Rarotonga questions

[BillK400]

We will be on a cruise stopping overnight in Rarotonga in April. We would like to get out one day on our own to "explore". Are there scooter rentals available? The island appears to have a road that circles the island and was wondering if it would be worthwhile to ride around the island and stop at interesting sights along the way.

 

Are there any good beaches to go snorkeling, possibly within a short distance of where the tenders will drop us off?

 

Any other ideas for things to do on our own would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[Tikiintahiti]

The scooter & car rentals will be to your left once you hit the main road from the tender drop off location, about 1/4 mile.

 

No good snorkeling close to the tender drop off location. Best place will be across the street from "Fruits of Rarotonga" which is where the marine reserve is located, this is also the place where Captain Tama takes 'tourist' to see the lagoon.

 

The view/lagoon

 

There is a place to eat your purchased food over looking the lagoon

 

The place to stop for eats and snorkeling

 

Captain Tama tour goes to the same place. You can see a snorkeler in the water. Why pay money when you can do it yourself : )

[BillK400]

Tikiintahiti,

 

Thanks for the info!

[Tikiintahiti]

No problem, glad to help :)

[J-D]

I concur that getting a car or scooter is a good way to see the coastal part of Rarotonga. Although driving in Rarotonga is on the left, the roads are not busy (except perhaps in downtown Avarua, depending on time of day), and Rarotonga must be one of the least stressful places to acquire some experience in driving on the left.

 

If you will be there overnight and want to keep the vehicle beyond 24 hours (or perhaps it is beyond noon the following day?), you may need to go to the police station in downtown Avarua for a Cook Isl. driver's licence:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/archive/index.php/t-1934609.html

Most online sources now say that the temporary licence issued by the rental agent is good to noon the following day, but you should check on the current rules as to how long you can legitimately drive with just the temporary licence.

 

John

Edited February 24, 2014 by J-D

[LocoLoco1]

We had a local Taxi take us fully around the island for $$Cheap$$. It rain buckets for a time. Some cruisers rented scooters. They saw very little and were miserable. We hiked, peeked at the 'Ruins of Sheraton' and several Anthropologic sites,...which the driver's commentary added immensely to. Driving oneself seems too troublesome...and eliminates the Cold Beer option. Locomotiveman TOM

[Tikiintahiti]

Other than Aitutaki which basically has no traffic other than scooters and the occasional car/truck which is a very safe island to rent a scooter, I always rent a car. Cars in the Cook Islands are cheap to rent compared to some other South Pacific islands. A car also is enclosed and has A/C ........... nice

 

On parts of Rarotonga or some of the islands in French Polynesia I wouldn't ride a scooter as the traffic can be busy and the roads not wide. I've heard about to many bad accidents on scooters and a good hospital isn't always easily assessable.