13 Best Things to Do in Avarua

The Punanga Nui Market is a must-visit attraction in Avarua, bustling with activity every Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm. You'll love browsing the array of tropical produce, sipping on refreshing smoothies, and sampling local treats at the food stalls.

Don't miss the chance to pick up some unique souvenirs like pareu (sarongs), island shirts, and stunning black pearl jewellery. It's also a great place to make tour bookings for your Cook Islands adventure. We personally love the vibrant atmosphere and recommend getting there early to soak it all in!

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), west end of Avarua, Rarotonga.

A grand limestone building on the waterfront of Avarua's eastern shores, the Beachcomber Building not only offers a flair of history, but it also packs in a few reasons to visit. Browse local crafts and black pearls at The Beachcomber Store, browse inspiring local art at the Bergman Gallery and enjoy the quirky setting of The Cafe and the "Vinyl Revival Club".

Location: Coastal side of the main road (Ara Tapu), opposite Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua.

Either admire “The Boiler” poking out of the ocean from shore at Trader Jacks or swim out to the 100+-year-old ship yourself. Caution: Only strong swimmers with fins and snorkelling gear should make the journey, and at low tide with other people.

The swim is about 500m (546.8 yards) from shore. Learn more about the history of the wreck in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Rarotonga.

Location: Trader Jacks, Main Road (Ara Tapu), the western end of Avarua.

Avarua has no lack of museums, starting with the Cook Islands National Museum. Browse carved artefacts, seafaring vaka replicas, and traditional tivaevae linens, and learn more about their cultural and historical significance through the informational text on the walls.

The museum is open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm, and charges a small admission fee. Moreover, it makes for an excellent rainy-day activity.

Location: Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre, Corner of Constitution Avenue and Victoria Road, Avarua.

Yes, this is a different museum in Avarua, but it's not too far away from the one previously mentioned. Set in park grounds surrounded by some of Avarua's oldest buildings, the Cook Islands Library & Museum displays interesting ceremonial artefacts, cooking utensils, shells and weapons.

Outside, you'll see some of the museum's maritime displays, such as a vaka and an anchor. Their library also holds a collection of rare books. The museum is open from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday evenings.

Location: Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua.

Immerse yourself in a unique culinary and cultivation experience with Arataki Organic Garden Tours. This intimate tour, led by Mirella and Katoa in their own backyard, offers a delightful journey through tropical flavours.

You'll be greeted with a fresh local seasonal drink before embarking on a hands-on adventure with various fruits and vegetables. As you explore, you'll gain insights into local traditions and medicinal plant uses. Try your hand at coconut husking and savour the marshmallow-like uto (young coconut).

Multiple tasting stations showcase garden-grown delights, culminating in a refreshing sample of sugar cane. The tour wraps up with light refreshments, including photo-worthy fruit platters and coconut drinks, so come with an appetite!

Ready to tantalise your taste buds? Book your spot on the Arataki Organic Garden Tours for a flavourful journey through Rarotonga's organic bounty.

Location: Ara Metua (Back Road), Avarua. Look for the sign on the road behind the airport runway.

Embark on a thrilling underwater adventure with Raro Reef Sub, departing from Avatiu Harbour in Avarua. This 1 hr 25 mins - 1 hr 30 mins tour takes you to the deep outer reef, where you'll marvel at marine life through the boat's underwater observatory.

Keep your eyes peeled for large pelagic fish, turtles, sharks, and even whales as you cruise around the RMS Maitai shipwreck. Tours run from Sunday to Friday, three to four times daily (weather permitting), generally from April to December/January.

Best of all, a portion of your fare supports local conservation efforts! This is also a spectacular option with kids, as listed in the 40 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands with Kids.

Location: Avatiu Harbour, the western end of Avarua.

Also departing from the Avatiu Harbour, several fishing charters await to take you out in the morning (when the fish strike best) and in the afternoon (so, you know, you can lie in).

Either hire a charter for yourselves or join a shared charter for your chance to reel in the South Pacific's pelagics, such as wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahimahi, and even marlin. Check out your options in the 10 Best Fishing Charters on Rarotonga.

Location: Avatiu Harbour, the western end of Avarua.

Okay, so there are many foodie delights in Avarua, including cafes like The Lucky Rooster and Kai & Co., not to mention the food trucks! But for something a little different, head to Cooks Fudge Factory.

Just behind the bus stop, Cooks Fudge Factory offers free tastings of their deliciously creamy creme brulee, Irish cream, Raro lamington, rocky road and more creative fudge flavours. They won't be offended if you ask for more!

Location: Tutakimoa Road, behind the bus station, central Avarua.

A multi-storey building kept in prime condition at the foothills of Avarua, Takamoa Mission House or Takamoa Theological College was completed in 1843.

It was the first college for training indigenous missionaries of the London Missionary Society in the Pacific. An interpretation panel at the entrance of the grounds tells the story of the college.

Location: End of Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua.

Opposite the prominent CICC Church stands the historic Pare O Tane Palace of Makea, along with the surrounding Taputapuatea Marae. The grounds are open to the public, inviting you to admire this grand building, which has undergone renovation throughout the years.

Stand on the grounds where the paramount ariki (chief) of the area, Makea Takau, signed the treaty accepting the Cook Islands as a British protectorate in 1888.

Location: Makea Tinirau Road, opposite the CICC Church, the eastern end of Avarua.

A surprisingly decent hub for shopping, Avarua can scratch the retail itch with its fashion stores, black pearl boutiques, souvenir outlets and more. Get yourself a tailored island shirt at Tuki's Pareu, admire black pearls farmed in the Cook Islands at Bergman & Sons, browse all sorts of Pacific wares at Island Crafts and Mareko Island Creations.

If you're unsure whether something is local, don't hesitate to ask; shop clerks will be happy to tell you (and are usually honest).

Location: See the locations of the stores mentioned and more in The Guide to Shopping in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands + The Best Places to Shop.

The powerful harmonies echoing across the churches on a Sunday are an experience not to be missed. Dress in your most church-appropriate attire (covering knees and shoulders) and head to one of the churches in Avarua, which typically holds a 10 am service.

The Avarua CICC Church is highly recommended for a traditional experience, or enjoy something more contemporary and upbeat at the Celebration Church. For more recommendations, check out the 10 Best Churches in the Cook Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: See the link above for locations.