Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands and Rarotonga's main town, lies in the middle of the northern coast.
It is the country’s main administrative and commercial centre.
This little capital has still the feeling of a turn-of-the-century trading port with lovely palm trees around the nearby beaches.
Downtown Avarua is a charming laid back one street town with many excellent bars and restaurants as well as boutique shops specializing in black pearls, pareus or sarong skirts and art.
The focal point of the town is the traffic circle, located toward the eastern end of town near Avarua Harbour.
The city is provided with an international airport.