Avana Harbour (Ngatangiia)
Avana / Ngatangiia Harbour
A quiet harbor north of Muri, from which Māori voyaging canoe fleets are said to have set out around 1350 on the long journey to New Zealand.
Avana Harbour lies in the village of Ngatangiia and is a small natural harbor reaching into the lagoon on the island's east coast. According to oral tradition, around the 14th century seven double-hulled canoes set out from here, sailing to Aotearoa (New Zealand) and becoming the ancestors of the Māori. On the grassy shore stands a stone arrangement commemorating this 'Great Migration.' Small boats are moored in the harbor. The scenery is peaceful, and it pairs well with a visit to the Muri lagoon. It is also one of the departure points for kayaking.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Te Vara Nui Village
- Muri Night Market
- Te Ara – Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise
- Muri Lagoon & Beach
- Titikaveka Beach & Fruits of Rarotonga Snorkelling
- Maire Nui Gardens
- Arai-Te-Tonga Marae
- Takitumu Conservation Area