Avarua

Rarotonga

Avarua showing a bay or harbor and mountains
Avarua showing swimming as well as a small group of people
Avarua
Avarua
Avarua showing motorcycle riding

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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Avarua

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P7,747 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P7,747
P8,909 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at club Raro. Excellent staff and hospitality. Food was good but I ate out most of the time due to activities. Excellent communication. Thank you team at club Raro."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Kia Orana Villas and Spa

Kia Orana Villas and Spa

4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road, Atupa, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Quiet location.
"Good managing from the staff. The property is well mantained."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Atupa Suites

Atupa Suites

3 out of 5
1 Ariki Rd, Rarotonga
The price is P12,135 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P12,135
P17,356 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star villa in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Perfect for family. Has got everything you need from towels, toiletries. Free water jug and dispenser which is very thoughtful. Loved the mini pool. Only issue i had was lack of communication. I didn't know how to get into property when we arrrived at airport as didn't get any email response to my ..."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Atupa Suites
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P10,911 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,911
P12,548 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Food was good Felt hurried with meals ie. plates removed before we had finished eating Not good when you are on holiday! Rooms clean and well serviced Friendly, helpful staff"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
8/10 Very Good! (458 reviews)
"Worth it for the amazing snorkeling. Super friendly staff. Not flashy but has everything you need."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
The Islander Hotel

The Islander Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga
The price is P8,516 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P8,516
P9,794 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (485 reviews)
"Very close to the airport!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Islander Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Avarua

Rarotonga which includes a waterfall and a pond

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Cook Island Christian Church.

Takuvaine Tapere
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Kiikii Tapere

When in Kiikii Tapere, you can plan a visit to Beachcomber Pearl Market and Cook Islands Library and Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Kiikii Tapere
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Matavera

Well-liked for its beaches and snorkeling, you might stop by Muri Beach and Te Vara Nui Village while you're exploring Matavera and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Matavera
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Turangi Tapere

While Turangi Tapere might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Muri Beach and Te Vara Nui Village.

Turangi Tapere
Arorangi showing kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

Arorangi is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

Arorangi
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Tupapa Tapere

While Tupapa Tapere isn't home to many top sights, Muri Beach and Cook Islands Library and Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tupapa Tapere

Avarua