A truly magical destination to relax your worries away, Rarotonga is the ultimate holiday hotspot for many. Here beautiful beaches can be found all along the coast, with some amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities available in the stunning blue lagoon encircling the entire island. Just 32 km in circumference, getting around Rarotonga is pretty easy as well - it’s just as 45 minute bus ride.

There are only 2 main roads found running around the island, one is a coastal ring road and is known as Ara Tapu, while the other road which is located some 500 meters inland is known as Ara Metua. There are no roads that cut across the island as the terrain is too mountainous with steep valleys.

The best way to get around Rarotonga is by the round-the-island bus service that runs on Ara Tapu. Cook Passenger Transport is a both a convenient and an easy way to get around. Departing daily from the Cook Corner bus stop in Avarua, this bus service runs clockwise around the island from Monday to Saturday leaving after every hour from 7 am to 4 pm. Buses going in the anticlockwise direction depart 25 minutes past the hour Mondays to Saturdays. On Sunday the bus service runs from 8 am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 4 pm in the clockwise direction. There are no anticlockwise buses on Sundays. Punctual and efficient, the bus fare is NZ$2.50 for a single ride.

If you like you can always rent a car or motorbike and tour Rarotonga as well. Several companies offer bike and car rentals. To drive on the island you will need a local driving license which can be obtained from the Avarua Police Station for NZ$ 10. A popular way of getting around Rarotonga is by moped as it is both cheap and effective. Many hotels and resorts also offer moped rentals as well. One thing to keep in mind is that driving here is on the left side of the road.

If you are not in the mood to drive, a taxi service is available as well from 6 am to 10 pm with a flat rate of NZ$ 2.50 per kilometer.

If you are an active person and don’t mind sweating it out a bit, then a bicycle is a fantastic way to travel around Rarotonga. Easily available for rent, a bicycle lets you enjoy the wonderful scenery as you peddle on by.