Top Things to do in Avarua
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What to do and see in Avarua, Southern Cook Islands: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. 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.
3. 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).
4. The Little Red Gallery
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Cook Islands Library & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 138 reviews
This museum contains a collection of artwork and historical artifacts including weapons, carvings and costumes.
Reviewed By assun2017 - Gold Bridge, Canada
Great place to visit and talk to Jean the Curator who can explain interesting history. A definite stop to learn about Maori culture and Islands. Not publicly funded so help with your support.
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. Empire Movie Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
