The roads are flat – less than an hour to circle the island by motorised vehicle. Narrow roads, with not a lot of passing opportunities, but no one seems in a hurry, and they take care around bikes and scooters.
Hire a Scooter
If you do not have a bike endorsement on your licence, you will need a local one. Locals do not wear helmets, but tourists do – max speed 50kmh and 40 kph in built up areas. Two of you can fit on a scooter, so good value – a compartment under the seat is great for shopping.
Warning: Saturday the Police Station closes at midday, and they are not open on Sunday. Getting a licence takes at least an hour, so plan for it – be there as close to 10am as you can. $20 to sit the test, and $20 for the licence. The test comprises some questions about the road code (they help you if you have one wrong) and a driving test – stopping, starting and weaving in and out of a row of cones. All good – off for coffee.
Hire a bike
Bicycles are cheap to hire, and will easily get you around. Electric bikes are now in vogue – Karl Jackson and his wife have taken the plunge and invested in a fleet of electric bikes in Rarotonga.
Cynthia has hired one for about the same price as a scooter, just a bit more exercise. Cruising along at 30 km very happily. Unfortunately no baskets or carriers – they would be a great addition.
Companies will deliver a bike to you, or it is easy enough to catch a bus and pick one up.
Hire a Car
Why would you bother unless you had children. Though there are some pretty snazzy mini cabriolet around which would be a great way to go – hood down, hair blowing, a cool breeze.
Yellow buses
These circle the island once an hour – one goes clockwise, one anti clockwise. $5pp. 10 trip ticket is great value $30 and you can share it! You work out the rough time of arrival from where you are on the island. Hail them wherever you are.
Do I need to book ahead?
There seem to be lots of scooters about to hire, either in the township or in Muri, so no need to book ahead. The electric bikes seem more in demand and might need booking ahead.
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