Cook Islands

Cost of living

What a month costs

Nearly everything is shipped in from New Zealand, so groceries, fuel and dining land well above Auckland prices. Long-term rentals are scarce and get snapped up fast.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Avarua

1. Punanga Nui MarketThe big Saturday morning market on the Avarua waterfront, packed with food stalls, crafts and live music.
2. Cook Islands Christian Church, AvaruaThe whitewashed coral-lime church from the 1850s, with a graveyard of island notables out front.
3. Para O Tane PalaceThe historic royal residence beside the church, tied to the island's paramount chiefs.
4. National Museum of the Cook IslandsA compact collection of carvings, canoes and artefacts in the heart of town.
5. Cook Islands Library and Museum SocietyA charming old reading room and small museum near the government offices.
6. Te Rua Manga (The Needle)The jagged rock spire and centrepiece of the cross-island track that cuts through Rarotonga's jungle interior.
7. Muri LagoonThe postcard turquoise lagoon just east of the capital, dotted with sandy motu and glass-clear water.
8. Black Rock (Tuoro)A volcanic outcrop north of town, great for a swim and a legendary sunset.
9. Wigmore's Waterfall (Papua Waterfall)A freshwater fall and pool tucked into the hills on the island's south side.
10. Highland ParadiseA restored ancestral village site up the slopes of Arorangi with sweeping coast views and cultural shows.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. AitutakiA short flight north to what many call the most beautiful lagoon on earth, ringed with white motu.
2. AtiuThe coffee island, riddled with limestone caves, glowing kopeka birds and a strong bush-beer tradition.
3. MangaiaThe oldest island in the Pacific, ringed by dramatic raised makatea coral cliffs and caves.
4. MaukeA quiet garden island known for its coral churches and hidden freshwater cave pools.
5. MitiaroRemote and rarely visited, prized for swimming in cool underground cave lakes.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe SalsaA long-running spot on the Avarua main road for strong coffee, breakfasts and wood-fired pizza.
2. The Mooring Fish CafeA tiny harbour-side shack near Avana famous for its fresh mahi mahi sandwiches.
3. Deli-liciousA relaxed town cafe good for coffee, cabinet food and a light lunch.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Trader JacksThe island's most famous bar and grill, right on the Avarua harbour and rebuilt after every cyclone.
2. Tamarind HouseRefined seaside dining in a heritage colonial villa just east of town.
3. Kikau HutA long-established casual restaurant in Arorangi known for hearty local and seafood plates.
4. Palace TakeawaysA no-frills Avarua institution for cheap, generous plates of local food.
5. Sails RestaurantLagoon-side dining at Muri Beach with tables looking straight over the water.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Cafe SalsaReliable morning coffee and cooked breakfasts in the middle of Avarua.
2. The Mooring Fish CafeGrab an early fish sandwich or bacon roll by the water at Avana.
3. Deli-liciousEasy town-centre stop for pastries, eggs and a flat white.
4. Punanga Nui Market food stallsOn Saturday mornings the market fills with breakfast vendors selling everything from coconut pancakes to fresh fruit.