Cook Islands: Avarua, Museum, Old Paradise Inn, Fiji Gold Beer, Trader Jack’s, Snorkel

Dec 3, 2019: From Marg’s Notes: Another good sleep! We slept until 7:00. Jim & Pam were already up taking a walk. After breakfast we headed back to Avarua. Stopped @ ANZ to change more money for future activities. Then walked to the museum. Enjoyed seeing that. Across  the street was The Paradise Inn, an old hotel that Pam’s uncle had stayed in. it was originally a dance hall & the dance floor is still there. Pretty funky! Headed back to town, we found Fiji Gold beer in a little store, so Rod got 4 cans! Next was the Bounty Bookstore. We found some cards for identifying reef fish. Lunch was at Trader Jack’s. Beer for R, P & M. Jim had Ginger Ale. I had Fish & chips, rod had a sweet tater fry thin w/ BBQ Beef, fish taco for Pam, and Jim had a fish sandwich. Back to RBB to snorkel. R & M went out pretty far. Eating in tonight.

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