Orientation
Visitors to the Cook Islands arrive at Rarotonga’s airport west of the capital of Avarua. Part of the Southern Group of islands, Rarotonga is the vibrant heart of the Cook Island nation, and its largest island (67sq km). The lush, mountainous interior, rising to 653m, provides a dramatic backdrop to the coast, where most of the towns can be found.
Avarua has a lively town centre with all main amenities and services including post office, banks, cafés, restaurants and shops. A great way to explore Rarotonga is to hire a scooter and travel the coastal road (32km) around the island. Running adjacent to this is the Ara Metua coral road built in the 11th century, which will take you past historic sites and plantations. Buses also depart from Cooks Corner in Avarua, circling the island on its coastal road. The Tourism Cook Islands Bureau and Visitor Information Centre can be found on Avarua’s Main Road, next to the Banana Court.
Currency
The Cook Islands have close political ties to New Zealand, so they are like a home away from home for New Zealanders. New Zealand dollar is the accepted currency, so holidaying here – especially with kids is nice & easy.
What to see:
Saturday is market day at Punanga Nui Markets
Located in Avarua,the local Punanga Nui marketplace comes alive every Saturday from 6am-midday. The markets comprise of individual huts that are open Mon-Sat 8am-4pm. On Saturdays however vendor numbers triple and if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home or some local food to try, then this is the place for you! Local handicrafts, pareus (sarongs), t-shirts, island CD music, ukeleles, tivaivai (local quilts) local produce, carvings and the most romantic souvenir of them all, the Cook Islands Black Pearl are all available for purchase. On certain days, live entertainment plays in the rotunda at the centre of the marketplace. For a dose of cultural enrichment, tour the Rarotonga's art galleries which range from funky to high art or why not get an authentic Polynesian tattoo?
Copyright © 2006, Jasons Travel, All Rights Reserved
Photographs Copyright © 2006 Cook Islands Government, Pacific Travel Guides and © 2003 Ray Penney