The only real town in the Cook Islands is Avarua. It is located on the north coast of Rarotonga along the main road – Ara Tapu. Avarua fronts the two harbours of Avarua and Avatiu. Avarua hardly warrants the description of harbour as it is really just an indent in the north coast of the island. It provides very little shelter to shipping and is quite shallow.
Avatiu Harbour with the entrance closed by the waves whipped up by Tropical Cyclone Victor.
The small and shallow Avarua Harbour.
When we visited in January 2016 both harbours were closed due to the seas generated by Tropical Cyclone Victor. Almost all boats in Avatiu were taken out of the water and Avarua was completely empty. A lot of sand was washed up and even restaurant & bar Trader Jack’s was closed by the weather.
Trader Jacks on Avarua Harbour. Sand was washed up from the shoreline up to the road well to the right of this picture.
Once the seas moderated, boats returned to Avatiu Harbour and the supply ship was able to take up her berth.
Local yacht ‘Tiare Taporo’ and supply ship ‘Anatolia Pacific’ moored in Avatiu Harbour in calmer seas.
Every Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market is set up just past Avatui Harbour. The market has clothes, souvenirs, fresh produce and food stalls and is very popular among locals and tourists. It is probably the best place to find local crafts.
Some of the crowd at Saturday’s Pununga Nui markets. (Above and below)
Locals and tourists flock to the market.
Kerry finalising a purchase.
One of the permanent stores with pareu (sarongs), dresses and other clothes for sale.
Brightly coloured clothes on display.
Temporary stalls are set up every Saturday morning.
Despite its small size, Avarua is the commercial centre of the Cook Islands. It has Parliament House, the Court House and main Police Station.
The Police station in Avarua. Visitors used to have to go here to arrange a Cook Islands Driver’s Licence, but since 2014 car drivers are able to use their licence from their home country. Motorcyclists still need a local licence issued.
The Ministry of Justice in Avarua
The largest supermarkets are in Avarua, with both CITC and Foodland having stores. These supermarkets sell fresh food, groceries, drinks and alcohol.
The Foodland supermarket in Avarua.
There are also many clothing shops, cafes, tour operators, etc along the strip.
Some of the brands available in Avarua.
Bacon and eggs (above) and coffee (below) from Cafe Salsa in Avarua.
The Cook Islands celebrated 50 years of self government in 2015 and there is a commemorative sculpture at the roundabout where Ara Tapu and Te Ara Maire Nui meet.
Commemoration of the Cook Islands’ 50th anniversary of independence in 2015.
Bamboo Jacks on the outskirts of Avarua.