THE AUSTRAL ISLANDS
The Austral Islands are part of one of the 5 archipelagos which compose French Polynesia. It represents a total area of 152km². The 7 islands of this archipelago are in the Southern part of French Polynesia, to the North-West of the Pacific Sud ocean.
These islands are well-known for their ancestral traditions: pandanus, niau (coconut palm) and ofe (local bamboo) braiding, traditional canoes, coffee, litchis, raspberry, and carrot fields.
Landscapes are luxuriant and enchanters. There are numerous caves which tell stories from the past generations. The blue of the lagoon and the Ocean call to navigation while the long white beaches invite to relaxation.
Number of islands : 7
Name of the islands : Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae, Rapa, Îles Maria, Marotiri
Surface area : 152km²
RURUTU
Rurutu is known as the main island of the Austral. Often considered as isolated, if we follow the main road ahead in the middle of rocks we discover charming villages.
Among the volcanic landscapes of Rurutu we can find caverns, caves, and cavities. Mitterrand and Ana A’oe caves are impressive by their stalagmites and stalactites of rocks. Approximatively at 385 meters above sea level is found the highest mountain of Rurutu, called Manureva, from here landscapes are more impressive.
Over there, the limestone folds are only available to the most experienced and knowledgeable.
One of the traditional activities there is the paeore (pandanus) braiding. This technique is preserved and passed on from generation to generation. From this tradition are born baskets, hats, carpets, or fans. This is the pride of the women of Rurutu.
Rurutu is also well known for its land. The specificity of this island is the coffee cultivation which is possible thanks to its tempered climate. The smell of the coffee hangs over the island. In the detours of many paths are found numerous other cultivations, here and there taro (tuber), potatoes, carrots, lettuce or even vanilla fields…
Rurutu is an authentic adventure and rich in learning both on a human and cultural level.
Distance from Tahiti to Rurutu : 572km
Flight time from Rurutu to :
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- Tubuai : 40min
- Raivavae : 50min
- Tahiti : 1h30
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Population : 2 466 (2017)
Surface area : 32.75km²
TUBUAI
Tubuai and its colored beaches where formerly Fletcher Christian and the Bounty rebels landed. More than twenty maraes (open sky temples) are in Tubai and this despite its 45km². One of them, Tonohae marae, is covering almost 600m² of surface, it is the most important on the island.
Framed by 8 motu (islets), the very fishy lagoon of Tubuai is spread over about 5km² which tends to impress.
Shades of blue appear as far as the eye can see such as fine sandy beaches well-known for their different colors. Sea beds are to the colors of the rainbow thanks to their flaming corals and colorful fishes. Whales’ songs are echoing in the distance during their annual stay in the warm waters of French Polynesia.
Thanks to its tempered climate, the plains of Tubuai let observe a panoply of fruits with exotic consonances: papayas, litchis, watermelons, melons… and a panoply of vegetables such as carrots and cabbages. The preserved waters of the lagoon offer to its inhabitants and visitors a regular abundance of all types of fishes, that are a delight for the visitors.
Distance from Tahiti to Tubuai : 646km
Flight time from Tubuai to :
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- Rurutu : 40min
- Raivavae : 40min
- Tahiti : 1h40
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Population : 2 217 (2017)
Surface area : 45km²
RAIVAVAE
Raivavae owns the most beautiful coral barrier of French Polynesia and this is its charm. Its culture and history are captivating.
Raivavae has stayed authentic despite the years. Its old-fashioned allure let us think that it stayed in another space-time where simplicity, human warmth, and sharing reign.
Distance from Tahiti to Raivavae : 630km
Flight time from Raivavae to :
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- Tubuai : 30min
- Rurutu : 50min
- Tahiti : 1h30
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Population : 937 (2017)
Surface area : 16km²
RIMATARA
Rimatara is considered as the most occidental island of Austral archipelago, it is also the smallest one in stature. What makes it special is its emblematic bird, ‘Ura, a rare and endemic species with bright colors.
Here again, the human warmth of its inhabitants leaves an unforgettable mark…. The smile of its inhabitants can only be contagious. This wonderful island abounds in many treasures: temples, marae (sacred temples), shells, protected creeks…
Distance from Tahiti to Rimatara : 550km
Flight time from Rimatara to :
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- Rurutu : 20min
- Tubuai : 40min
- Tahiti : 1h20
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Population : 885 (2017)
Surface area : 9km²
