Top Things to do in Avarua
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10 Free Things to do in Avarua That You Shouldn't Miss
At the base of the rugged, dramatic mountains of Rarotonga lies Avarua, a modest capital boasting a number of bustling outdoor markets, several restaurants and bars, boutiques and the National Museum of the Cook Islands. Along the Main Street you will find fine handicrafts and perfumes, as well as the black pearls for which the area is known. Although conditions are rarely reliable for swimming, there are dive sites in the area, including the famous Wreck of the Matai.
Restaurants in Avarua
1. Bergman & Sons
2. Punanga Nui
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Saturday is the best time to visit this outdoor market where you can purchase fruits, vegetables, bedding and clothing.
Reviewed By 341neilm - New Zealand, null
Keep in mind this market happens TWICE a week. Saturday morning is much bigger, has all kinds of food and cultural performances. Thursday night is much smaller, but great food to tie you over till Saturday. Support local produce, donate to SPCA (the have an op shop there) and participate in local show which gives away a free tour (you will need to demonstrate your dancing abilities;-))
3. The Little Red Gallery
4. Cook Island Christian Church (CICC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Sunday services are filled with hymns sung in the Maori language at this island church which dates back to 1853. The local graveyard is noted for some famous inhabitants including American author Robert Dean Frisbie.
Reviewed By 670kates - Byron Bay, Australia
What a wonderful experience to sit among a congregation of warm loving people sharing their faith with everyone so joyously. Very proud of their identity and faith, the service is presented in the local language with occasional references to the many visitors. Church is not a tourist attraction as far as I am concerned and all should be respectful of this tradition. Make sure you donate to the collection generously.
5. Perfumes of Rarotonga Avarua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Rarotonga is so lucky to be surrounded by the most beautiful flowers in the world. The scents, starting at sunrise, and never ending have to be smelt to be believed. We make here the most delicate of perfumes, complimentary body cosmetics, candles. Finally our local fruit liqueurs bring flavor as well as scents to the palate.Our Factory in Panama welcomes you and shows you how our various products are made, whilst in the Cook's Corner we have our famous Fudge Factory! Try an ice cream with chocolate fudge sauce!
Reviewed By ELLAI_11 - Salt Lake City, United States
We visited this store twice. Purchased most of our souvenirs there. It is conveniently located: in Avarua and right at the bus terminal. The two ladies that helped us were very nice, friendly and very willing to help us pick our items. On our second visit, they greeted us like we were long time friends. If you go there, try their fudge( so many flavors).
6. St Joseph's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By richardf600 - Louisville, United States
We arrived on the island on a Sunday but, unfortunately too late to attend the service. This is a beautiful island church with wood carvings and beautiful statues. There is easy access and a short walk from the cruise ship tender dock.
7. Perfumes of Rarotonga
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
This specialty shop sells locally made perfumes, soaps and lotions.
Reviewed By LynandDarryl - Alexandra Headland, Australia
This was a great place to get souvenirs to take home from our holiday on Rarotonga. They had Island made liqueurs, scented oils, perfumes, jewellery, and other items...all well presented & well priced. Conveniently located near the airport, and well worth a visit.
8. Beachcomber Pearl Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Purchase jewelry, black pearls and other handcrafts at this specialty shop and art gallery.
Reviewed By holidayfuncalgary
This shop carries quality art, decor items, pearl jewelry, and fittings where you can pick your settings and your own pearls and marry the two and truly have a one of kind piece that you have choosen! This time we bought a one of kind piece. As usual we also took 2 sets of friends there 2 different times and each couple bought something! This is a mid priced store but you can find less expensive pieces of jewelry set in silver and others set in gold. Beautiful selection and to me it is important I know the reputation of the store and I have absolutely no worries! I'm not travelling all the way from Canada to worry am I being ripped off! I don't care if an item is $100 or $500 or $5000 I know in this shop I'm getting exactly what I paid for! Please feel free to check my other trip advisors on other reputable places to shop in Raro. There are 4 attractions in this building. There is an art gallery out behind, with some wonderful local art, a great coffee shop and another art, home decor, type shop.
9. Island Crafts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Notable for its vast selection of handcrafts, including everything from carved wooden tikis to black pearls, this has been "the" store to go to since its 1943 opening.
10. Wreck of the Matai
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
The SS Matai, owned by the Union Steam Ship Co., was carrying a load of Model T cars when it was wrecked on Dec. 24, 1916. This area is now a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving.
Reviewed By WellyChicky - Wellington, New Zealand
Good snorkel spot. If you plan on going on the reefsub or rongohiva speedboat, don't bother making a special trip as these both give you opportunities to snorkel around the wreck. At low tide you can swim/walk out to it, it's quite a big wreck and one of the best snorkel spots on the island
