Cook Islands: Avarua Market, Discovery Centre, Curried Roti, and Snorkeling

Dec 7, 2019: From Marg’s Notes: Got up fairly early and had tea and coffee. Very windy! We left ~7:30 to go to the market in Avarua. Jim and Pam had waffles there. Rod had a “chicken roll” and I had a bacon and egg roll. We wandered around the market. Pam bought a top. Then, we went back to Foodland, for wine. On the way back, Rod broke his flip flop! He hobbled over to the market and sat down while J&P and I went on a flip flop quest. J&P found some for him. They were a little large, so we went back to exchange them. The woman who helped us was Fijian, so Rod got to vosa vaka Viti (speak Fijian). Once shod again, we went back to the car. We had parked by the Wharf... away from traffic. Next, we went to the Discovery Centre. Very interesting. Met Ponu the Turtle. We saw the same Fijian woman we met there the other day. R & I bought some chicken roti for dinner. Going in, we saw a girl on a scooter crash, but she was OK. Had lunch at home, then a rest. In the afternoon we went snorkeling @ RBB. It was very windy, so murky. Swimming was easier than yesterday tho. Had Curry roti for dinner and played cards. Then to bed!

Photos & Itineraries

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

Places & Things

Hiking & Adventures

• 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