Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# How does the bus work on Rarotonga and how is Vaimaanga ? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
mortyman 22:47 UTC 25 Jan 2010 | How much is it ? Does it stop at pre chosen spots or is there a buzzer onboard ? I am looking at staying at Palm Grove hotel. How is the area of Vaimaanga ? Looks like it's a more secluded spot without to much happening in this area. Any shops, restaurants etc ? How much is the fare with Taxi from this area and Avarua ? |
papamike 01:07 UTC 27 Jan 2010 | Public bus is quite reliable on Rarotonga. On the hour a bus runs clockwise and on the half hour a bus runs counterclockwise. The bus circles the island in about one hour. Price is NZ$3 each ride or you can buy a ten pass ticket for a reduced price. You need only hale the bus anywhere on the main road the depot is in Avarua at Cooks Corner. There is a buzzer on board. Vaimaanga is somewhat secluded, but several restaurants are within walking distance, as well as Wigmore Market. Taxis are a bit expensive, though you will need one from the airport. If you are staying at Palm Grove I would think they will provide tranfers to and from airport. Have a great trip! Papa Mike | 1
mortyman 01:35 UTC 29 Jan 2010 | Thank you PapaMike. Much appreciated | 2
turou 03:20 UTC 30 Jan 2010 | Public bus (only 1 operator) costs $4.00 one way and $7.00 return. Concession tickets available. Clockwise departs on the hour, and anticlockwise departs at 25 minutes past the hour, Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. Off peak there are dedicatd services during evenings for restaurant patrons, and on Sunday for church services. Saturday buses regularly til 1pm then infrequenbt during mid afternoon. Palm Grove has its own Yellow Hibiscus restaurant. Vaima restaurant approx 1 km walk to west. Taxis cost considerably more than buses, try Kia Orana taxis. I expect you'll be met at airport if you requested the transfer service through your accommodator. Otherwise the taxis do circulate through Avarua if you require this service. | 3