Markets & Shopping
When shopping in the Cook Islands you’ll find an exquisite array of unique handicrafts for sale in an excellent choice of retail outlets and markets. Pupu necklaces, hand printed pareus (sarongs), local therapeutic oils and fragrances, coconut anything from the finest rito hats to bikini bras, fans, pandanus mats, carved wooden bowls, spears and ukulele and above all the prized black pearls. If this is on your list of “must haves” make sure you buy in oor little paradise. The quality is superb and the price is right.
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Shop at Our Local Markets
There are several markets in the Cook Islands to explore. The largest and most popular is the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings in Avarua, Rarotonga. This market is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, artworks, souvenirs and more. A couple of the Pa Enua (outer islands), like Aitutaki and Atiu, also have their own market experiences.
The best advice for a good market visit is to go early (as vendors do sell out), bring cash, and have fun shopping!
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Explore Our Retail Stores
There are small stores around the islands, with the highest concentration of shops in Avarua, Rarotonga. Known for its mix of local artisan products, black pearls, and relaxed island-style shopping, you are sure to find something to take home.
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How to Pay
Most retail shops use EFTPOS while market stalls and vendors are mostly cash only. The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar, supplemented by local coins. If you need to take out cash, there are several ATMs dotted around Rarotonga (and a couple in Aitutaki) as well as branches for Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) in downtown Avarua, Rarotonga.
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How to Get There
Getting to the shops and markets in Rarotonga is easy. You can reach the shops and markets by hiring a car or scooter, taking the public bus, or arranging a transfer. Raro Tours offers an Arts and Crafts shopping tour, and both Raro Tours and Cook Islands Tours also provide transfers directly to the markets.
