Te Ara – Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise
Te Ara
A small museum in Muri covering the Cook Islands' voyaging migrations, black pearls, traditional crafts and modern economy, with a café and craft shop on site.
Te Ara Museum stands beside the main road in Muri. Its galleries are compact but well curated, using panels, artifacts and video to tell how the ancestors of Cook Islanders crossed the ocean in double-hulled canoes, the traditional society and beliefs, the changes that followed the arrival of missionaries, and modern industries including black pearls, fishing and tourism. It is a good place to learn about local culture before setting out to explore the island. Admission is about NZ$10. The museum has a café and a shop selling works by local artists.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri approx. 9:00 am–4:00 pm; half day on Saturdays (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Muri Lagoon & Beach
- Muri Night Market
- Te Vara Nui Village
- Titikaveka Beach & Fruits of Rarotonga Snorkelling
- Avana Harbour (Ngatangiia)
- Maire Nui Gardens
- Takitumu Conservation Area
- Arai-Te-Tonga Marae