Rarotonga, Cook Islands Port Review
By Nancy Norris
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Overview:
Sprinkled over 2.25 million sq. miles in the southwest
Pacific Ocean, lie the 15 small islands that comprise
the Cook Islands. Rarotonga, part of the Southern Group,
is the largest of the Cook Islands but still only 67 sq.
km. More than half the Cook Islands total population of
19,000 reside in Rarotonga. Jagged peaks, lush carpeted
steep valleys, a flat coastal plain with sandy beaches
and aqua blue lagoons surrounded by a reef extending
about a quarter of a mile off-shore make Rarotonga an
island paradise worth exploring. The Cook Islands are
self-governing in free association with New Zealand and
therefore they hold New Zealand passports. Rarotonga has
its own distinct dialect of the Maori language, but most
islanders speak English. The New Zealand Dollar is the
official currency and most local stores and tour guides
prefer to use NZD or credit cards in transactions. ATM's
are available at multiple locations throughout the
island. Warmth and sunshine can be enjoyed in Rarotonga
year-round. May to October is the dry and cooler season
with average temperatures of 72-75°F and November to
April is wet and warmer with average temps of 75-79°F.
All taxes are included in purchases and tipping is not
expected. Rarotonga is laid back living at its best.
There is not even one traffic light on the entire
island.
Paul Gauguin Anchored in Avatiu Harbor
Cruise Port Location and Information:
Due to the reef that surrounds the island, cruise ships
must anchor off-shore in the Avatiu Harbor outside the
reef and guests are tendered to the pier. A yacht and
charter fishing boat marina is located there, but
besides a public restroom and telecom phone booth there
is not much else located at the port. However, the port
is within easy walking distance of the main town, Avarua.
Paul Gauguin from tender pier
Exploring on Your Own:
Thanks to a well paved road that circles the 32 km
circumference of the island and an efficient public bus
system, exploring Rarotonga on your own is extremely
easy. As you disembark the tender, you will see a large
“Welcome to the Cook Islands” sign.
Welcome to the Cook Islands
Hang a left on the main road just beyond the sign and
you will be well on your way to the main town of Avarua.
Along the way you will pass the colorful Punanga Nui
Marketplace, which I will talk more about under
“Shopping Tips”. When you have reached the market, you
are about half-way to town.
Punanga Nui Marketplace
Continue walking through the main town of Avarua until
you reach Cooks Corner (there is an Avis Car Rental on
the corner). This is the location of the main bus stop
and where you will take one of the two buses that circle
the island every hour.
Cook's Corner
One bus circles the island clockwise and departs Cook's
Corner on the hour from 7am-4pm and 6-11pm Monday to
Saturday and on Sunday 8am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. The other
bus circles the island in a counterclockwise route
departing Cook's Corner at 25 minutes past the hour from
8:25am-4:30pm Monday through Friday and from 8:30am to
12:30pm Saturdays only. The cost of a round trip ticket
is $7ND. Hold onto your ticket and you can circle the
island, stopping at points of interest along the way or
just take the opposite bus to return to your point of
departure.
Clockwise Bus
Grab the bus going clockwise and within 15 minutes you
will be at stop #12, Te Vera Nui Village/Pacific Resort
and access to Muri Beach Lagoon (the number #1
destination on the island).
Bus Stop #12
Shopping Tips:
Avarua Shopping
If
you are in town on Saturday, there is no better place to
shop than the Punanga Nui Marketplace Stalls and small
huts sell souvenirs, clothing and food. Local artwork,
pareu, handmade shell jewelry and wood carvings are
great bargains or sample some of the local delicacies.
Each Saturday morning it is also a lively local meeting
place where dance troupes and musicians show off their
talents.
Punanga Nui Marketplace Shopping
There are also a number of gift, souvenir and jewelry
shops that line the street in Avarua. Perhaps the best
souvenir may be a black pearl from the northern islands.
The Cook Islands is the second biggest producer of black
pearls in the world.
Pearl Shopping
Port Highlights:
With the beautiful crystal clear lagoon sheltered by a
reef that encircles the island, there is no question
that engaging in various water sports is the highlight
of any visit to Rarotonga. Visitors can choose to
windsurf, kayak, scuba-dive, take a glass-bottom boat,
go deep-sea fishing or simply swim, snorkel, or
sunbathe.
