car rental in Rarotonga

[fishman620]

For those of you who have rented a car on in Rarotonga during your TP cruise, could you please tell me which side of the road you drive on, is it different than the US? Also can you get to the beaches in a car or do you have to rent a jeep?

[jmike]

Driving in the Cook Islands is on the left side of the road. The main road that circles the island is paved and very good. All the beaches are just off the main road. The island does have very good bus service.

 

Mike

[gvre]

You'll need to get a Raratonga drivers license as well. It takes about an hour and it is valid for one year. You get it at the police station which is conviently located by the car rental offices.

Debbie

[fishman620]

Wow! I never thought of a New Zealand drivers license, I've already reserved a car so I'd better check into this!

[got2go2mo2]

If you are arriving on a Sunday, the Cook Islands Police Station does not issue Driver's licenses on that day. Technically, a driver's license is required to drive in Rarotonga, but they will probably give you grace if you arrive on a Sunday. We have visited Raro twice on the TP and once for a two-week land stay. Last December, we were there on a Sunday and went to the Police Station to see if we could get a new driver's license that hadn't expired. They said, "No worries -- just drive carefully." The Cook Islanders are extremely hospitable. WE LOVE RARO!!

 

Kathy

[fishman620]

Does anyone know if you still need to get a NZ drivers license to rent a scooter?

[sunsetme]

we just returned and never got a license--had no problems.

[fishman620]

Where did you rent the scooter? Is there an email or website?