locations1

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