Avarua Travel Guide, Cook Islands

Avarua, Travel Guide-General Information

Avarua is a town far away from Papeete, which has about 5500 citizens, and it is the administrative capital of the Cook Islands. It is situated on Rarotonga Island, with the town`s main income obtained from tourism, and the official languages being English and Cook Islands Maori. If we speak about the climate, Avarua is a true tropical paradise, with warm sunny weather and clear blue oceanic water. Let`s see in the next sections of this Avarua travel guide what it has to offer.

Avarua, Travel Guide-Accommodation

Accommodation in the Cook Islands is generally very accessible. In Avarua, you can stay in a bungalow by the beach, which is a cheap option, the bungalow complex having a bar, restaurant and pool in its endowment. If you don`t have much money to spend on accommodation, Rarotongan Backpackers is a great alternative; this type of temporal housing is to be avoided at the high season, as the rooms are added extra beds, and air conditioning is absent.

If you want to be housed in a private house, it will cost less, maximum 100 dollars per night. But if you want to have an all-inclusive vacation in Avarua, you should opt for a resort, which provides everything you need in order to get the best out of your trip.

Avarua, Travel Guide-Attractions

An attraction which cannot be missed is the local Church, made entirely out of Coral. This wonderful edifice was built in 1853. Also, the National Museum of Cook Islands gives you a powerful insight in the country`s history, through the rich collection of weapons, costumes and art. Another popular place, especially if you are into diving, is the Wreck of Matai, a shipwreck of almost 100 years.

A landmark for Avarua is the Seven In One Coconut Tree, which basically consists of seven trees forming a perfect circle. Folkloric sources even say that the trees originate from the same seed. You can also findinteresting facts reading Papeete Nightlife

Avarua, Travel Guide- Shopping

In this section of the Avarua Travel guide we will take a close-up to the diverse shopping offer that this touristic destination has. If you want to buy a one of a kind souvenir, and you can afford to spend some money on it, Bergman & Sons is the right place for you. The store features the biggest collection of both natural and cultured pearls in the country. You can buy unique earrings, rings and related items of jewelry.

The Perfume Factory is another good place to shop for perfumes, lotions and soaps made in Avarua, at a good price. Also, Perfumes of Rarotonga has a rich offer of the same products. For the fashion enthusiasts and not only, Tav, Ltd. sells wonderful clothes made by Ellena Tavioni. Also, if shopping for food, don`t miss the Panaga Nui, the Avarua street market, which takes place on Saturday mornings.