Driving in the Cook Islands
The maximum speed limit is 30km/h in Avarua township, Muri Beach and all school zones, and 50km/h elsewhere on the island, including for scooters and motorbikes. You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to drive in the Cook Islands.
Visitors with a valid full overseas license issued by an EU Member State or a country that issues licenses in English can drive without a Cook Islands Visitor Driver License, provided their license covers the vehicle they intend to drive.
Important: Some rental companies require a Cook Islands Visitor Driver License, even if your overseas license is legally accepted. Always check with your rental company before travelling.
If you need a Cook Islands Visitor Driver License, you can now apply online before travelling. We recommend applying at least 48 hours before arrival to allow time for processing and ensure your license is ready for collection. Learn more about visitor driving licenses and apply online at https://police.gov.ck/visitor-driving-license/
Travelling with children? Car seats may be available through your rental company but should be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can bring your own.
Riding a scooter
To legally ride a scooter without a Cook Islands Visitor Driver License, you must hold a valid full overseas license from an EU Member State or a country issuing licenses in English, with a motorcycle class included.
Important: Some scooter rental companies require a Cook Islands Visitor Driver License regardless of your overseas license. Check with your rental company before travelling.
Do I need a visitor license?
You should apply if:
- Your scooter rental company requires one.
- Your overseas license is not in English.
- Your overseas license does not include a motorcycle class.
If your overseas license includes a motorcycle class, you can apply for a like-for-like exchange without a test. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to pass a theory and practical driving test. The theory test can now be completed online before travelling, and practical tests can be booked in advance.
Apply online before travelling, ideally at least 48 hours before arrival. Visitor licenses are valid for 30 days from the date of issue and can be collected on arrival.
Learn more about visitor driving licenses and apply online at https://police.gov.ck/visitor-driving-license/
Helmet requirements
Helmets are compulsory for visitors riding scooters or motorcycles in Rarotonga, but this requirement does not currently apply in the Pa Enua (sister islands).
Taking the public bus
It is very easy to get around the island using public transport. There are two buses that circle the island of Rarotonga; Clockwise and Anti-clockwise. The buses will stop anywhere along the main road. All you have to do is smile and wave them down. Click here for our bus timetable.
Cycling
Cycling around the islands is easy as the main roads are flat. Many hotels will have bicycles available to borrow on a first come first served basis but if you would like a guaranteed bicycle or electric bike, we suggest hiring one. Polynesian Rental Cars and Bikes have mountain bikes, beach cruisers and jumbo bikes for rent while Tik-e Tours offer e-bikes.
Organising a transfer service or taxi
Visitors can also organise an airport pick up and drop off either directly or via your hotel prior to arriving in the Cook Islands.
Getting around the Cook Islands is easy! There's only one main road that circles the whole of Rarotonga with no traffic lights and just two roundabouts. We drive on the left-hand side of the road and at a relaxed speed no faster than 50kmph.
Driving in the Cook Islands
The maximum speed limit is 30kmph in Muri Beach, 40kmph in the towns and villages and 50kmph outside of populated areas. If riding a scooter, the speed limit is 40kmph.
You have to be at least 16 years or older and hold a current and valid driver’s license in order to drive in the Cook Islands. International visitors (over 16 years) can drive in the Cook Islands for up to six months using their full overseas licence, provided it does not expire, is revoked, suspended or disqualified in that time. On an overseas licence, you will only be allowed to drive the class of motor vehicle that you are entitled to drive in your home country. The overseas licence must be in English or a certified translation provided. Learn more about visitor licences and motorbike licences.
Riding a scoote
If you have a motorcycle class on your overseas license, you do not need to take a test to acquire a Cook Islands Licence, you just need to pay NZ$20 at the police station, where you will be issued your visitor license. The visitors licenses are only valid for 30 days. If you do not have a motorcycle class on your overseas licence and want to ride a scooter click here to learn more about obtaining a visitor's motorcycle licence in Rarotonga.
All visitors must wear a safety helmet while travelling on a motorcycle in Rarotonga. This is compulsory for Rarotonga only and does not apply to visitors driving a motorcycle on our sister islands.
Taking the public bus
It is very easy to get around the island using public transport. There are two buses which circle the island of Rarotonga; Clockwise and Anti-clockwise. The buses will stop anywhere along the main road. All you have to do it smile and wave them down.
Click here for our bus timetable.
Bicycling
Cycling around the islands is easy as the main roads are flat. Many hotels will have bicycles available to borrow at a first come first served basis but if you would like a guaranteed bicycle or electric bike, we suggest hiring one.
Polynesian Rental Cars and Bikes have mountain bikes, beach cruisers and jumbo bikes for rent while Tik-e Tours offer e-bikes.
Organising a transfer service or taxi
Visitors can also organise an airport pick up and drop off either direct or via your hotel prior to arriving to the Cook Islands.
