There are two main centres on the island – Avarua, near the Airport and Muri Lagoon on the other side of the island. The latter is the special snorkelling spot and on the recommendation of friends, it was where we were to be based – it was a good decision.
We arrived on Friday night in the dark at Muri Beach Cottages, but the roar of the surf nearby was almost deafening. During the night it abated somewhat, and we awoke to discover the water of the lagoon lapping at the bottom of our garden.
Beyond the lagoon and one of the barrier islands, and the surf crashing on to the reef. Coconut palms sway in the breeze outside our room, laden with coconuts and flowering in preparation for a new crop. We are in heaven!
Punanga Nui Market
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- Tempting fruit at market
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- colourful ‘ei everywhere
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- Colour everywhere
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- food on sale
Saturday is market day near Avarua at the other end of the island. Easy enough to catch the local bus. One runs clockwise and one anti clockwise around the island once an hour. $5pp for one way – you can get a day pass, or a multiple trip ticket. Timetables are on most leaflets about Raro – giving an approximate time at your location.
The market is alive with colour, tropical fruit, island fabric and tourists. It is the place to be – first stop a tropical fruit smoothie, and some people watching.
The electric bike folk have a stall at the market, so it is easy for Cynthia to hire her electric bike, which luckily she has booked ahead – they are in great demand.
I hire an electric scooter, and we are set…
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