Want to get the most out of a market visit in Rarotonga? Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) gets practical advice from Mie, known as Mrs Q, one of the founders of the Punanga Nui Market.
One more practical note: Mrs Q points out that the range of food has broadened a lot. Where the market once had only local food, you can now find almost anything, so it works well as a lunch stop as well as a shopping trip. Flower ei are easy to find, and they make a lovely, simple gift or keepsake.
It is a short, useful listen for anyone putting together a Rarotonga day plan.
Tip three is understanding what you are supporting. The market grew from the huts of the 1992 Pacific Arts Festival and opened in 1993. It started small, took years to build, kept going through COVID with local people, and now has a new building. Mrs Q even encourages locals to bring produce to the market rather than selling on the roadside.
Tip two is knowing what to look for. Mrs Q lists island food and coconuts, a wide variety of other foods including Asian dishes, and flower ei, which she calls the number one item. At her stall you will find handmade earrings and jewellery from Northern Group shells and pearl shell, pareu including local tie-dye, and local oils. One oil is used for massage and rashes and is gentle for little kids, while monoi oil is used for sun tanning.
Tip one is timing. Mrs Q is at the market Monday to Sunday, and there is always something on, but weekdays are quieter. Saturday is the biggest day by far, when locals and tourists gather, so plan your Saturday morning around it.
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