Rarotonga Airport Car Rental: Pickup and First Drive
Quick summary: Rarotonga International Airport is the main gateway to the Cook Islands, with flights from Auckland, Sydney, Los Angeles and Christchurch. Car rental desks are inside the terminal, next to the baggage claim area, so you can collect your car as soon as you have your bags. The airport is on the island’s northern coast, and nowhere on Rarotonga is more than an hour’s drive away. Your first drive is along the Ara Tapu, the ring road that circles the island.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Rarotonga International |
| Location | Northern coast |
| Rental desks | Inside the terminal, by baggage claim |
| Main road | Ara Tapu |
| Furthest point | Under an hour away |
| Tours | Airport transfers |
Compare car rental at Rarotonga Airport
Where do you collect your rental car?
At the car rental desks inside the terminal, next to baggage claim.
What else is in the terminal?
Cafes, an ATM and vending machines. Wi-Fi is available, but you have to pay for it.
Where do you head first?
East along the Ara Tapu toward Muri Beach, or west around the coast. Every beach on the island is on or near the ring road.
Should you collect a car straight away?
If you arrive late, consider an airport transfer and collect a car the next day, as driving in the dark on unfamiliar roads is harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the island’s northern coast.
Inside the terminal, next to baggage claim.
Popular routes include Auckland, Sydney, Los Angeles and Christchurch.
Yes, for a fee.