Black Rock (Tuoro)
Tuoro
A black volcanic rock jutting into the lagoon on the northwest coast, said to be where the spirits of the dead depart for their ancestral homeland of Avaiki. It is also a fine spot for watching the sunset.
Tuoro is a black basalt outcrop on the seaside west of the airport, rising from the white sand beach. According to local legend, the souls of the dead set off from here and travel along the sea road back to their ancestral homeland of Avaiki. The lagoon beside the rock has moderate depth, with plenty of coral and fish, making it one of the snorkelling spots on the west coast. You can climb onto the rocks to photograph the coastline and the sunset. Low-flying planes taking off and landing can be seen nearby. Note that waves are strong at high tide, and there are undercurrents near the reef openings.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Raemaru (Flat Top Mountain) Hike
- Cook Islands Whale & Wildlife Centre
- Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
- Punanga Nui Market
- Cross-Island Track (Te Rua Manga)
- Avarua & Avatiu Harbour
- Aroa Marine Reserve (Aroa Beach)
- Cook Islands Christian Church, Avarua