Cook Islands Library & Museum: A Cultural Treasure Trove
Explore Cook Islands history and culture through fascinating artifacts, rare books, and historical exhibits in the heart of Avarua.
Discover the rich history and culture of the Cook Islands at the Cook Islands Library & Museum in Avarua. Explore fascinating exhibits of artifacts, books, and historical items that tell the story of this island nation.
A brief summary to Cook Islands Library & Museum
- Makea Tinirau Rd, Avarua, CK
- +68226468
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-12 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
- Friday 9 am-12 pm
Local tips
- Check the opening hours before visiting, as the museum has limited hours and is closed on Sundays.
- A small entry fee applies to support the museum's preservation efforts.
- Photography restrictions may be in place inside the museum, so ask for permission before taking photos.
- Consider purchasing local reference books or donating used reading materials to support the library.
Getting There
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Walking
The Cook Islands Library & Museum is located on Makea Tinirau Road in Avarua, a short walk from the main business center. From the Punanga Nui Market, walk east along the main road (Makea Tinirau Rd) for about 5-10 minutes. The library and museum will be on your left, set back from the road in a park-like setting. There are no sidewalks for a small portion of the walk.
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Public Transport
The Clockwise and Anti-Clockwise buses circle the island and stop along the main road. Catch either bus from any point on the main road in Avarua and ask the driver to stop near the Cook Islands Library & Museum on Makea Tinirau Road. The bus fare is approximately NZ$3-13. Buses operate every hour from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
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Taxi
Taxis are available on Rarotonga and can be booked in advance. A taxi from Avarua to the Cook Islands Library & Museum is a short ride. Taxi fares are approximately NZ$3 per kilometer, with a minimum day fare of NZ$10. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Discover more about Cook Islands Library & Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church
0.1 km
Explore the historic Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church, a beautiful testament to the region's spiritual heritage and cultural significance.
Atiu Hostel
0.2 km
Experience community and culture at Atiu Hostel in Avarua, the heart of the Cook Islands. A welcoming hub for adventurers and explorers alike.
Cook Islands Real Estate
0.3 km
Explore breathtaking properties in the Cook Islands and embrace your dream of island living amidst stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Trader Jacks
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Avarua at Trader Jacks, where stunning ocean views meet delicious grill cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
Avarua Roundabout
0.3 km
Explore Avarua Roundabout, the vibrant center of Rarotonga, where culture, cuisine, and local charm come together in a tropical paradise.
New Zealand High Commission
0.4 km
Explore the New Zealand High Commission in Avarua, a cultural hub connecting New Zealand and the Cook Islands through diplomacy and community engagement.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
0.4 km
Explore the Cook Islands with personalized insights from the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation—your gateway to adventure and cultural richness.
Avarua Shopping Centre
0.5 km
Explore Avarua Shopping Centre, where local crafts meet international brands in the heart of Rarotonga.
Avarua Escape
0.7 km
Experience the tranquility of Avarua Escape, your perfect lodging choice in Rarotonga, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Tuakata Cafe
0.8 km
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Cafe Ariki
0.9 km
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Maori Stonehenge
1.0 km
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The Waffle Shack
1.2 km
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Mana O Te Rima
1.2 km
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Rarotonga Laundromat
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Unmissable attractions to see
Taputapuatea
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Cook Islands National Museum
0.3 km
Explore the Cook Islands National Museum, where the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the islands come to life through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Avarua Harbour
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant culture and stunning scenery at Avarua Harbour, the heart of Rarotonga in the breathtaking Cook Islands.
Trader's Reef
0.8 km
Experience the beauty and culture of Trader's Reef in Avarua, a tropical paradise filled with stunning views and vibrant local traditions.
Edna's Anchor
0.9 km
Explore Edna's Anchor, a serene tourist attraction in Avarua offering breathtaking views and a peaceful escape amidst the beauty of the Cook Islands.
St Joseph's Cathedral
0.9 km
Discover the architectural beauty and spiritual tranquility of St Joseph's Cathedral in Avarua, a must-visit attraction in the Cook Islands.
Storytellers Eco Cycle & Walking Tours
1.2 km
Discover the beauty and culture of the Cook Islands through eco-friendly cycling and walking tours in Avarua.
