Plizio Visual Lab
CITC Warehouse Complex
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
The CITC Warehouse Complex is a major logistics and storage facility operated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation, the country's largest retailer and wholesaler. Located near Avatiu Harbour on Rarotonga, the complex comprises multiple warehouses totaling about 10,000 square meters. It stores a wide range of imported goods, including groceries, hardware, and household items, before distribution to retail outlets across the islands. CITC employs over 500 people nationwide. The warehouse complex has been expanded several times, most notably in the 1990s, to accommodate growing import volumes. The facility plays a critical role in maintaining supply chain stability for the isolated island nation.
- Location: Cook Islands
- Top sights: Cook Islands Library and Museum · Taputapuātea · Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church
- Nearby: Matavera (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 195 | 202 | 198 | 166 | 150 | 62 | 77 | 63 | 83 | 95 | 144 | 175 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The CITC Warehouse Complex serves as the primary logistics hub for the Cook Islands Trading Company, distributing imported consumer goods across the archipelago. Its extensive storage capacity makes it the backbone of retail supply on Rarotonga and outer islands.
Visiting
As a working industrial site, the warehouse complex is not open to public tours, but can be observed from the public road along its perimeter. Visitors should respect the security fencing and observe the activity from a safe distance outside.
Where to view it
The perimeter road features a clear view of the loading docks and container storage areas, especially during busy periods. For a broader perspective, the hillside above the industrial estate provides an overview of the entire complex.
Local products
No products are manufactured here; the complex is purely a storage and redistribution centre. The goods that pass through include a vast array of consumer items-from packaged food to household appliances-many of which end up in local shops.
Active season
Activity peaks shortly after cargo ships dock at Avatiu Harbour, typically several times per week. The complex operates throughout the year, with additional busy periods before holiday seasons when stockpiling occurs.
Nearby
Combine a visit with Avatiu Harbour to see both import arrival and distribution. The Avarua market and downtown shops are nearby and offer a direct retail encounter with the goods stored at CITC.
Geography
Facts
- Total warehouse floor area is approx. 10,000 m².
- The complex is located near Avatiu Harbour.
- CITC employs over 500 people nationwide.
- The company was founded in 1908.
- The complex was expanded in the 1990s.
- Storage volume is estimated at over 50,000 m³.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town CITC Warehouse Complex (10)
BCA Art Gallery🏛 museum
BCA Art Gallery is a museum with art exhibitions. It showcases works by local artists.
Galilea
Galilea is a Christian place of worship. Services and community meetings are held here.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Avarua. Serves the Catholic community.
The Little Red Gallery
The Little Red Gallery is a gallery. It hosts rotating art exhibitions.
Avatiu Harbour
Avatiu Harbour is a port in the Cook Islands. Used by fishing boats and cargo vessels.
Whale and Wildlife Centre
Whale and Wildlife Centre is an attraction. It provides information about whales and Cook Islands wildlife.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is CITC?
The Cook Islands Trading Company is the largest trading business in the country.
Can tourists shop there?
The warehouse complex is for wholesale, but CITC operates many supermarkets and shops for everyone.
Where is this complex located?
In the industrial zone of Avatiu, not far from the harbor.
What is stored there?
Everything from food to building materials for the entire island group.
Is the site open for public tours?
No, it is a purely commercial operational site with no tourist purpose.
CITC Warehouse Complex: where is it located?
CITC Warehouse Complex is located in Cook Islands.
CITC Warehouse Complex: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cook Islands Library and Museum, Taputapuātea, Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church.
CITC Warehouse Complex: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
CITC Warehouse Complex: why is it worth visiting?
The CITC Warehouse Complex is a major logistics and storage facility operated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation, the country's largest retailer and wholesaler.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Cook Islands →
Nearby cities
Nikao
Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.
Avarua
Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.
Matavera
Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.
Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.
Arorangi
Arorangi is a significant village on the western coast of Rarotonga.
Titikaveka
Titikaveka is located on the southern coast of Rarotonga and is known for its clear lagoons.
History & landmarks
Nature
Ikurangi
Ikurangi towers over the capital Avarua and is one of Rarotonga's most prominent landmarks due to its rugged profile.
Maungatea
Maungatea is a prominent peak on Rarotonga located west of the Cross-Island Track, dominating the Avatiu Valley.
Te Rua Manga
Also known as 'The Needle', this prominent rock pinnacle is one of the most recognizable geological landmarks on Rarotonga.
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)
A prominent rock spire in the center of Rarotonga that towers above the surrounding rainforest.
Te Manga
Te Manga is the highest peak on the island of Rarotonga and the entire Cook Islands.
Te Kou
Te Kou is the second highest elevation on Rarotonga, featuring a broad summit plateau with unique high-altitude flora.
🗺️
Takitumu Conservation Area
This protected area on Rarotonga was established to save the endemic Rarotonga Monarch.
More places
Takamoa Theological College
Founded in 1839, Takamoa College is the oldest theological school in the South Pacific.
National Culture Centre
The center, named after Sir Geoffrey Henry, houses the National Archives and Library.
CICC Avarua
The Avarua Christian Church was built in 1853 from coral limestone.
National Museum of the Cook Islands
The museum displays an extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical sea charts.
Para-O-Tane Palace
Para-O-Tane Palace is the historic seat of the Makea Nui Ariki.
Library and Museum Society
This volunteer-run institution preserves a significant collection of Pacific literature and historical artifacts in Avarua.
Beachcomber Building
This 1845 building was originally constructed as a mission school from coral stone.
Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church
Built in 1853 using coral lime, this church serves as the historic religious center of the capital.