GETTING AROUND
Travel within the Islands
Travel within the Islands
Air Rarotonga is the airline of the Cook Islands and operates scheduled services to nine of the islands. They also run a Northern atolls adventure tour taking in PENRHYN, MANIHIKI and PUKAPUKA (note that this is currently suspended because of a shortage of fuel in the Northern Group). But if you haven't got the time for that, 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 an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. I promise!
This is the transport that greeted us when we landed at AITUTAKI. There was no speedometer, and no windows, but there was the best tour guide I've ever met. He told us proudly he'd been on British television ("The Generation Game" for those that remember it!) demonstrating the dancing of the islands. He and a fellow Aitutakian who accompanied us on the boat trip sang us Polynesian songs on the way back from our tour round the motus. This really is a "must do" trip.
Find out more about the day trip, adventure tour and the inter island air services at the Air Rarotonga web site. Islands served are Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, Penrhyn, Manihiki and Pukapuka. You can check out a detailed timetable on line. The islands from the air are stunning...have a look.
Only one shipping company currently operates services between the islands, although vessels do sail from other ports. Details are published daily in the local island newspapers. Shipping contacts and movements are also published on the web - click here for the latest information. 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, there are five designated ports of entry...Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu in the Southern Group, and Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Northern Group. If you're a yachtsman (or woman) have a look at the Cook Islands pages in noonsite.com for specialist information for the cruising community.
And if you want a really special trip to the outer islands, but can't afford your own yacht, the Research Vessel Bounty Bay (right) operates out of Rarotonga to places like Takutea and Suwarrow that are otherwise all but inaccessible. Their web site has full details.
If you're planning to sail to the islands, there are five designated ports of entry...Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu in the Southern Group, and Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Northern Group. If you're a yachtsman (or woman) have a look at the Cook Islands pages in noonsite.com for specialist information for the cruising community.
And if you want a really special trip to the outer islands, but can't afford your own yacht, the Research Vessel Bounty Bay (right) operates out of Rarotonga to places like Takutea and Suwarrow that are otherwise all but inaccessible. Their web site has full details.
Not all land transport is quite like I encountered on Aitutaki (see picture above)! The stunning scenery makes walking a pleasure, but avoid doing it when the sun is at its hottest.
On Rarotonga, the best travel tip is to take the Cook's Island Bus which circles the island, clockwise and anti-clockwise throughout the day and into the late evening. If you're going to use it regularly, you can buy a day pass or a book of 10 tickets. But be warned...there's no evening service on Sundays. Oh, and one final tip: make sure you read the small print on your bus ticket - its says "please smile"!
Motorbikes can be rented on some of the islands, provided you've bought your Cook Islands driving license from the police headquarters in Rarotonga (international licenses are not valid). And car rental firms abound on the capital island.
Petrol and diesel fuel are quite expensive though, with the outer islands more pricey than Rarotonga.
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.
On Rarotonga, the best travel tip is to take the Cook's Island Bus which circles the island, clockwise and anti-clockwise throughout the day and into the late evening. If you're going to use it regularly, you can buy a day pass or a book of 10 tickets. But be warned...there's no evening service on Sundays. Oh, and one final tip: make sure you read the small print on your bus ticket - its says "please smile"!
Motorbikes can be rented on some of the islands, provided you've bought your Cook Islands driving license from the police headquarters in Rarotonga (international licenses are not valid). And car rental firms abound on the capital island.
Petrol and diesel fuel are quite expensive though, with the outer islands more pricey than Rarotonga.
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.
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. So, this page is just giving a few pointers about getting around.
And don't forget to take some pictures of the airport - why can't they all be like this!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE NEXT?
ESSENTIALS THROUGH YOUNG ISLANDERS' EYES WEATHER
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
ESSENTIALS THROUGH YOUNG ISLANDERS' EYES WEATHER
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
By Air
By Sea
By Land
Palmerston Yacht Club
RV Bounty Bay
