The Gothic proportions of the Cook Islands Christian Church and the wide range of goods at Punanga Nui Market show two different sides of Avarua: architectural history and market life. There are also collections on culture and seafaring, a gallery and maritime themes.
Church Architecture and Collections
The present-day Cook Islands Christian Church building in Avarua is designed in the Gothic style. It is 64 feet long, 40 feet wide and 30 feet high. Massive buttresses reinforce the three-foot-thick walls. The walls and buttresses are made of coral stone bonded with fired coral mortar. The buttresses are intended to protect the building against cyclones. This structure lets visitors see the design, materials and intended purpose of the construction firsthand.
The Cook Islands National Museum displays carved artefacts, replicas of seaworthy vaka and traditional Tivaevae textiles. Explanatory texts convey the cultural and historical significance of the objects. The Cook Islands Library & Museum in Avarua exhibits ceremonial artefacts, cooking utensils, shells and weapons; maritime exhibits include a vaka and an anchor. The library also has a collection of rare books. The subjects range from textiles and ceremonial objects to everyday items and seafaring artefacts.
Art and Architecture
The Bergman Gallery’s main exhibition space is located at the Beachcomber in Uptown Avarua. In eastern Avarua, at the foot of the hills, stands the multi-storey Takamoa Mission House, also known as Takamoa Theological College. The building is considered to be in excellent condition. Alongside the museum collections, the gallery and mission building offer further cultural and architectural highlights.
Punanga Nui Market: What’s on Offer and When
Punanga Nui Market offers fresh produce and fish, island dishes, coffee, pastries and smoothies. There is also music, handmade ukuleles, clothing, handicrafts, black pearls, jewellery and massages; artworks, second-hand books, souvenirs and Tivaevae textiles are also available. The selection may vary between stalls and market days.
According to tourism information, early Saturday mornings are the best time to find locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as homemade specialities such as poke. There is live music and dancing on the main stage at around 10 a.m. Check the current offerings and programme before your trip so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Coastal and Marine Highlights
At Trader Jacks, the shipwreck known as “The Boiler” rises out of the sea and can be seen from the shore. Raro Reef Sub tours offer another maritime perspective: according to the tour description, they depart from Avatiu Harbour in Avarua and head to the outer reef. On board, marine life can be observed through an underwater observatory. Check the current schedule and availability before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Ivirua Village, Matavera District, Arutanga, Rarotonga, Titikaveka, Oneroa Village, Nukatere, Muri.
For the main travel overview: Cook Islands.
