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Seven Canoes Monument

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Seven Canoes Monument at Avana Harbour on Rarotonga is a site of immense cultural and historical importance for the entire Polynesian triangle. It marks the traditional departure point for the 'Great Migration' around 1350 AD, when a fleet of large ocean-going voyaging canoes set sail for New Zealand (Aotearoa). The monument consists of seven basalt stones arranged in a permanent circle, each symbolizing one of the legendary canoes, such as the Tainui, Te Arawa, and Kurahaupo, that carried the ancestors of the Maori people across the Pacific. Avana Harbour was chosen by the ancient navigators because of its unique passage through the reef, which allowed heavy vessels to exit the lagoon safely. Today, the monument stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and sophisticated navigational skills of early Polynesians. It remains a sacred space that highlights the deep ancestral ties between the Cook Islands and the Maori of New Zealand, often serving as a focal point for cultural ceremonies and historical commemorations.

Location: Cook Islands
Top sights: Arore · Te Vara Nui Village · Captain Tamas Lagoon Cruizes
Nearby: Avarua (7 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	23	24	25
Rain mm	185	197	187	158	133	62	84	66	86	92	147	177

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Seven Canoes Monument is an outdoor memorial at Avana Harbour on Rarotonga, accessible at any time without restrictions. Entry is free and you can walk right up to the stones from the shoreline.

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Typical hours

As an open-air monument, there are no set opening hours and it is accessible 24/7. Typical advice is to visit early morning or at sunset for the best lighting conditions.

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Photography

Photography is freely allowed, and the seven stones make great subjects for souvenir shots. The backdrop of the harbour and palms enhances the pictures significantly.

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Time needed

A brief stop takes about 15-20 minutes to view the stones and take photos. If you explore the surrounding harbour area, you can easily spend half an hour here.

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Combine with

The same harbour hosts several restaurants and a small market, great for a break. The nearby Avarua town centre is just a few minutes' walk and provides shops and cafés.

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Getting there

The monument is right at Avana Harbour, about a 10-minute walk from Avarua town centre. By car, drive along the coastal road and park at the harbour; parking is ample.

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Insider tip

Visit early morning when the light is soft and few tourists are around. Combine the stop with a stroll along the harbour promenade for a calm start to the day.