GETTING AROUND

Land, air and sea travel in the Cook Islands

Photo: Cook Islands Tourism/Manine Lych

Air travel has opened up the islands like never before, but it's quite costly. Ships are still an important lifeline, particularly for the outer islands, but their irregular schedules mean that few tourists have the time to use them. This page is just giving a few pointers about getting around and the practicalities of that

TAXIS are a great way to and from Rarotonga airport or if want an alternative to the bus or self-drive. Look out for the green taxis run by members of the Cook Islands Taxi Association. All Association members conform to a code of conduct and fares are fixed. You can find details of Association members and fares by clicking here. Beware of unlicenced operators at the airport!

It's a bit hit and miss what transport you'll find ON THE OUTER ISLANDS. But that's the beauty of them. The local tourist information offices will help you plan your trip and offer advice on getting round when you arrive. Mopeds and motorbikes are ubiquitous, but don't expect anything sporty! And on some of the more remote islands, don't expect anything at all unless you can persuade a local to rent their own. Boats are often more common than cars

southern group islands northern group islands

BY AIR

Air Rarotonga is the sole internal airline and operates services to eight of the islands from its Rarotonga base. Prior to the pandemic they also ran a Northern atolls adventure tour taking in Penrhyn, Manihiki and Pukapuka but it's not operating at the moment.

If you're pushed for time, I would strongly recommend the day trip to Aitutaki. It includes flights, of course, a tour of the island and a boat trip to some of the motus in the lagoon, complete with on-board barbecue. It's not cheap at around NZ$600 but it's an experience you'll rem
ember for a lifetime. I promise!  

EXPLORING THE OUTER ISLANDS

Islands served by Air Rarotonga from its base on the capital island are Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, Manihiki and Pukapuka. There's also a service to Penrhyn but this is operated on a charter only basis

BY SEA

Only two domestic shipping providers operate services between the islands and they're cargo services,  with very limited (or sometimes no) space for passengers, although vessels do sail from other ports. Details are published daily in Cook Islands News. Remember that if you're going to some of the outer islands, it could be many weeks or even months between ships. 

If you're planning to sail to the islands on a yacht or other sea going vessel, you MUST go via the designated ports of entry which  are currently: â€‹Rarotonga (Avatiu and Avarua Wharfs), Aitutaki (Arutanga wharf), Atiu (Taunganui Wharf), Manihiki (Tukao and Tauhuna Wharfs), Pukapuka (Yato Wharf) and Penrhyn (Omoka Wharf).  These are subject to change and indeed have changed several times since Covid. You must also give the Cook Islands Customs Service at least 48 hours notice of expected arrival time.  There are severe penalties for unauthorised entry.

More government information for marine craft is here.  Visiting yachts must also comply with entry and departure laws. Contact the Cook Islands Customs Service for details and advice. Access to deserted islands Manuae and Takutea is restricted and you could be prosecuted if you land there without permission 

If you're a 'yachtie' I recommend a look at the Cook Islands pages in noonsite.com for specialist information for the cruising community.

TAKING THE 10 MINUTE TOUR?

CLICK THE ICON TO CONTINUE