Located on the waterfront in Avarua, the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday in Rarotonga is a must-do on any visit to the Cook Islands.
The market is a buzzing place to be and has an atmosphere that represents the colourful and vibrant culture of the Cook Islands.
There are fresh drinking coconuts for sale, tropical smoothies, beautiful handcrafted island artefacts and colourful island-wear. Add to that the sound of island music and drum-beats uplifting the market vibe and you have a buzzing morning market to explore and enjoy.
Even living in Rarotonga, the Saturday morning market doesn’t get old and is still a highlight in our week!
Read on for everything you need to know for a great visit to Punanga Nui Market – the Saturday weekend market in Rarotonga.
Which Day is the Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga?
Saturday is the main market day in Rarotonga.
But the Punanga Nui Market is also open on a smaller scale during the week.
What are the Hours of the Saturday Market in Rarotonga?
The Punanga Nui Market opening hours are:
- Saturday 7:30am until midday ish.
On a smaller scale, the market is open during the week with a few stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables from 8:00am til around 2 or 3:00pm.
There are several permanent huts and a couple of cafes that are also open during the week.
Is Punanga Nui Market Open During the Week?
There are some permanent eateries open next to the children’s playground and entrance through Constitution Park that open during the week.
These cafes are also open in the morning at the market on Saturday.
We can highly recommend a coffee from Kai & Co next to the playground.
Plus if you haven’t tried Ika Mata yet since you’ve arrived in Rarotonga; we reckon Bite Time has one of the best Ika Mata on the island!
Cultural Performance at Punanga Nui Market
There is a great bonus on Saturday at the Punanga Nui Market with a free cultural show, dance or drumming performance show on the stage mid-morning!
Cash or EFTPOS?
Most of the Punanga Nui Markets is cash-only with NZD currency.
- Tip: There is a BSP ATM at the entrance to the market that accepts international cards for cash withdrawals.
Where Exactly is the Punanga Nui Market?
It’s easy to find the Punanga Nui Market on a Saturday morning in Rarotonga as the town will already be abuzz.
The market is right next to the Avatiu Harbour and is well signposted with large signs visible from either direction.
What Food is Available at the Punanga Nui Market?
There are all kinds of island treats to try and food to buy at the Punanga Nui Market.
Some of our favourites that I can personally recommend include…
- A breakfast smoothie bowl from Fresh Fix Raro
- Banana Poke (have you tried this Cook Island dessert yet?)
- A bottle of tropical hot sauce from Paul’s Hot Sauce (these make the perfect gift and are sealed and the correct size to take home through customs).
- Refreshing shaved ice from Rarotonga Shaved Ice.
Be sure to grab a fresh nu (drinking coconut) from one of the fruit and vegetable stalls for the ultimate island experience as you wander and browse the Rarotonga market!
Cook Islands Souvenirs & Gifts From Punanga Nui Market
The markets are the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs to take home or buy some gifts (for yourself or family back home!).
There are all kinds of beautiful flower ei’s (flower head crowns); fresh ones and artificial ones that you can take home with you.
You’ll find locally made pearl jewellery, handcrafted tivaevae and local crochet style bags and cushion covers, woven bags and fans, earrings and more.
Have a look out for some of the beautiful handwoven rito earrings and hats. These crafts are handmade in the Northern Pa Enua (the Northern Cook Islands).
Check out my friend Matareka Tini’s handcrafted earrings and fans to the right side of the main stage. Matareka is from the most northern island of Penrhyn which is famous for these Rito crafts and the polished Mother of Pearl shell that is used.
The earrings are handcrafted and cost around NZD $30 for a beautiful souvenir or gift that is light and easy to carry.
Booking Tours for Rarotonga at the Saturday Punanga Nui Market
All the main tour operators and service providers in Rarotonga have stalls at Punanga Nui Market where you can find out all about the best attractions and activities.
It is helpful with staff there in front of you to talk to and ask if you have any questions and you can book it in on the spot.
Tips For Visiting the Saturday Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the heart of Rarotonga’s Saturday morning buzz.
- Get There Early: The markets open at 8:00am on a Saturday morning and it’s a good idea to go early as they have the widest selection of food on offer from the start.
- Bring a Straw: Bring your own reusable straw and cutlery so you can do your part to look after the beautiful Cook Islands environment.
- Cash: Bring NZD cash or Cook Islands coins as stalls are cash only.
- Bus: The bus in Rarotonga stops just outside Punanga Nui Market.
Remember – the markets are very popular on a Saturday with tourists and there are some stalls that often sell out!
All in all, the Saturday Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga is a true Cook Islands experience not to be missed!
Is There Parking at the Market?
It’s most convenient to park in the main street of Avarua. There is angle parking for cars on both sides of the main road leading away from the market, and plenty of parking for motorbikes and scooters close to the entrance.
Plus there is further parking around the back of the market on the grass to the side of Constitution Park.
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Renting A Car In Rarotonga.
- How To Buy A Car In Rarotonga.
- Finding And Renting A House In Rarotonga.
- Six Tattoo Artists: Getting A Tattoo In Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
- Getting Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.
- Is Dengue Fever A Worry For Travel To Rarotonga?
Travel Planning for Cook Islands & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before traveling to the Cook Islands!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.