This relaxed Cook Islands capital on Rarotonga has local markets, coral reefs, and traditional Polynesian buildings along its narrow streets near palm-fringed beaches.
Avarua, the capital of Cook Islands, sits on the north coast of Rarotonga island. Walk through the Punanga Markets where you'll smell fresh mangoes and coconuts, watch craftspeople weave traditional textiles, and find black pearl jewelry. Visit the Cook Islands Museum to see the 1830s printing press, swim among tropical fish near the SS Maitai shipwreck, or follow the ancient Ara Metua road past taro fields and coral churches.
Getting to Avarua
Rarotonga International Airport lies 4 kilometers from the town center. Two harbors serve the town: small boats dock at the central harbor, while cargo ships and yachts use Avatiu Harbour. Cruise ships anchor offshore and send tender boats to the pier. The tender service runs only during calm weather, and the port closes during rough seas.
Getting Around Town
Two buses circle the island hourly in opposite directions, connecting you to all parts of Rarotonga. A single trip costs 5 NZD, while an all-day pass costs 16 NZD. The coastal road, Ara Tapu, links all beachfront settlements. The Ara Metua road, built by early Polynesian settlers, runs parallel inland and passes taro plantations and coral limestone churches. Cross-island taxi rides cost around 40 NZD.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre houses the National Museum, Library, and Auditorium. Inside the Cook Islands Museum, you'll see the islands' first printing press from the 1830s, along with fishing hooks, star navigation charts, and ceremonial drums. At the University of the South Pacific's extension center, you can join workshops about weaving pandanus leaves or learn basic Cook Islands Maori phrases. Local guides walk you through the complex and explain how each artifact shaped island life.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
The temperature in Avarua stays between 27°C and 29°C (80-84°F) year-round. Rain falls throughout the year, with frequent showers from December to April. Annual rainfall reaches 2,206mm (86.8 inches). Plan morning activities when skies are typically clear. The sea stays warm enough for swimming in all seasons.
Markets and Local Food
The downtown area extends 1.2 kilometers from the pier. In the Punanga Markets, you'll find stalls selling papaya, starfruit, and island vegetables. Local artists sell wooden tiki figures, pearl necklaces, and tivaevae quilts. Saturday mornings bring extra vendors with produce from across the island. Try local specialties at nearby cafes, such as ika mata (raw fish marinated in coconut milk) and poke (banana and coconut pudding).
Beaches and Water Activities
Sandy beaches alternate with coral outcrops along Avarua's waterfront. The SS Maitai wreck, a 1916 shipwreck, has become home to butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. Local dive shops take you to deeper reef spots. The lagoon inside the reef stays calm most days, but watch for strong currents during tide changes.
