Cook Islands: Walk on the Beach, Avarua, Foodland, Picnic in Muri, Snorkeling, Charlie’s, Beach & Wine

Dec 2, 2019: From Marg’s Notes: After a stormy night and great sleep, we woke up fairly early, ~6:30. Took a walk on the beach from about 7:10 – 8:10. Then had breakfast & chatted. The car arrived at 9:00! An hour early…no island time here. We fixed a lunch & hit the road. Headed west towards Avarua. Stopped at Western Union to exchange $. Rate was .68, no fee. We walked thru town, then back to Foodland to get some supplies (cheese, crackers, wine, cookies, ham). Back in the car we continued around the island. Stopped in Muri to have a picnic lunch of cheese, crackers & bananas. Then back to RBB. Rod, Pam & Jim hit the water and m. took a nap!...then swam later. About 4:30 we walked down the beach to Charlie’s for Happy Hour. J, P, & M had Berry Daiquiris. Rod had beer. I got a burger and R & P had fish & chips. Jim had a fish sandwich. Back @ RBB sat on the beach w/wine & watched the sunset…then conked out.

Consider: On this trip we did not use RAROCARS. We rented a car with the Costco Travel Package we were using. The Costco Travel Package to the Cooks is absolutely incredible, but they have not had this package available since the Covid 19 outbreak. Hopefully, they will get it again. It is hard to go wrong with the Costco deal.

Photos & Itineraries

• 2018 Photos
• 2019 Photos
• 2018 Snorkeling
• 2019 Snorkeling
• Cook Islands Itineraries and Adventures

Places & Things

• Alltrails.com: Hikes on Rarotonga
• Avarua Town – There are enough things to do in Avarua Town to make a day of it. Check out the link.
• Reef Walk with Kura Happ & Ariimoana Walkabouts

Snorkeling, Diving & Swimming

• Snorkeling – The snorkeling is incredible right off the beach. Saw moray eels, eagle rays, tons of colorful fish, clams, large crabs, and much more.
• Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
• Where to Snorkel in Rarotonga + Snorkel Hire on Rarotonga – Includes Fruits of Rarotonga
• Snorkeling Rarotonga: A Complete Guide
• Beaches & Lagoons

Accommodations

• Rarotonga Beach Bungalows (RBB) – The best place to stay on the entire island! Really, right on the beach.

Eating and Restaurants

• Antipodes – Go here to have a nice dinner and see Kura sing
• A guide to supermarkets & food shopping in the Cook Islands – Foodland is in Avarua. For getting your main supplies, it is likely the best place to go.
• Charlie’s and other restaurants – We love Charlie’s!
• Muri Night Market & Other Markets
• Trader Jack’s: Ocean view dining, RESTURUANT, bar, pizzas, great menu, live music, friendly staff & great service.

Miscellaneous

• Cook Islands Pocket Guide
• Cultural Tours and Experiences in the Cook Islands
• Marine Discovery Centre – We enjoyed this. Also, the Fijian lady working there sells curried roti. Yum!
• Museums to Visit in the Cook Islands
• Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe

 

Created: 2024