Punanga Nui Market
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga, a colorful hub of fresh produce, local crafts, and cultural delights that captures the essence of the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Tours
1.5 km
Experience the charm and beauty of the Cook Islands with guided tours that unveil the islands' hidden gems and cultural treasures.
Game Fishing Rarotonga
1.5 km
Discover the thrill of game fishing in Rarotonga, where azure waters and expert guides await to create unforgettable fishing adventures.
Raro Reef Sub
1.6 km
Experience the breathtaking underwater beauty of the Cook Islands with Raro Reef Sub - a family-friendly submarine adventure in Avarua.
Avatiu Road - Cross Island Hike Sign
1.6 km
Embark on an adventurous trek through Rarotonga's lush interior, from the Avatiu Road trailhead to stunning panoramic views and refreshing waterfalls.
Rarotonga
2.4 km
Explore Rarotonga, the largest island of the Cook Islands, where stunning beaches, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes await your discovery.
Arai-Te-Tonga
2.6 km
Discover Arai-Te-Tonga, the sacred historical site in Avarua, where ancient Polynesian traditions meet stunning natural beauty in the Cook Islands.
Marae Moana
2.8 km
Explore Marae Moana, the Cook Islands' vast marine park, balancing conservation and culture in a South Pacific paradise.
Essential places to dine
Bamboo Jacks Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Asian cuisine infused with local flavors at Bamboo Jacks Restaurant in Avarua.
Raro Fried Chicken
0.3 km
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Annie’s Fried Chicken
0.3 km
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Margaritas Bistro & Bar
0.4 km
Experience tropical bliss at Margaritas Bistro & Bar in Avarua—where delicious food meets stunning scenery.
The Lucky Rooster Eatery
0.5 km
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The Lazy Trout Cafe
0.8 km
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The Plaza
0.8 km
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Kai & Co
1.0 km
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Baby Pancakes
1.0 km
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Kai Pizza
1.1 km
Discover Kai Pizza in Avarua - where delicious flavors meet warm hospitality in a vibrant dining experience.
Cook Takeaway
1.1 km
Discover delicious hamburgers made with fresh ingredients at Cook Takeaway in Avarua – a culinary gem in the heart of the Cook Islands.
Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of the Cook Islands at Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar - where culinary artistry meets tropical paradise.
Māroro Tunutunu
1.2 km
Discover Māroro Tunutunu: An exquisite seafood restaurant in Avarua offering fresh local flavors and stunning ocean views.
Sea Salt Takeaway
1.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Beachcomber Pearl Market
0.2 km
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Raro Records
0.3 km
Explore Raro Records in Avarua for a unique selection of vinyl and local music that captures the spirit of the Cook Islands.
The T-Shirt Factory
0.3 km
Discover unique, locally-designed t-shirts and souvenirs at The T-Shirt Factory in Avarua, capturing the essence of the Cook Islands' culture.
Tuki's Pareu
0.3 km
Explore authentic Cook Islands fashion at Tuki's Pareu, a vibrant clothing store in Avarua offering unique apparel and local culture.
Tarani Crafts & Pearls
0.3 km
Explore the enchanting world of handcrafted jewelry and unique crafts at Tarani Crafts & Pearls in Avarua, Cook Islands.
Ming Blu Gallery
0.4 km
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Blossom
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id.CK
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Bounty Bookshop
0.4 km
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Paka's Pearls
0.5 km
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Cooks Fudge Factory/ Perfumes of Rarotonga
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Mareko
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Tauae Store
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Island Craft Ltd
0.7 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rehab
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On the Rocks (OTR) Bar
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Trio's Garden Bar
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Chillis Sport Bar
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Burgery
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Terua Git Cooking
2.0 km
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Coco Transit Lounge
2.6 km
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Coral Club Bar & Grille
2.6 km
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Tiki Bar
2.6 km
Discover the vibrant Tiki Bar in Avarua, where tropical cocktails and island vibes create an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Cook Islands.
21.3 Vaiana's Bar & Bistro
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Vili's Burger Joint
5.0 km
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Antipodes rarotonga
5.2 km
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COCOCKTAIL
5.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and tropical ambiance of CocoCocktail, a culinary treasure in Rarotonga, perfect for every food lover.
