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Papamoa Mercantile Mall
Papamoa is a town in the Central District of the Cook Islands archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. It is one of the largest towns on the islands with a population of around 5,000 people. It is famous for its Friday market, which attracts traders from across the country.
The local economy is built on fishing and growing copra (analogue of coconut) plantations. The town used to be famous for its copra refinery, the only one in the country, but since 2019 it has been closed down. There are also plans to build a hotel on the site.
In January 2020, the government of the Cook Islands granted a permit for a private childcare provider to open a childcare center in the town. The facility will be the first of its kind in the country and is anticipated to take in 12 children aged between 3 and 7 years. The children will attend morning classes before heading off to school and afterschool activities. The center will be co-ed but will have a primary caregiver for each child.
daycare papamoa History Papamoa was originally founded as a British settler town back in the 19th century and was later upgraded to a city. The name means ‘child's play' in English. It was previously known as Awutu ako and Rarotonga, until it was decided to change the name of the latter to avoid any confusion.
What To Look Forward To The childcare center in Papamoa will bring much needed childcare facilities to the town, as there are currently none. It will also be a boon for parents who want to take a break from their jobs or studies to look after their children and not have to worry about finding childcare.
Key Facts About the Town The town's climate is warm and pleasant all year round, with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The only bad seasons are from November to April, when it can get terribly cold and wet, making the area a popular destination for tropical rainforest walks and nature treks.
The majority of the town's residents are of Polynesian descent. There are also a sizeable number of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern people. Most of those living in the town are engaged in farming and fishing, although the proportion of people working in services is increasing.
The town is known for its beautiful black volcanic soil, which is highly prized for its quality when tilled and planted with crops. It is a largely self-sufficient community, with fruits, vegetables, and coffee all being farmed. While there is no exact data available, it is estimated that 90% of the town's food is grown locally.
The Town's Largest Shopping Mall The largest shopping mall in Papamoa is the Mercantile Mall, which has over 150 stores and attractions. It is an enclosed shopping mall that was built in the early 2000s and is anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, a Coles store, and an IGA. The mall is also home to a movie theater, restaurants, and coffee shops.
List Of Local Hotels Papamoa is home to a number of five-star and four-star resorts, as well as smaller accommodation options such as B&Bs and campsites. Some of these are locally owned and operated, while others are affiliated with luxury brands such as Eden Gardens and the Mangrove Island Resort and Spa. There is also a growing number of Airbnb listings in the area.
Luxury Attractions There are various options for those who want to have a relaxing vacation in the gorgeous town of Papamoa. One way is to head to one of the luxury attractions nearby. These resorts provide guests with exquisite cuisine, sumptuous accommodation, and a range of adventure activities, including tours around the islands and water sports on gorgeous tropical lakes.
One of the best-known luxury attractions in the area is the 42-room Ocean Palace Resort, which overlooks the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka. It is not only home to some of the most breathtaking views, but the whole resort is designed in a nautical theme that gives it a casual seaside feel. The decor is eclectic, with influences from the Orient and Europe. For those who stay there, the resort provides a range of activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving. There are also three private rainforest-backed beaches, two of which are perfect for sunbathing.
Local Markets One of the town's most popular attractions is its weekly market, which is open every Friday and features locally produced food, clothing, and craft items. It is also the place to find the best coffee in the islands, offered by local cafes, as well as fresh baked goods and tropical fruits such as pineapples and mangoes. There is also a large number of art galleries and souvenir shops in the market, along with a variety of restaurants and bars.
Shopping Districts There are also several smaller shopping centers in Papamoa, including the Harbor Mall and the Coconut Mall, both of which feature local produce, crafts, and jewelry. There is also a Daily Newspaper Shop, which sells mainly Cook Island products and has a small selection of gifts and souvenirs for travelers.
Medical Facilities Papamoa is home to several medical clinics and hospitals, including the Central District Hospital, which has 24-hour emergency services and provides out-patient care as well as general and surgical clinics. There is also a dental clinic and a walk-in medical clinic.
Those needing more serious healthcare may be referred to larger centers in the region, including Rarotonga and Aitutaki, which both have 24-hour emergency services and are equipped with everything needed for the most complex surgical procedures.
Transport Options Papamoa Airport has daily connections to both Taipei and Sydney, with one- and two-night stopovers available. There is also a weekly flight to Auckland, New Zealand, and a twice-weekly service to Tahiti. Visitors who want to take a direct flight to the island of Nuku Alofa, which is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, will have to make a stop in Tauranga, and then continue on to the airstrip on Alofa. Direct charter flights are available from Honolulu to Awutu ako Airport on a Saturday and Sunday, with connection times to the island's other major airports, as well as a stopover in Honolulu on the way.
There is a taxi service available at the airport, which provides transport to and from the center of town. The fare is around $12 per person and the minimum charge is $40. Call 0800-666-733 to make a booking.
What About Education? There are three primary schools (Anglican, Catholic, and Public), one secondary school (Herbert Robinson Campus), and one special needs school in Papamoa. Parents who want their children to attend school in the town must apply for a permit from the government, as space is limited. Classes are held on the Herbert Robinson Campus, which is named after the man who started the first secondary school in the country. It has a beautiful grassy playing field as well as several smaller sports fields and a tennis court.
Papamoa is home to numerous universities, including the University of the Cook Islands, which has campuses in both the town and Rarotonga. Those who want to study in the area can do so at the University of the Cook Islands, or at a private university, such as the University of Sydney or the University of Queensland.
Where Can I Travel To From Here? Papamoa is right in the middle of the Central District, which is part of the island of Rarotonga. It is also close to the capital, Avarua, as well as several other major towns and cities, including Saumura, Maiao, and Uturoa. Travelers from abroad can arrive at the town's international airport, which is connected to both Taipei and Sydney, as well as regular connections to Auckland, New Zealand, and other major Australian cities.
There are also a number of smaller airports around the islands, with connections to both major cities and smaller rural communities.

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