Avarua

Rarotonga
Avarua showing a bay or harbour and mountains
Base yourself in the center of the Cook Islands, explore thousands of years of Polynesian culture, see coral reefs and trek through rainforest.

Avarua (Two Harbors) is the main port for yacht and boat anchorage in the Cook Islands. Visit Rarotonga’s central township to find shops, museums, cafés, accommodations and lively Cook Islands nightlife.

Inside the coral reef encircling Rarotonga’s blue-green lagoon, the sea abounds with marine life, living coral and tropical fish. Astounding visibility and year-round warm waters make snorkeling or scuba diving the best way to explore underwater caves, canyons and shipwrecks. Avarua is a great place for beginners to get scuba diving certification.

Plan a day of deep-sea fishing to catch yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, barracuda and snapper. Test your skills at the Rarotonga Golf Club or enjoy a hike through thick jungle to spot native birds and butterflies. Make the 4-hour climb with Pa’s Treks to the top of the Te Rua Manga and learn about local myths and legends. Other hikes include Turangi Track, Raemaru Lookout, Avana Valley Track, Papua Waterfall Track and the protected rainforest at Takitumu Conservation Area. Bring hiking shoes for the rocky, uneven terrain.

See the bright white-coral exterior of the historic Cook Islands Christian Church, built in 1853. Step inside to hear locals rejoicing in song.

Find contemporary and traditional arts and crafts at the Beachcomber Gallery and rare black pearls at the Beachcomber Pearl Market. Shop at the daily Punanga Nui Market on Avarua Wharf for arts and crafts, tropical fruits, vegetables and favorite local dishes.

Behind the Para-O-Tane Palace is the modest Cook Islands Library and Museum, which displays the island’s first printing press and other artifacts.

To complete a relaxed Cook Islands day, attend a spirited Polynesian buffet with cultural dance and musical performances.

Located on the northern coastline of Rarotonga, Avarua is a lively township with modern facilities including banks, shops and travel agencies. Get around the island easily with a 45-minute round-Rarotonga bus ride or by rented car, scooter or bicycle.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Avarua

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is €142 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
€142
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (907 reviews)
"High lights see the whales from this accommodation lovely friendly stuff"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road, Atupa, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"The outdoor bath and shower was unique and pretty cool. The host was amazing. Not having too many Villas was ideal also."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2024

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Atupa Suites
Atupa Suites
3 out of 5
1 Ariki Rd, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star villa in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Punanga Nui Market ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Spacious, well equipped, clean ( except for a few long dark hairs in shower) private ( most of the time , untimely visit to service pool on day of my departure, could have been planned better) . 2-3 really loud barking dogs next door, relentless particularly during night. Conveniently located , complimentary ..."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Atupa Suites
Nevaeh Garden Studio + Unlimited Wifi
Nevaeh Garden Studio + Unlimited Wifi
Rarotonga
Stay at this apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Beachcomber Pearl Market are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Great place to stay. A little hard to find. Clean tidy and was great to talk to our host who was very welcoming. Maybe a couple of bedside lamps for reading. Will be back. Kind Regards Colin & Raina Kitchen"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Nevaeh Garden Studio + Unlimited Wifi
Best Kept Secret in Tupapa
Best Kept Secret in Tupapa
Tupapa Tapere
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Rarotonga. Enjoy a beach locale and patios. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Beachcomber Pearl Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Peace and tranquility
"We loved your place, its true "best kept secret". Everything we could have asked for. Whale watching from the deck, walk to the fishing club, 5 mins to town, diary across the road. Thank you. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2024

Best Kept Secret in Tupapa
Coastal Kitchen Cottage
Coastal Kitchen Cottage
Rarotonga
Stay at this vacation home in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Beachcomber Pearl Market are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Perfect little retreat
"My daughter and I stayed for 6 days, it was such a lovely little get away and perfect for our needs. Jaewyn and her family are super friendly and helpful. My daughter especially loved waking up to see the ducklings and chickens running around the lawn."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2024

Coastal Kitchen Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Avarua

Rarotonga featuring a waterfall and a pond

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Cook Island Christian Church.

Takuvaine Tapere
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Kiikii Tapere

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Kiikii Tapere and surrounding area, you can visit Beachcomber Pearl Market and Wreck of the Matai.

Kiikii Tapere
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Matavera

Some popular features of Matavera include its beaches and snorkelling. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Muri Beach or Te Vara Nui Village are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Matavera
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Turangi Tapere

4/5(1 area review)

While Turangi Tapere isn't home to many top sights, Muri Beach and Te Vara Nui Village are some notable places to visit nearby.

Turangi Tapere
Arorangi featuring kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Arorangi is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

Arorangi
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

While visiting Takitumu District, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

Takitumu District

Avarua

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