Inland behind the Para O Tane Palace, this collection of Pacific literature incorporates a small museum. Intriguing exhibits include an old whaling pot, spears and the island’s first printing press. There's also a small bookshop selling Pacific-themed books. Nearby at the junction of Ara Metua and Takuva’ine Rd is the Papeiha Stone. This marks the spot where Tahitian preacher Papeiha preached the gospel in Rarotonga for the first time.
Cook Islands Library & Museum Society
Avarua
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.12 MILES
Avarua’s white-washed church was built in 1853. The graveyard contains the graves of author Robert Dean Frisbie, and Albert Henry, the first prime…
0.21 MILES
This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe.
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
3.63 MILES
High above ‘Arorangi, Highland Paradise stands on the site of the old Tinomana village with panoramic views over the west and south coasts. Members of the…
4.24 MILES
Te Vara Nui combines a purpose-built village showcasing local culture including traditional medicine, carving, tapa making and legends, with one of…
3.38 MILES
On the eastern edge of the abandoned Sheraton resort site, a road leads inland to Wigmore’s Waterfall, a lovely cascade dropping into a fresh, cool…
1.63 MILES
A small sign points off the road to the island’s most important marae site, Arai-Te-Tonga. Situated just off the Ara Metua, there’s a stone-marked koutu …
Cook Islands Whale & Wildlife Centre
1.19 MILES
Visit this centre to learn about whales and other wildlife frequenting the Cook Islands. It’s an essential stop if you’re planning on going whale watching…
0.15 MILES
On the inland side of the main road is this palace and its surrounding Taputapuatea marae. The palace is where Makea Takau, the paramount ariki (chief) of…
Nearby Avarua attractions
1. Cook Islands Christian Church
0.12 MILES
Avarua’s white-washed church was built in 1853. The graveyard contains the graves of author Robert Dean Frisbie, and Albert Henry, the first prime…
0.15 MILES
On the inland side of the main road is this palace and its surrounding Taputapuatea marae. The palace is where Makea Takau, the paramount ariki (chief) of…
0.21 MILES
This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe.
0.21 MILES
Inside the National Culture Centre, the National Museum showcases Cook Islands and South Pacific artefacts, and sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions…
6. Cook Islands Whale & Wildlife Centre
1.19 MILES
Visit this centre to learn about whales and other wildlife frequenting the Cook Islands. It’s an essential stop if you’re planning on going whale watching…
1.63 MILES
A small sign points off the road to the island’s most important marae site, Arai-Te-Tonga. Situated just off the Ara Metua, there’s a stone-marked koutu …