Airport Transfers

AIRPORT-RESORT TRANSFERS

For a smooth arrival and departure, it is best to book your airport transfers when you make your room reservation, or at the very latest at the time of making your flight reservations.  Leaving everything to last minute may or may not work out.

It would be wise to double-check your arrival and departure dates and times, particularly if you are arriving from New Zealand or Australia as both countries are across the International Date Line.

Our Reservations team can book your airport transfers for arrival and departure via a third-party provider as follows:

Return Airport-Resort Transfers for International Flights aboard an Air-conditioned Coach includes Meet & Greet with a Polynesian Fresh Flower Garland “Ei” & Bottled Water:

  • $NZ 60 per adult return (or $30 one way)
  • $NZ 30 per child aged 2-11 years return (or $15 one way)
  • Children under 2 years are free of charge  

Please email us at info@therarotongan.com at time of booking your accommodation with your full flight arrival and departure details if you would like our Reservations team to book your transfers. Transfers are subject to availability, and those booked within 72 hours of arrival may not include an arrival Polynesian Fresh Flower Garland “Ei” or Bottled Water.

You are required to be at Rarotonga Airport for check-in at least 2 hours prior to flight departure.

Typically, the transfer coach will depart the Resort 1 hour prior to this.  However, please confirm with Reception in advance.

Please allow adequate time to complete Resort check-out procedures remembering that all other guests on the same flight will be trying to check out as well.  You may find it more convenient to check out earlier to avoid the rush.

The transfer coach picks you up from the Resort Reception. 

Please ensure you are at Reception and have completed Resort checkout procedures with the following at hand before the designated transfer coach pick-up time:

  • Airline tickets
  • Passport
  • Airport Transfer Tickets
  • Luggage

To ensure that the coach will arrive at the Airport on time, and as a courtesy to other guests, the transfer coach will not wait for guests that are not at Reception with everything they need by the designated time.  If you miss the transfer coach, you will need to organize a taxi at your own additional expense as there will not be a refund for your missed coach transfer.

Should you not have a return transfer pre-booked, Reception can assist you, however, please request this no later than 72 hours prior to departure to ensure availability.

Alternatively, you may prefer to hire a car or book a taxi for your Airport transfers. We recommend you make these arrangements well prior to your arrival as Rarotonga Airport can get busy.

Car Hire companies servicing Rarotonga include:

Polynesian Rental Cars & Bikes  https://www.polynesianhire.co.ck/

Island Car & Bike Hire https://islandcarhire.co.ck/

Go Cook Islands Car Rentals https://www.rarotongaairportcarhire.com/

Pacific Cars https://rarorentalcars.co.nz/

Avis Cook Islands https://www.aviscookislands.com/

Raro Cars https://rarocars.com/

Sweet As Rentals https://sweetasrentals.com/

Drivers Licence

To rent a car or motor bike, guests must be at least 18 years or older (please check with your preferred car rental agency) and hold a full car driver licence (i.e., not a restricted or learner licence) from your own country, or an international licence. 

If you do not have a current valid licence, you can take a test with the Cook Islands Police to get a Cook Islands drivers licence.  The cost for this is $10 for the theory test, $10 for the practical test and $20 for a 30-day licence.

For more information on drivers licensing requirements:

https://www.transport.gov.ck/corporate/licensing/drivers-licence/

https://www.facebook.com/CookIslandsPolice/

Taxis

Taxi services on Rarotonga include:

TNHT                        Ph: 76-788 / 20286

1AAA Taxis               Ph: 28-862 / 73-549

Price Taxi Service     Ph: 50-908 / 133

Mama Ru’s                Ph: 72-192 / 51953

Due to the limited numbers of taxis on Rarotonga as well as the limited hours that they operate, please organize any taxi services directly with the driver giving them as much notice as possible.  Ask the driver what the charge will be before you board to avoid any unpleasant surprises.  If you’re going out for dinner you may find the 2-way cab charge costs you more than your meals, thus the bus or hire car provides an alternative option.

Private Airport Transfers

For guests who prefer to enjoy the privacy and comfort of a private vehicle transfer to and from Rarotonga Airport, this option is also available via a third-party provider.

Groups of up to 2 guests enjoy a private car, whilst groups of 3 or more guests are transferred by private van.

International Flight Transfers By Private Vehicle

You will be greeted upon arrival to Rarotonga with a fresh flower ei (lei), demi bottle of sparkling wine, complimentary fruit juice and bottled water.

  • $NZ140     1-2 Passengers, One Way Transfer & Porterage, per private car
  • $NZ190     3-5 Passengers, One Way Transfer & Porterage, per van
  • $NZ230     6-8 Passengers, One Way Transfer & Porterage, per van

Domestic Flight Transfers By Private Vehicle

Your transfer includes a complimentary fruit juice, bottled water and refreshment towelettes.

  • $NZ120     1-2 Passengers, One Way Transfer & Porterage, per private car
  • $NZ160     3-5 Passengers, One Way Transfer & Porterage, per van
  • $NZ190     6-8 Passengers, One Way Transfer & Porterage, per van

Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a service only and is not intended as a recommendation of any service provider, nor as a full listing of all service providers. You are encouraged to carry out your own research to identify the best option to suit you. Prices and information is subject to change.