Days 1 and 2: Start your week with an easy orientation drive around the island, then dedicate the following day to Muri and the south-eastern coast. With car hire in Rarotonga, you can use your first circuit to see Black Rock, Nikao Beach, Avana Lookout, Muri Beach and Tikioki Beach before deciding where you want to spend more time later in the week. Your Rarotonga car rental gives you the flexibility to turn the second day into a slower lagoon day rather than another full circuit.

Days 3 and 4: Explore the western coast and Aroa Lagoon area on day three, then switch from beaches to town, food and culture on day four. Cook Islands Tourism highlights Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve, Black Rock, Muri Lagoon and Tikioki among Rarotonga’s popular water locations. If day four falls on Saturday, start at Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, while an evening that falls on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday can include the Muri Night Market from 5pm. Having your own Rarotonga cars makes it much easier to move between these activities without trying to fit everything around a bus timetable.

Days 5 and 6: Use day five to experience more of Rarotonga’s inland scenery, whether you choose a walk, guided activity or one of the island’s recognised hiking areas, then keep day six deliberately easy. Cook Islands Tourism identifies the Cross Island Trek and Raemaru among Rarotonga’s popular hiking options, while also noting that guided walks can add local knowledge about the island’s plants and landscape. Afterwards, your car hire gives you an easy way to return to a favourite beach, café or roadside stop for the afternoon. A full week gives you the luxury of spending time somewhere twice instead of treating every day as a race to see something new.

Day 7: Finish with a flexible island drive and revisit the places that now feel familiar. Travellers looking at rental cars in Rarotonga, Cook Islands do not necessarily need the largest vehicle, so choose one that suits your passengers, luggage and plans for the week. Island Car & Bike Hire currently offers economy cars, hybrids, 7-seaters, 8-seaters and scooters, giving different group sizes several options. A seven-day self-drive holiday works best when your itinerary leaves room for spontaneous swims, local food stops and one last sunset before the trip ends.