If you are coming to the Cook Islands by aeroplane you will land at Rarotonga international airport just 4km from Avarua township. It is at this point that you should discard your watch and relax for you are now on island time.
Rarotonga is both the biggest island and the capital of the Cook Islands. It has a circumference of 32 km and its mountain peaks and lush rain forest forms an idyllic backdrop to the white sand beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Rarotonga is almost completely surrounded by reef which creates a beautiful sheltered lagoon ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Avarua is the main town on the island and the commercial centre of the Cook Islands. Here you will find a good selection of shops, banks, cafes and visitor facilities. Avatiu Harbour, a short walk west of central Avarua is Rarotonga's main gateway to the Pacific Ocean. It is a busy place with private yachts calling in from all parts of the globe, fishing boats diving charters, inter-island freighting and cruise liners frequenting the port.
It's hard to get lost on Rarotonga as there are only two main roads, the older inland road, Te Ara oToi or the newer sealed road, Ara Tapu. The best way to get around is by hiring a motor scooter or catching the "Island Bus" which will pick you up and drop you off anywhere along the main road.
When you are wanting to put a bit more action into your days there are plenty of activities on offer. Water activities, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, lagoon cruises and more are based around Rarotonga's gorgeous lagoon. Beyond the reef and you will find yourself in some of the best Pacific waters for fishing and diving. Or head to the mountains for treks and historic walks and tropical gardens. When the sun goes down treat yourself to a night of dancing and feasting at a Polynesian Island night.
More about the Cook Islands
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The main township
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The name Avarua means 'two harbours.' The township can easily be explored on foot and has the atmosphere of a colonial trading post. Everything you need is here - banks, supermarket shopping, two museums, resturants, cafes, takeaways, internet access, pharmacies, police station (for scooter or car licence) and small boutiques specialising in black pearls, sarongs and handicrafts. It has the island's only roundabout and some good restaurants and nightspots. A visit to the iconic Trader Jack's for a beer or a meal is a must.
On Saturdays Avarua hosts a large outdoor market, Punanga Nui. This is where locals come to buy and sell their fresh fruit and vegetables. It is well worth a visit to have a wander around the arts and craft stalls and sample some tasty local delicacies.On Friday and Saturday nights Avarua comes to nightlife kicks into gear with drinking and dancing at the nightclubs and RSA.
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From Tupapa to Ngatangiia
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The north east coast is the area between Avarua and Muri Lagoon. The rugged mountains offer a stunning backdrop. The beaches in this area are wild and covered in dead coral and pebbles. While they are not recommended for swimming or snorkelling, they can be good for fishing and beachcombing. This area is home to Arai Te Tonga Marae, one of the most significant archaeological site on Rarotonga. A sacred meeting place for pre-Christian Polynesians, the remains of the marae are still here. While you are welcome to come and look at Arai Te Tonga, take care not to walk onto the marae as it is still a sacred site.
For those of you looking for a challenge the Te Kou and Ikurangi Summit Tracks offer some of the steepest climbs on the island. Be prepared and for your own safety take a guide. And for a joyous uplifting experience join locals at the beautiful limestone CICC Church at Matavera for Sunday service. The church was built in 1853 and is said to be the most beautiful church on the island of Rarotonga.
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Muri Lagoon
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Muri Lagoon is the watersport capital of Rarotonga and offers great conditions for swimming, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. You can easily kayak or at low tide wade across to one of four beautiful uninhabited islets within the lagoon. One of the islets, Koromiri, is a popular choice as a wedding venue.
Snorkelling is good for beginners and you will see a good variety of marine life (no coral). This makes Muri Lagoon a popular destination for couples and families alike and hence has the highest concentration of accommodation choices on the island. Muri is home to many fine eating places including Sails & Flame Tree Restaurants, and for all you water sports needs there is Captain Tama's Aquasportz Centre. Be aware that in Muri Lagoon the wind can pick up in the afternoons and being on the eastern side of the island the sun disappears late afternoon.
Recommended Accomodation in Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga
Muri Beachcomber Rarotonga
Muri Beach Cottages Rarotonga
Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Recommended Activities in Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga
Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruise
Find out more about Rarotonga
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A place of romance and conservation
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A beautiful part of the south coast and home to a number of boutique hotels and villas. Ideal for swimming, snorkelling and romantic strolls along the beach.
One of the best places to snorkel is Tikioki Beach opposite the 'Fruits of Rarotonga.' The raui (traditional ban on fishing to ensure conservation), ensures that the lagoon is packed a variety of brightly coloured tropical fish. In Titikaveka you will find the Takitumu Conservation Area, home to the rare kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher),one of Rarotonga's few native birds. Brought back from the verge of extinction, you can see the karerori on guided walks within the Takitumu conservation area.
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The scenic route
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It is worth driving the south coast just for the scenery. Well away from the bustle of Avarua and the tourists at Muri Lagoon you can feel yourself relax even more as you enter Rarotonga's serene southern coast between Aroa Beach and Titikaveka. Beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters greet you. The lagoon widens as the reef is further out providing great conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Another scenic spot not to be missed is Wigmores waterfall. You will find the turn off for Papua (Wigmores) waterfall just beyond the uncompleted Sheraton (soon to be Hilton) hotel. Follow the dirt track through the lush tropical rain forest for about one mile and you will reach this beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Best viewing is during November to June as the waterfall can dry out during the dryer months of July to October. Watch the locals enjoy swimming under the waterfall and jumping into the crisp clear water, or better still join in on the fun. Be sure to take insect repellent as the mosquitos also like this spot. From the waterfall the track continues across the centre of the island, past the Te Rua Manga needle to Avarua. The best way to see it is to take Pa's Cross Island Trek.
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The Sunset Coast
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The western coast offers the best vantage point for experiencing Rarotonga's beautiful island sunsets. It's beautiful white sandy beaches stretch from Aroa Beach on the south western border all the way to Black Rock on the northern coast. Black Rock is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling, and is believed to be the point where the ancient Maori spirits departed for the afterlife. There is a marine reserve on the coast north of Black rock where you may be lucky enough to sight humpback whales when they visit the island between June and October.
The coast is generally good for swimming and snorkelling at high tide and is protected from the prevailing wind. However at low tide the lagoon drains substantially and is better suited to reef walking. The area has a good number of independent restaurants, within walking distance of most resorts. The large village of Arorangi is the heart of the west coast. Visitors are welcome to join locals in the beautiful Arorangi church for Sunday service.
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