Avatiu: The Gateway to Paradise

• HelloKia orana
  [kee-ah oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeAere ra
  [ah-air-eh rah]
• YesAe
  [eye]
• NoKare
  [kah-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeMeitaki
  [may-tah-kee]
• Thank youMeitaki
  [may-tah-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryTangata rere
  [tah-ngah-tah reh-reh]
• How are you?Pehea koe?
  [peh-heh-ah koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Meitaki. E koe?
  [may-tah-kee. eh koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?E tae ua koe i te reo Ingarangi?
  [eh tah-eh oo-ah koh-eh ee teh reh-oh een-gah-rahng-ee]
• I don't understandKare au e akatika
  [kah-reh ow eh ah-kah-tee-kah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKia akarongo au ki te menyu, meitaki
  [kee-ah ah-kah-roh-ng-oh ow kee teh meh-nyoo, may-tah-kee]
• I don't eat meatKare au e kai vai
  [kah-reh ow eh kai vah-ee]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-nwee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKia akarongo au i te utu, meitaki
  [kee-ah ah-kah-roh-ng-oh ow ee teh oo-too, may-tah-kee]

• Help!Ara!
  [ah-rah]
• Go away!Aere atu!
  [ah-air-eh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tuku atu ki te Polisi!
  [too-koo ah-too kee teh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Tuku atu ki te tohto!
  [too-koo ah-too kee teh toh-toh]
• I'm lostKare au i te tuku
  [kah-reh ow ee teh too-koo]
• I'm illKua tumeke au
  [koo-ah too-meh-keh ow]

• I'd like to buy...Kia akarongo au e tuku...
  [kee-ah ah-kah-roh-ng-oh ow eh too-koo...]
• I'm just lookingKare au e tuku atu
  [kah-reh ow eh too-koo ah-too]
• How much is it?E hia te moni?
  [eh hee-ah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveTeitei te moni
  [teh-ee-teh teh moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?E tika ua koe i te moni?
  [eh tee-kah oo-ah koh-eh ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?Ko te aha te au?
  [koh teh ah-hah teh ow]
• It's one o'clockKo te tahi i te ora rua
  [koh teh tah-hee ee teh oh-rah roo-ah]
• Half past (10)Ko te toru rau i te ora
  [koh teh toh-roo rah-oo ee teh oh-rah]
• MorningAkarongo
  [ah-kah-roh-ng-oh]
• AfternoonApopo
  [ah-poh-poh]
• EveningApoapo
  [ah-poh-ah-poh]
• YesterdayInanui
  [ee-nah-nwee]
• TodayAnei
  [ah-neh-ee]
• TomorrowApopo
  [ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Apati
  [ah-pah-tee]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10Ngauru
  [ngah-oo-roo]

• Where's a/the...?Ei a...?
  [eh-ee ah]
• What's the address?Ko te tuuru?
  [koh teh too-roo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E tae ua koe i te tuatua?
  [eh tah-eh oo-ah koh-eh ee teh too-ah-too-ah]
• When's the next (bus)?A te aha te putunga?
  [ah teh ah-hah teh poo-toong-ah]
• A ticket (to ....)He tikiti (ki ...)
  [heh tee-kee-tee kee]

The history of Avatiu, located on the northern coast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, begins with the early Polynesian settlers. These seafarers navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using traditional voyaging canoes known as vaka. They arrived in Rarotonga around the 6th century, bringing with them their rich cultural traditions and establishing the first settlements in Avatiu.

European contact with Avatiu began in the early 19th century. The first notable European to visit was Captain James Cook in 1777, although he did not land on Rarotonga itself. The arrival of missionaries in the 1820s, particularly from the London Missionary Society, had a profound impact on Avatiu. The village became a focal point for the spread of Christianity, which led to significant changes in the local culture and society.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Avatiu Harbor was developed as a key maritime hub. This development was crucial for the economic growth of Rarotonga, facilitating trade and communication with the outside world. The harbor remains one of the busiest ports in the Cook Islands, serving as a gateway for goods and travelers.

During World War II, Avatiu played a strategic role as a supply and refueling station for Allied forces in the Pacific. The presence of military personnel and infrastructure brought temporary economic and social changes to the village. The war also highlighted the strategic importance of the Cook Islands in the broader context of the Pacific theater.

In recent decades, Avatiu has experienced a cultural revival, with efforts to preserve and promote traditional Polynesian culture. This includes the revitalization of traditional dance, music, and crafts. At the same time, modern development has transformed Avatiu into a vibrant community with improved infrastructure and amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists and a vital part of Rarotonga's economy.

Avatiu is located on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The main gateway to Rarotonga is Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), which receives flights from New Zealand, Australia, and other Pacific Islands. From the airport, Avatiu is just a short 10-minute drive. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for your convenience.

Getting around Avatiu and Rarotonga is relatively easy. The island has a reliable bus service that circles the island in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Buses stop at designated stops and can also be flagged down. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Renting a scooter or a bicycle is a popular and economical way to explore the island. Rental cars are also an option for those looking for more comfort and flexibility.

The official currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case of technical issues. ATMs are available in Avatiu and other major areas, but they can sometimes run out of cash, so plan accordingly.

Avatiu and the Cook Islands in general are considered very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and beaches. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it's always good to exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The main hospital on Rarotonga is located in the capital, Avarua, which is a short drive from Avatiu. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health concerns, over-the-counter medications are available at local pharmacies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or local villages. Avoid wearing swimwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering homes and churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful on public transport. Don’t eat or drink on the bus. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Kia Orana,' which means 'hello' in Cook Islands Maori. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and delicacies. Don't refuse food or drink offered by your host, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Avatiu like a local, visit the Punanga Nui Market in nearby Avarua on Saturdays. Here you can buy fresh produce, local crafts, and enjoy traditional performances. Engage with locals, who are often very friendly and eager to share their culture and stories. Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend a local church service to experience the beautiful singing and community spirit. Additionally, exploring the island's inner roads and trails will give you a more intimate view of the local lifestyle and natural beauty.