Avarua

The town stretches along the northern coast of Rarotonga, featuring government buildings, markets, and traditional structures against a mountainous backdrop.

Early Polynesian settlers established Avarua as their main trading center, which later became the administrative headquarters of the Cook Islands.

The Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre houses the National Museum, displaying traditional artifacts and the islands' first printing press from 1830.

Visitors can access Avarua through Rarotonga International Airport, while Avatiu Harbour serves larger vessels for maritime transportation.

The waters near Avarua contain the wreck of SS Maitai, a commercial freighter that struck an offshore reef in December 1916.

Elevation above the sea: 653 m

Website: http://cook-islands.gov.ck

GPS coordinates: -21.20700,-159.77100

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:53