Austral Islands

Embarking on the Aranui 5, a warm welcome awaits as the Polynesian crew initiates the journey to the Austral Islands.

Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique because of its geological structure, surprising as one does not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches, and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. Throughout Polynesia, is known for its exceptional quality of basketry, such as beautiful hats, bags, baskets, or rugs made of pandanus leaves and other natural materials. Aranui at anchor, off Rurutu, passengers disembark, after lunch on board, by tender on the “Moerai” dock where welcomed with a performance of local songs. Enjoy some free time in the peaceful village of Moerai.

On the second day, a flower welcome, accompanied by Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele”, guitars, and drums. Board the trucks, time to visit wonders of the island. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches, and beautiful bays offering breathtaking views. The island’s fertile soil and cooler climate are suitable for growing coffee and taro. A traditional and typical Rurutu meal served at the mayor’s house with the opening of the “umu’ai”. Enjoy the white sandy beach of Vitaria and its lagoon. Every year, from August to September, humpback whales can be seen and heard in Rurutu, where they come to mate and give birth. The Aranui 5 being there in September, is a delight for your eyes and ears. This activity is offered as an option with the visit of the Mole’e cave, nicknamed “the mouth of the monster” for experienced hikers (registration at the reception).

The Aranui disembarks at the “Taanini” dock. A small circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island of the archipelago to be discovered in the 19th century by Captain Samuel Pinder Henry, preserves its old traditions, including its own dialect. Home to an endemic bird, the amazing and colorful Kuhl’s Lori, the “Ura”, which is also found in the Cook Islands. After passing through a purification smoke ceremony, an ancient tradition of welcome, discover the main villages, Amaru, Anapoto, and Motuaura by mini-bus or truck. In the old cemetery of Amaru, facing the sea, lies the entire lineage of kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. An old legend says that one should never make faces in front of the royal tomb; otherwise, one remains disfigured for the rest of life. A barbecue is served on the beach of Motuaura. Its crystal-clear waters invite a dive with a mask and snorkel. Covered with taro plants and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flower garden with a freshwater well. A bird-watching excursion to discover the red parakeet “Ura” is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).

Tubuai, the most populated island of the Austral Islands, greets passengers at the landing stage of Bloody Bay. At the town hall, a wreath of flowers and the sounds of local music await. Attend art and craft demonstrations featuring pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making, unique to the island. The fertile soil and cooler climate support the growth of cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Day activities include visiting cultural sites by truck, such as the marae of "PO TUI TUI," Fort George (the first refuge of the mutineers of the Bounty from July to September 1789), and Bloody Bay, a witness to the fighting between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch is served on board, and the beach of Bloody Bay invites exploration with a mask and snorkel. Certified diving is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean during the crossing to Rimatara? Lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands give a complete overview of this civilization. During the cruise, the spirited Polynesian crew proudly introduces their way of life and entertains with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele,” guitars, and drums.

As you approach Rapa, only accessible by sea, the Captain may announce: “Welcome to Rapa. Next stop Antarctica”. As the southernmost inhabited island of French Polynesia, this crescent-shaped land mass — with a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays —is as remote as it gets. Rapa is Easter Island’s little sister. It has a temperate climate, and no coral or coconut trees, but fruits and vegetables other than tropical ones are plentiful here: apples, peaches, nectarines… The Aranui disembarks at the dock in Ahurei. Passengers are greeted with flower wreaths, to the typical sounds and rhythms of Rapa. Trucks await, heading to the cultural center. Discover how the “mamas” make local crafts: hats and baskets made of reed (a fragile material) and bamboo crafts. A local meal is served on land. On Rapa, a two-and-a-half-hour walk to Fort Morango Uta is proposed. A Polynesian evening with a plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or in the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on the weather conditions.

Among the other activities on offer during a one-and-a-half-day stopover in Rapa, visit Ahurei, the main village of the island, explore ancient fortresses, visit an agricultural production center, discover local arts and crafts, meet the inhabitants of this isolated island, and share a ma’a over a wood fire in the village.

It is said that Raivavae is the “Bora Bora of yesteryear” and that its lagoon is the most beautiful in Tahiti & her islands. A jewel preserved by its inhabitants; the island is a veritable garden of Eden where visitors fall under her spell. When the Aranui is at anchor, passengers disembark by tender onto Mahanatoa beach where passengers are welcomed with wreaths of flowers, to the sound of Raivavae songs and rhythms. Departure by bus for a tour of the island. Do not miss the visit of the “Smiling Tiki” and the marae scattered around the island. Of course, inhabitants serve a typical Raivavae buffet on Mahanatoa beach. Take advantage of the remaining time to walk around the village or discover its lush lagoon with a mask and snorkel. The discovery of Mount Hiro is offered as an option (sign-up at the reception).

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean on the return to the Society Islands? Lectures on the culture and history of the passenger-freighter Aranui 5 give a complete overview of the philosophy and valuable contributions made by the company. Faithful to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment remains traditional: initiation to Polynesian songs, and Tahitian dance, without forgetting shows and dances under the stars.

In the Polynesian triangle, Raiatea, formerly known as Havai’i, is considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first Polynesian island to be populated by sailors and navigators, it is here that all migrations to the three points of the triangle, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Easter Island, began. The Aranui disembarks at the dock, and passengers are greeted, with a tiare flower, to the sounds of the “to’ere”. Buses await visitors to explore the most spectacular marae in the Polynesian triangle, Taputapuatea, a 1,000-year-old open-air temple now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the religious and spiritual center of all Polynesia. After lunch, the afternoon is spent visiting the town of Uturoa, its stores, and crafts on the waterfront.

Arriving in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, greeted by the majestic “Mount Otemannu”, the highest peak on the island. Enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal clear waters, the “Motu Tapu”. Choose from a variety of optional excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, boat and motorized canoe tours of the lagoon, and swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II, and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on a 4X4 tour. Departure in the evening for Papeete.

Disembark at Papeete, Tahiti, bringing with you the experience of a lifetime and memories to treasure. This marks the end of the journey. It's time to bid Nānā! (Goodbye) to travel companions, the Polynesian staff, and the Aranui guides.