About Avarua

Avarua (meaning "Two Harbours" in Māori) is a district and town located on the north-central coast of Rarotonga, the largest island of the Cook Islands. It serves as the capital of the entire island territory, approximately 2,100 miles (3,400 km) north of New Zealand. The town is situated on a relatively flat coastal area that rises to rugged mountains inland.

The town is subdivided into 19 tapere (traditional sub-districts) and serves as Rarotonga's main commercial centre and the political heart of the Cook Islands. The Parliament buildings, National Museum, National Library, and National Auditorium are all located in Avarua at the Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre.

Two Harbours

True to its name meaning "Two Harbours," Avarua features two distinct ports. A small harbour exists in the centre of town providing access for small boats, while Avatiu Harbour—a commercial port just west of the town—accommodates larger vessels. The Rarotonga International Airport is located approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) west of Avarua, serving as the entry point for the Cook Islands by air.

Key Features

Climate: Avarua experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. While there are no true wet or dry seasons, the period from December to April tends to be noticeably wetter.

Economy: As the capital, Avarua functions as an economic and commercial centre with its economy driven by retail, tourism services, government administration, and financial services. The town hosts various shops, bars, and markets catering to both locals and tourists.

Transportation: The town is connected by Ara Tapu, a coastal ring road encircling the island, and Ara Metua, an inner road said to have been built by an ancient Polynesian chief in the 11th century. Public buses traverse the ring road in both directions.

Historical Significance

Avarua became a British protectorate in 1888 after agreement with the indigenous Māori population and became part of New Zealand in 1901. A Resident Commissioner governed until 1946, after which the Cook Islands began transitioning to self-governance. In 1965, the islands achieved self-governance and remain in free association with New Zealand, which continues to manage external affairs and provides yearly grants.

On June 7, 2024, Prime Minister Mark Brown and Tou Travel Ariki, President of the House of Ariki, signed a sister city agreement between Avarua and Honolulu, Hawaii, strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties across the Pacific.

Cultural Highlights

Avarua is home to the Cook Island Christian Church dating back to 1853, which holds Sunday services in the Māori language welcoming all visitors. The Cook Islands Museum displays important artifacts including traditional handicrafts and the islands' first printing press from the 1830s. An extension centre of the University of the South Pacific provides vocational and degree courses to local residents.

The town serves as the primary venue for the Te Maeva Nui festival, celebrated over ten days in late July and early August, commemorating the Cook Islands' independence from New Zealand.