food, both international – the crepes and
waffles are popular – and local delicacies.
There’s something for every eater, from
smoothies to stir-fry to sausage rolls. The
Punanga Nui market is also a one-stop
souvenir shop. You can buy everything
from island music to large handmade
quilts to coconut oil to hand-painted
pareu (sarongs). Mamas sell hats and
bags woven out of coconut fibre. Pearl
farmers sell their black pearls, cultivated
and harvested on the island of Manihiki,
1100 kilometres north of Rarotonga.
If you miss the Punanga Nui
market, there are souvenir
shops around the island, most
of them in Avarua, where you
can pick up something for
friends and family members
who had the great misfortune
of not joining you in paradise. Two museums in Avarua – the
government-run National Museum
and the private Cook Islands Library &
Museum Society – are excellent resources
for those seeking more information about
Rarotonga and its history. The latter hires
out books, or you can buy beach reads at
Bounty Bookshop in Avarua.
A special way to immerse in
the island culture is to attend
a Sunday service at the Cook
Islands Christian Church. The
Cook Islands, like much of Polynesia,
readily embraced Christianity; though the
missionaries ruled in authoritarian ways,
imposing outrageous fines and penalties
on the disobedient, their gospel stuck.
Church is a pillar of any Cook Islands
community, both at home and overseas.
Congregations are welcoming if you dress
modestly, behave respectfully, and take
some gold coins for the offering plate.
The power of the imene tuki – a blend of
traditional chanting and Christian hymns
– will stir your soul. For beautiful food to suit any palette,
try one of Rarotonga’s many restaurants;
more information is available within the
pages of this magazine. Whether you’re in
the mood for freshly caught fish, a burger,
pizza from a wood-fired oven, Kiwi or
Asian fusion, Rarotonga’s got a restaurant
for you.
From your seat
Celebrations of culture occur almost
nightly. Attending an “island night” a
must during a holiday to Rarotonga.
You get a chance to watch local dancing,
energetic and sensuous, and hear local
drumming, reportedly the best in the
Fruit Dove
WINNER
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24 • Escape
Magazine
Tourism
Attractions Award 2016/17
Supreme Tourism Industry Award 2016/17
Ph 24006 Muri Beach