The supermarket check out in down town Avarua...And the supermarket itself. There's a good range of fresh and packaged food, mostly from New Zealand.
Population 14,153
25.9 sq mls/67.1 sq. kms
25.9 sq mls/67.1 sq. kms
Scooters are the main form of transport. Tourists need a Cook Islands driving licence (NZ$20) from police headquarters in town. You must produce a current full licence from your own country. If you're planning to hire a motorbike or scooter, you'll also have to take a short test...to prove you know how to go round the only roundabout on Raro! (pictured above left)
WELCOME TO TOWN
Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the capital, Avarua is the main commercial and administrative centre. Locals just call it "town".
FINDING RAROTONGA
Early Polynesian settlers found the island by sailing raro (down) and tonga (to the south) of French Polynesia. Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue find it easily now with regular flights into the island from New Zealand, the USA and Australia. And as soon as you step off the plane, you know you've arrived somewhere very special...
"MAY YOU LIVE LONG"
A straw hatted Islander stands in the corner of the church hall sized arrivals area in Rarotonga airport strumming Polynesian love songs on a banjo, as you queue up (very short queues!) to get your passport stamped. Immigration and customs are efficient but very friendly, welcoming you with words that will quickly become familiar because everyone greets you with them... "kia orana" meaning "may you live long".
Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the capital, Avarua is the main commercial and administrative centre. Locals just call it "town".
FINDING RAROTONGA
Early Polynesian settlers found the island by sailing raro (down) and tonga (to the south) of French Polynesia. Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue find it easily now with regular flights into the island from New Zealand, the USA and Australia. And as soon as you step off the plane, you know you've arrived somewhere very special...
"MAY YOU LIVE LONG"
A straw hatted Islander stands in the corner of the church hall sized arrivals area in Rarotonga airport strumming Polynesian love songs on a banjo, as you queue up (very short queues!) to get your passport stamped. Immigration and customs are efficient but very friendly, welcoming you with words that will quickly become familiar because everyone greets you with them... "kia orana" meaning "may you live long".
Cook's Island Bus is an inexpensive way of travelling. It goes all round the island and stops anywhere you want to get on or off. You only need to decide if you want to go clockwise or anti-clockwise!
Check the timetable
Check the timetable
Another great place to shop. The "garden factory" of Perfumes of Rarotonga. Everything - from soaps to perfumes - is made by hand, using natural products. It's also an important business for the island
Find Out More
Find Out More
Another day in paradise
Muri Beach: you can snorkel on the reef (a marine conservation park) or walk across to the uninhabited islands in the lagoon - or both!
What do and where to go
Muri Beach: you can snorkel on the reef (a marine conservation park) or walk across to the uninhabited islands in the lagoon - or both!
What do and where to go
Access:
Daily International Flights
Daily International Flights
Jake Numanga Senior has been welcoming visitors with songs and music for more than 20 years. He was honoured for his services to tourism with an MBE from HM The Queen
The Capital Island
EXPLORE SOME MORE
Personal impressions
1 2 3
Raro photo album
Things to do and see
Eating Out
Video tour
Essential info for visitors
Souvenirs
Accommodation
Further information
Personal impressions
1 2 3
Raro photo album
Things to do and see
Eating Out
Video tour
Essential info for visitors
Souvenirs
Accommodation
Further information
An island of contrasts...
the rugged interior and the palm fringed beaches
It's worth getting up early to watch the sun rise
POINTERS TO PARADISE:
RAROTONGA VIDEO TOUR AITUTAKI SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
RAROTONGA VIDEO TOUR AITUTAKI SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
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Or you can just browse in one of the roadside shops outside of town
Don't be surprised to see gravestones in the gardens of homes as you travel round the island. Islanders are often buried on family land
7 day shopping finally reached Rarotonga in 2009 with the opening of this petrol station and mini supermarket. But nearly everywhere else is still closed on Sundays as most islanders head for church.
This is Tangaroa, an ancient god whose image you'll see all over the place and an unofficial symbol of the Islands. Smaller versions of this wooden carving are popular souvenirs!