Muri Lagoon
Muri Beach Lagoon:
To
enjoy all sorts of water sports, Muri Beach Lagoon is
the most popular tourist spot on the island.
Windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel equipment are available for
rent and a variety of boat tours can be arranged.
Kayaking or taking a boat tour to the Koromiri atoll
off-shore to swim, sunbathe or for a luncheon barbecue
is a popular activity.
Koromiri atoll
Muri Lagoon is also one of the many Raui areas scattered
around the island. These are protected areas that are
“not to be touched”, meaning that removing any fish,
coral, shellfish or any other forms of life is strictly
forbidden. These beaches are usually marked by coconut
fronds attached to posts in the sand. That makes the
waters around the Oneroa atoll in the Muri Lagoon an
excellent location for snorkeling.
Oneroa atoll
In
addition to enjoying a day of water fun, there are
numerous places to take a break, sip on a cocktail or
dine on fresh seafood or simply take a stroll along the
beach. While you walk along the beach, make sure to
check out Tai's Weather Rock. Located beach-front of the
Pacific Resort, it is a humorous view of weather
forecasting.
Tai's Weather Rock
Tikioki:
One of the very best places to snorkel on the island can
be found in Tikioki just across from the Fruits of
Rarotonga Cafe (Bus stop #18). A raui protects the
Tikioki Lagoon so a wealth of fish and other marine life
are found here.
Tikioki Snorkel Spot
Aro'a Beach:
Considered by many to be the best beach on the island,
Aro'a Beach fronts the Rarotonga Beach Resort and Spa
(located at bus stop #24). Everyone can enjoy this
beach, however, as all beaches in Rarotonga are public.
Aro'a Beach
Ngatangiia Harbor:
Located at bus stop #8, this historical site is reputed
to be the departure point of the Polynesian Migration to
New Zealand in 1350. A monument has been erected to mark
the spot in remembrance of the great migration south.
Ngatangiia Harbor
Papua (Wigmore's) Waterfall:
The islands only public waterfall at Vaimaanga is
perfect spot for cooling off in the heat of the day. Get
off at bus stop #22 and take a short hike up the hill.
(Beware of mosquitoes)
Papua Waterfall
Avarua:
Take some time to wander around the main town, where you
can shop, stop for a bite to eat or drink, or even visit
the Cook Islands Library and Museum. As previously
mentioned, make a point of spending some time at the
Punanga Nui marketplace if you are in town on a
Saturday.
Avarua Main Street
Off the Beaten Path:
While the island is small and relatively easy to explore
if you have the time and relatively fit the Cross Island
Trek is a good option. However, as many parts of the
trek are unmarked it is recommended that you only do
this with an accredited guide.
Cross Island Trek:
This 4 hour trek is Rarotonga's most popular walk leads
to the base of Te Rua Manga (The Needle), the islands
dramatic landmark peak.
Te Rua Manga
After checking out the amazing views of both sides of
the island, another hour and half trek down leads to
Papua Waterfall.
View of “The Needle” from the road
CICC Church:
Not really off the beaten path, but if you are in
Rarotonga on a Sunday, take advantage of the opportunity
to attend a local church service. Each church on the
island warmly welcomes guests/tourists into service.
Church services are filled with hymns sung in the Maori
language followed by a fellowship lunch at a local
community center. The church in Avarua has some
historical significance as it was built in 1853 and the
adjacent graveyard has some notable inhabitants.
CICC Church
Dining and Drinking Suggestions:
Rarotonga snack break
I
didn't have a lot of time to experience the dining and
drinking options on the island, but I can definitely
recommend stopping at Trader Jacks.
Trader Jacks
Located just beyond the roundabout (BTW, this is only
one on the entire island) in Avarua, this beach front
watering hole is a fun spot to sample a Matutu,
Rarotonga's locally home-grown brew.
Local Beer
Must Do List:
Taking your own Circle Island Tour by local bus is a
“must do” making sure to spend some time at Muri Lagoon.
Rarotonga
