Avarua
is coastal calm
Welcome to Avarua
Fronting a pretty bay on Rarotonga’s north coast, Avarua is the Cook Islands’ only proper town. Hardly an urban jungle, Avarua’s largest buildings are barely the height of a coconut tree, and the atmosphere of shops and cafes is extremely laid-back. Avarua showcases the island’s twin harbours, the main market and some intriguing sights, including the National Museum and the Para O Tane Palace.
Top experiences in Avarua
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Avarua activities
Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling
After arriving at our Beach Hut on Muri Beach you will be welcomed by traditional Cook Islands drums! You will then board one of our glass bottom boats for the cruise out to the Marine Reserve for some awesome snorkeling with giant clams and colorful tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might get to meet Charlie the huge Moray Eel! You’ll have the opportunity to feed the fish before heading to Motu Koromiri for a Raro style fresh fish BBQ, salads and seasonal tropical fruits. Our fabulous lunch is followed by an amazing coconut show including coconut tree climbing and husking and an informative and entertaining Pareu (Sarong) tying show. It is a perfect day to get to know the amazing Cook Islands, so come join us! We donate a percentage of all sales back to the environment and the community through sponsorship of various projects aimed at protecting our lagoon and surrounding environment and through sponsorship of various community projects and sports clubs.
3-hour Rarotonga Island Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Your day will begin with a pickup from your hotel. From here, you will be taken to Are Metua.Are Metua (ancient path) was built and paved with huge slabs of coral and basalt by the ancient chief Toi in the 11th century. This road, now referred to as ‘the back road’, meanders through plantations of delicious paw paw, banana and citrus orchards and is the basis of the tour.Also along the way, your guide will explain some of the natural remedies that the witch-doctors used and fields of fresh fruit and vegetables that grow alongside the roads leading down to the taro swamps in the low lands.The tour offers magical high views overlooking the golf course and the airfield which was first laid in WW2 and then right out over the reef where in the winter months you can see the Humpback whales as they migrate past Rarotonga.The tour continues round the island visiting traditional pearl shell carvers, ukulele makers around the southern point to explore Muri beach and the Avana passage where the great migration to New Zealand started in the 1350's.Once the tour is complete you will be taken back to your hotel safely.
Rarotonga Half-Day Private Tour and Lunch by Electric Tuk Tuk
Your tour begins when you are met by your tour guide who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. Your tour guide will meet you at the visitor information centre which is a 2-minute walk from the ferry terminal.Discover the natural beauty of the lush rainforest covered mountains whilst meandering through the fruit plantations with the beautiful azure blue lagoons as the background in your own personal electric tuk tuk. If exploring both Ara Tapu and Are Metua whilst discovering the ancient Marae’s with the sacrificial platforms through to watching the traditional carvers in both wood and pearl shell is something you would enjoy, we can organize it. Enjoying a personal lunch overlooking white sand beach with islands surrounded by a tropical blue lagoon we know just the right place for you to relax and enjoy the moment. Your guides have a great reputation and will help you enjoy your exciting discovery tour around Rarotonga. You will begin the tour as a guest, but finish the tour as a friend.
Shared Fishing Charter in the Cook Islands
Your experience begins at either 7am or 1pm. The fishing in Rarotonga is great all year round and the well-equipped boats have everything you will need. Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler your enjoyment is paramount. Leaving from the Avatiu Harbour in the main town of Avarua, we everything is provided including breakfast and/or lunch (dependent on your departure time), bottled water, toilet facilities and all of the equipment including the latest Shimano fishing gear, baits, soft baits, lures etc. You just need to bring any personal items like hat, camera, sunscreen and a light jacket in the unlikely event it gets cold. We are also happy to share the catch with you - you can enjoy some fresh fish while you are on the island. Several of the hotels or great local restaurants are happy to cook it for you if you don’t have cooking facilities. We can also provide transfers to and from the boat from anywhere on the island for a small extra fee.
MOANA Sea Scooter Snorkel
The tour begins at the water’s edge outside of Trader Jacks in Avarua, where your tour guide will assess your skills and the ocean conditions. A briefing will cover the route, safety through the passage and open ocean, and the sea life you may encounter and how best to approach them. You will then spend some time in the water becoming familiar and comfortable with your equipment, with more top tips by our expert guides.Cruise out along the edge of the passage following the guide, keeping a sharp eye out for Turtles and Rays. Once at the reef edge that borders the island, we head over the beautiful sand channel to the outer reefs, towards the drop off. As you swim further out, you are met with have a unique view of the island, and have a chance to absorb the wonders around you. If you wish to do so, our guides are able to teach you basic freedive skills to further allow you to enjoy the deep water with ease, extending your comfort zone.Swimming back towards the shore and the shallows, you will be taken back in time to find what remains of the H.S.S Mai Tai, wrecked across a large area, now over 100 years ago. During this time you have a chance to learn more about the different species of coral and magnificent pacific fish on sight, before slowly swimming back to the shore.A percentage of our sales goes back into marine conservation initiatives (Te Ipukarea Society). www.tiscookislands.org/
VIP Departure Transfer from Hotel to Rarotonga Airport
Upon arrival to Rarotonga, all guests transferring with Cook Islands Tours will receive a Fresh flower Ei, a cold bottle of water and also a chilled face towel to accompany you in our air-conditioned vehicles. On all departure transfers, our guests will receive a departure Shell Ei unique to the pacific.Cook Islands Tours will have a Local Expert waiting your arrival and the International Arrival Gate once you have cleared customs, and will be available to check your accommodation and departure details to ensure we have the correct information for us to pick you up for you departure flight. Our local expert and Transfer Driver will answer all questions you have and give you a brief summary on what to do whilst on holiday on Rarotonga.