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CICC Avarua

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CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)

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The Avarua Christian Church (CICC) is the most significant historic religious site in Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands. Completed in 1853, the church is a striking example of colonial-era architecture, constructed using large blocks of white coral limestone sourced from the surrounding reefs. Built by the London Missionary Society (LMS), it stands as a testament to the arrival of Christianity in the mid-19th century and its profound impact on local society. The interior is characterized by traditional wood carvings and a peaceful, airy atmosphere. The adjacent graveyard is equally notable, serving as the final resting place for influential figures such as the pioneering missionary John Williams. Today, the church remains a bustling center for the community, famous for its Sunday services where congregants dress in traditional white attire and perform powerful, multi-part hymns known as 'imene tuki', which blend indigenous music with choral traditions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262727262524232323242526
Rain mm1952021981661506277638395144175

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
CICC Avarua, the Avarua Christian Church built of coral limestone, is open to visitors. The interior can be visited during the day when no services are taking place.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open daily, but hours may vary depending on the service schedule. It is advisable to check current times at the church door or online.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed, but without flash or tripod to maintain the peace. Please respect the privacy of worshippers and avoid disturbance.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for the interior and the surrounding cemetery. Those wanting to learn more about the church's history can read the on-site information materials.
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Combine with
The church is in the heart of Avarua; combine the visit with the nearby Beachcomber Building and the market. The museum of the Cook Islands Library and Museum Society is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
CICC Avarua is centrally located on the main street and easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the city centre. Parking is available on side streets, or you can use a bicycle, common in Avarua.
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Insider tip
Come early in the morning when the sun paints the coral limestone walls gold - a beautiful sight. Combine the visit with breakfast at one of the nearby cafés.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.20500, -159.77700

Facts

  • The church was founded in 1853.
  • The current building was rebuilt in 1955.
  • The church steeple is about 25 meters high.
  • The church seats 500 people.
  • The congregation has about 1,000 members.
  • The church was rebuilt after a cyclone in 1952.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

National Culture CentreNational Culture Centre<1 km · SEExplore →
Marae Arai-te-tongaMarae Arai-te-tonga2 km · NEExplore →
MaungateaMaungatea2 km · EExplore →
NikaoNikao3 km · SExplore →
Rarotonga BreweryRarotonga Brewery4 km · NEExplore →
Te Manga Cloud ForestTe Manga Cloud Forest4 km · NEExplore →
Te KouTe Kou4 km · EExplore →
Raemaru Forest ReserveRaemaru Forest Reserve5 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town CICC Avarua (10)

St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Avarua is the main Catholic church of the Cook Islands.

BCA Art Gallery🏛 museum

The BCA Art Gallery in Avarua exhibits contemporary art by local artists.

Cook Islands Museum🏛 museum

The Cook Islands Museum exhibits collections of island art and history.

Taputapuātea

Taputapuātea is an archaeological site with traditional stone structures.

Galilea

Galilea is a Christian church in Avarua, holding regular services.

Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church

The Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church is a central Protestant church.

Cook Islands Library and Museum🏛 museum

The Cook Islands Library and Museum holds books and historical artifacts.

The Little Red Gallery

The Little Red Gallery in Avarua sells artworks and handicrafts.

Avatiu Harbour

Avatiu Harbour is the main port of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Whale and Wildlife Centre

The Whale and Wildlife Centre provides information on whales and wildlife of the Cook Islands.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do services take place?
The main service is Sundays at 10:00 AM; visitors are warmly welcomed.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, respectful clothing is required (shoulders and knees covered).
What is special about its architecture?
The church was built in 1853 from coral lime and is a landmark of Avarua.
Is photography allowed during the service?
Photography is usually not permitted during the service so as not to disturb the worship.
Where is the historical graveyard located?
It is located right next to the church and houses graves of famous missionaries and chiefs.
CICC Avarua: where is it located?
CICC Avarua is located in Cook Islands.
CICC Avarua: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Joseph's Cathedral, BCA Art Gallery, Cook Islands Museum.
CICC Avarua: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
CICC Avarua: why is it worth visiting?
The Avarua Christian Church (CICC) is the most significant historic religious site in Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Nikao — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Nikao
Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.
Avarua — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Avarua
Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.
Matavera — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Matavera
Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.
Ngatangiia — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.
Arorangi — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Arorangi
Arorangi is a significant village on the western coast of Rarotonga.
Titikaveka — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Titikaveka
Titikaveka is located on the southern coast of Rarotonga and is known for its clear lagoons.

History & landmarks

Punanga Nui Market — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the commercial heart of Rarotonga, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods.
Rarotonga — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Rarotonga
The most populous island of the Cook Islands is of volcanic origin and surrounded by a coral reef.

Nature

Ikurangi — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Ikurangi
Ikurangi towers over the capital Avarua and is one of Rarotonga's most prominent landmarks due to its rugged profile.
Maungatea — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Maungatea
Maungatea is a prominent peak on Rarotonga located west of the Cross-Island Track, dominating the Avatiu Valley.
Te Rua Manga — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Te Rua Manga
Also known as 'The Needle', this prominent rock pinnacle is one of the most recognizable geological landmarks on Rarotonga.
Te Atukura — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Te Atukura
Te Atukura is a significant peak in the rugged interior of Rarotonga, forming part of the Te Manga mountain massif.
Te Rua Manga (The Needle) — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
A prominent rock spire in the center of Rarotonga that towers above the surrounding rainforest.
Te Manga — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Te Manga
Te Manga is the highest peak on the island of Rarotonga and the entire Cook Islands.
Te Kou — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Te Kou
Te Kou is the second highest elevation on Rarotonga, featuring a broad summit plateau with unique high-altitude flora.
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Takitumu Conservation Area
This protected area on Rarotonga was established to save the endemic Rarotonga Monarch.

More places

National Culture Centre — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
National Culture Centre
The center, named after Sir Geoffrey Henry, houses the National Archives and Library.
Takamoa Theological College — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Takamoa Theological College
Founded in 1839, Takamoa College is the oldest theological school in the South Pacific.
National Museum of the Cook Islands — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
National Museum of the Cook Islands
The museum displays an extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical sea charts.
Library and Museum Society — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Library and Museum Society
This volunteer-run institution preserves a significant collection of Pacific literature and historical artifacts in Avarua.
Beachcomber Building — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Beachcomber Building
This 1845 building was originally constructed as a mission school from coral stone.
Para-O-Tane Palace — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Para-O-Tane Palace
Para-O-Tane Palace is the historic seat of the Makea Nui Ariki.
Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church
Built in 1853 using coral lime, this church serves as the historic religious center of the capital.
CITC Warehouse Complex — CICC Avarua (Cook Islands)
CITC Warehouse Complex
The Cook Islands Trading Company's warehouse complex is the largest logistics hub for consumer goods in the entire archipelago.