Navigating Rarotonga
Rarotonga is easily navigable, with a ring road that runs all the way round the island. If you accidentally go past your destination, don't worry, you'll get there eventually by continually following the road round again!
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There are other roads which run parallel to this main coastal road and closer to the mountains. One example is the Are Matua. The old road of Toi, it was originally built - and paved! - around 1200 years ago by the famous chief of the same name, using flat basalt rock. The road was built wide enough so that two warriors could march side-by-side down it.
While this road did not go all the way around the island (stream crossings and other geographical oddities made it impossible) it is one of the oldest paved roads built in the Southern Hemisphere and is still in evidence in many areas.
You can also circle the island on the Ara Tapu sealed road, through the villages and past the beaches; or you can take the older inland road, which winds through fields of taro, pawpaw, bananas and local farmlands.
Transport
The 'Island Bus' offers a convenient low cost method of transport, operating regular schedules right around the island (in both directions). It will pick you up and set you down anywhere on request. |
While the Island Bus system is very good, most people who live on the island own a scooter and this is by far the most preferred mode of transport.
The speed limit is 40kms an hour- you are not required by law to wear a helmet or protective clothing on these.
For most tourists, the choice of the hourly run bus or very cheap motor scooters is the preferred method of transport, although rental cars and jeeps are available. |
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Driving is on the left hand side of the road and you are required to have a current Cook Islands Drivers Licence.
For something absolutely different, try a Scootcar - which is a three wheel motorcycle/golf cart, capable of good road speed.
There is room for two, side by side and you can be covered if it rains! |
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