Getting a round Roratonga

The island of Roratonga is a circle…yup…round as a ball…well maybe not a ball…but pretty close. This means that the main road goes around in a circle (clockwise or anticlockwise) and so do the public buses. It is a well known fact that you can go either way most times of the day either ‘on-the-hour’ for clockwise (from 7:00 – 11:00 Monday to Saturday) or ‘on-the-half-hour’ for anticlockwise (8:30 – 4:30 Monday to Friday – see specific schedules for weekends). It is easy as pudding! It is also one of the best ways to actually get around the island. There are a couple of tricky points though to consider.

One major point is that the bus only stops at the ‘bus terminal’ downtown which is located about half a block off the main street (near the Avis rent a car shop). The buses are not allowed to stop on the main street due to traffic congestion (which they will cause). Just ask a local and they will know and point you in the right direction. You can stand on the street just outside your hotel or resort and just wave your hand when the yellow bus approaches and the driver will stop for you. Most hotels and resorts will have schedules in the lobby, so be sure to pick one up. When you get on the bus it is a good idea to tell the driver where you want to get off and he will let you know when close to your destination. The bus passes are $30.00 for a 10 pack or you can pay as you go $5.00 1 way or $8.00 return for an adult. This makes getting to the beaches, town, and the supermarkets super easy! The bus drivers are friendly and will tell you local stories if you catch them at the right time…

Google Maps of Roratonga

If you are wanting to catch the bus from the airport the anti-clockwise bus is right outside the terminal door and the clockwise bus is across the street (just outside the airport entrance). You can tell the driver where you want to be dropped off and he will let you know when your stop is coming up.

Car rental is some what expensive (read captive audience) and may not be the best choice unless you really need that convertible to buzz around the island…

Check out your hotel for a rent a car or rent a bike! Avis seems to have a great walk-in deal! Check it out by just walking into the Avis rent a car office on the main street. Avis tel number is 682-22-833. Or their web site: https:www.aviscookislands.com

Motor bikes and scooters are far more numerous and many tourists and also many locals use them. They are relatively inexpensive (under $20 a day or cheaper) and loads of fun. Be careful though as they are rather hazardous for the inexperienced in wet weather. The last thing you want (with all that ocean and those swim opportunities) is road rash from one end to the other!