The Austral Islands are an archipelago of seven islands that lie about 350 miles south of Tahiti. Here is our guide to some of the activities you can enjoy on the four main islands of this tranquil and beautiful little corner of paradise: Tubuai, Rurutu, Raivavae and Rimatara.
Activities for all ages
It’s said that once you set foot on the islands, you’ll never want to leave. It is a unique archipelago, completely different from what you find anywhere else in The Islands of Tahiti. Tubuai is the largest island in the archipelago, and is known as the ‘breadbasket of Tahiti’, because of the abundance of fruit and vegetables grown there. Rurutu is an island of limestone caves, luxuriant vegetation and superb beaches
Humpback whales come to visit each year, and marine biologists from all over the world come to observe them. Raivavae is a spectacularly beautiful South Sea Island, with one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.
« Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. »
Rimatara, is home to the Kuhl’s lorikeet, also known as the vini ‘ura, an absolutely beautiful, but sadly, endangered, tiny parrot. Ideally, you should visit all four of these islands during your stay, and perhaps take in one or two of the smaller ones as well.
Did you know?
A large part of all the handicraft in French Polynesia comes from the Austral Islands. The mama of Tubuai, Rurutu, Raivavae and Rimatara are famed for their handwoven baskets, mats, hats and tifaifai quilts.
Practical information
There are regular flights from Tahiti to Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rimatara in the Austral Islands. These flights visit each island and you can catch the flight from one island to the next. You can also travel between the islands by boat. Your accommodation will be able to organize this for you. On the islands you can rent a car, motor scooter or bike.
Be inspired
Experiences
During your visit to the Austral Islands you can go hiking in the hills, swimming and snorkeling in the lagoons and diving in the passes. You can also dicover the superb creations of local craftswomen and enjoy the delicious fresh produce for which the islands are famed.
Our suggested itinerary
A few days in the Austral Islands
The first island you visit is Rurutu. There are caves to explore, mountains to climb and whales to observe. Then you travel to Tubuai to climb Mount Taitaa, visit some cultural sites and go for an excursion on the lagoon. In Raivavae, you visit the marae and meet the smiling tiki, before spending the rest of the day on Vaiamanu, the ‘swimming pool motu’. You finish your tour in Rimatara, where you’ll see the vini ‘ura, a beautiful endemic bird that’s threatened with extinction.
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