Tropical resort of volcanoes and beautiful coral reefs: Shopping in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are resort islands floating between New Zealand and Hawaii. It is a beautiful island nation where various forms of nature such as volcanoes and coral reefs remain. Many tourists from all over the world come here for vacations, making it a very popular island.

Here are some recommended spots for shopping in the Cook Islands. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs such as rare local wines, hand-dyed pareos, and soaps!

1. Punanga Nui Market

Punanga Nui Market is a market held every Saturday in Avarua where food, clothing, and handicrafts gather. It is a very lively place visited by many locals as well as tourists for shopping.

Here, it is recommended to enjoy shopping for Cook Islands souvenirs such as hand-dyed pareos, soaps, and black pearl jewelry while snacking on local foods like donuts and barbecue. In the central square of this market, local children perform traditional Cook Islands dances, so it is also an essential sightseeing spot where you can experience the local atmosphere in addition to shopping.

2. Koteka Winery

A recommended shopping spot in the Muri area is Koteka Winery. The wines made from local seasonal fruits such as bananas are rare items that can only be obtained locally. The owner, Mr. Koteka, originally started making this wine as a hobby, but it spread by word of mouth and has now become so popular that it is even featured in the Cook Islands Tourism Board’s guidebook.

The wine has a sweet flavor similar to dessert wine, and besides wine, they also have vodka. You can enjoy shopping and tastings at this winery, and it seems they sometimes have a stall at the Punanga Nui Cultural Market as well. It will make for a precious souvenir that you can only get in the Cook Islands.

3. Perfumes of Rarotonga

Perfumes of Rarotonga is a popular shopping spot in Avarua that sells various kinds of souvenirs from the Cook Islands. As you can tell from the shop’s name, they carry perfumes, soaps, lotions, and other items with tropical fragrances typical of the Cook Islands, and they are very popular. The packaging also has a tropical feel and is very cute, making these items perfect as souvenirs. They also look great for sun-kissed skin!

In addition, they also have food items such as chocolates, wines, and liqueurs made in the Cook Islands, and you can enjoy tastings. This shop is especially popular with women and is a must-visit place for souvenir shopping.

4. Fisher’s Black Pearls

Fisher’s Black Pearls is a specialty shop near Avarua Harbour that sells black pearl jewelry harvested in the Cook Islands. Even when it comes to black pearls, prices vary depending on their size, shape, and color. Here, you can choose from a variety of designs and qualities of black pearls, so you can enjoy casual shopping. They will make memorable souvenirs of your trip to the Cook Islands.

Some designs are quite unique, so just looking around is fun. The female shop owner is also friendly and will gladly help you with your shopping, and despite being a jewelry shop, the cute store makes it easy to walk in, which is part of its charm. Try things on, imagine the person you’ll give them to, and pick out some lovely jewelry!

◎ Summary

We have introduced some recommended shopping spots in the Cook Islands! In the Cook Islands, hand-dyed pareos, black pearls, wine, soaps, and similar items are popular souvenirs, so be sure to enjoy shopping at the shops introduced here! You are sure to find a favorite. Experience the still unfamiliar Cook Islands ahead of everyone else and proudly tell all your friends about it!

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Tropical resort of volcanoes and beautiful coral reefs: Shopping in the Cook Islands