applynow

Shopping in The Cook Islands

Find Programs
(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

Some people just like to go for sightseeing and tour when they visit new towns and cities while others along with these like to hoard and buy local crafts. Vacation shopping is a lot of fun and most people love to go on a shopping spree while on holiday. The Pacific is increasingly becoming a shopping hub across the world with shopping festivals in major cities. The Cook Islands is no exception when it comes to shopping culture!

The islands may not exactly be the place for all-out retail therapy, but they do have their share of downtown bazaars and local stalls that sell all kinds of traditional arts and handicrafts. Shopping is especially enjoyable as merchants are typically much less pushy than other more built-up locations. Avarua has a great selection of boutiques where you can buy fashion and local products.

Stores are typically open throughout the day from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, with most closed on Sunday. Haggling is not a customary, but don’t worry, prices are reasonable. You can find deals on jewelry, clothing, art, home goods, and other gift items. Local crafts make the perfect Cook Island souvenirs, especially carvings, woven products and tivaivai, a hand-sewn bed covering made by Polynesian women.

Blessed with wealthy lands where fragrant and exotic flowers grow, the Cook Islands is also well-known for its locally produced oils, soaps and perfumes, with scents extracted from frangipani, jasmine, gardenia, and other blooms. International perfumes are sold in Rarotonga at duty-free rates. Local stamps could be an interesting find for philatelists, as they are especially noted for their artistic designs featuring unique birds, flowers, shells, fish, historical events, and individuals.

Local markets are both a venue for great shopping and social events. The sprawling Te Punanga Nui Market on Rarotonga is a common Saturday morning tradition and is frequented by locals and foreigners. Shops are overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. You will find delightful treats, from crafts to music, and even traditional food like the ika mata and poke. You are likely to catch some drumming, dancing or singing, which are typical fundraisers for cultural gatherings.

"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey

How RocApply Works