The Best Avarua Vacation Packages 2017: Save Up to $C590 on our Deals

Avarua

Base yourself in the center of the Cook Islands, explore thousands of years of Polynesian culture, see coral reefs and trek through rainforest.

Avarua (Two Harbors) is the main port for yacht and boat anchorage in the Cook Islands. Visit Rarotonga’s central township to find shops, museums, cafés, accommodations and lively Cook Islands nightlife.

Inside the coral reef encircling Rarotonga’s blue-green lagoon, the sea abounds with marine life, living coral and tropical fish. Astounding visibility and year-round warm waters make snorkeling or scuba diving the best way to explore underwater caves, canyons and shipwrecks. Avarua is a great place for beginners to get scuba diving certification.

Plan a day of deep-sea fishing to catch yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, barracuda and snapper. Test your skills at the Rarotonga Golf Club or enjoy a hike through thick jungle to spot native birds and butterflies. Make the 4-hour climb with Pa’s Treks to the top of the Te Rua Manga and learn about local myths and legends. Other hikes include Turangi Track, Raemaru Lookout, Avana Valley Track, Papua Waterfall Track and the protected rainforest at Takitumu Conservation Area. Bring hiking shoes for the rocky, uneven terrain.

See the bright white-coral exterior of the historic Cook Islands Christian Church, built in 1853. Step inside to hear locals rejoicing in song.

Find contemporary and traditional arts and crafts at the Beachcomber Gallery and rare black pearls at the Beachcomber Pearl Market. Shop at the daily Punanga Nui Market on Avarua Wharf for arts and crafts, tropical fruits, vegetables and favorite local dishes.

Behind the Para-O-Tane Palace is the modest Cook Islands Library and Museum, which displays the island’s first printing press and other artifacts.

To complete a relaxed Cook Islands day, attend a spirited Polynesian buffet with cultural dance and musical performances.

Located on the northern coastline of Rarotonga, Avarua is a lively township with modern facilities including banks, shops and travel agencies. Get around the island easily with a 45-minute round-Rarotonga bus ride or by rented car, scooter or bicycle.

Guide to Exploring Avarua

Muri Beach

Stretch out comfortably on the bone-white beach while watching the sunrise over Rarotonga’s popular lagoon.

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Tikioki Marine Sanctuary

Swim with multi-colored fish or spend hours on a stretch of powdery white beach at one of Rarotonga's best coastal spots. Dive around nearby shipwrecks.

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Aro'a Beach

Relax on this white-sand beach under swaying palms or get your scuba certification in the protected lagoon of this peaceful Polynesian island.

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Cook Island Christian Church (CICC)

Attend a service and chat with locals in this small and charming whitewashed church, which dates back to the mid 19th century.

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Cook Islands Library and Museum

Through art and literature, learn about the history and traditions of the Cook Islands in a library and museum run by friendly local residents.

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Ngatangiia Vacation Packages

Wade in warm tropical waters and lounge on the beach for long, peaceful days on Rarotonga’s south coast. See the starting point of an ancient voyage.

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Arorangi

As the sun sets, relax on Rarotonga’s coast next to the clear waters of an azure lagoon. Enjoy exploring the wonders of the Cook Islands.

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Titikaveka

Swim, scuba or snorkel in some of the most pristine waters in the world. Relax in a beach bungalow and awake to views of the blue-green lagoon.

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Aroa Beach

Leave the bustle of the modern world behind and lounge on stretches of powdery white sand with the transparent Pacific Ocean at your fingertips.

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Te Vara Nui Village

Join an interactive experience to appreciate the authentic educational and entertaining story of Cook Islands’ culture.

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Beachcomber Pearl Market

Find Polynesian arts and crafts, lustrous black pearls and some of the best coffee on the island in this historic building.

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Top Hotel Deals

See all 68 Hotels in Avarua

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Paradise Inn

Main Road, Rarotonga

3.2

of 5, from 24 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Nestled on the beach, this Avarua hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Beachcomber Gallery and Cook Island Christian Church. Para O Tane Palace and Wreck of the Matai are also within 10 minutes.

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Rarotonga’s Fishing Lodge - GT’s

Tupapa, Avarua, Rarotonga

5.0

of 5, from 1 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

Located in Avarua, this bed & breakfast is within 1 mi (2 km) of Beachcomber Pearl Market, Bergman & Sons, and Punanga Nui. The Perfume Factory and Wreck of the Matai are also within 1 mi (2 km).

C$122

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Club Raro Resort

Ara Tapu, Rarotonga

3.3

of 5, from 211 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Avarua, this beachfront resort is in the historical district and within a 15-minute walk of Bergman & Sons, Punanga Nui, and The Perfume Factory. Wreck of the Matai and Beachcomber Pearl Market are also within 15 minutes.

C$78

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Kiikii Inn & Suites

Ara Tapu, Rarotonga

3.1

of 5, from 19 reviews

2.5 out of 5.0

Located in Avarua, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Beachcomber Pearl Market, Bergman & Sons, and Punanga Nui. The Perfume Factory and Wreck of the Matai are also within 1 mi (2 km).