Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.

After this visit, make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the white sandy beach.

The island of Rapa (or Rapa Iti) is the southernmost inhabited island of French Polynesia. It has a protected central bay and is surrounded by a ring of mountains; the island appears to be a sinking volcano with the bay as the caldera. There are with two villages located on the island: the main village of Ahurei and the smaller village of ‘Area. Within Ahurei there are 28 ridgetop fortresses, the best example of which is the fortress of Morunga Uta. Excavated in 1956 by William Mulloy from Wyoming and local helpers, this fort -as all the others too- would indicate local warfare by the 16th to 17th century. The two villages today have a combined population of 515 inhabitants and are famous throughout French Polynesia for their religious singing. Experience a folkloric presentation in Ahurei, or attend the local church and hear the singing.

Raivavae has been described as a smaller and laid-back version of Bora Bora –without the tourists. In addition to strolling the white sand beach of Mahanatoa on one of Raivavae Island’s motu (a local name for a reef islet), it is possible to circumnavigate the island by road to view a marae and lush greenery. All this is surrounded by the quintessence South Sea with its crystal clear waters and coconut palm tree fringes. Snorkelers may enjoy seeing the reef fish at one of the motu while tropicbirds, reef herons, and noddies glide overhead.

Rurutu is well known for her caves and cave dwellers of old. The island is a lifted atoll and the shorelines of steep cliffs are spectacular. The people of Rurutu Island welcome infrequent visitors with their drums beating and families singing in an invigorating welcome ceremony that includes island dancing. An adventure to Ana Ae’o cave may involve a convoy of the famous “Le Truck” vehicles not to mention bamboo-lit flares and native warriors chanting from high in the caves. The island also holds the sacred worship ground of the High chief of Rurutu -Marae Tararoa- and a lovely handicraft market.