|  South
Pacific/French Polynesia/Tahitian Islands
The
118 islands of French Polynesia are specks in the vast
South Pacific Ocean. They are divided into five groups:
the Society Islands (which include Tahiti), the Tuamotus,
the Marquesas, the Australs and the Gambiers.
Only six of the islands are larger than 100 sq km, and
the northernmost island, Hatutu, is more than 2000km
from the southernmost island, Rapa. The nearest continental
land masses are Australia, 5200km to the west, and South
America, 6000km to the east. The territory's nearest
Pacific neighbour is the Cook Islands, to the west.
Europeans settled the islands in the 19th century. Having
enchanted centuries of westerners, the islands attract
travelers seeking pristine natural beauty and the free
spirit of the Polynesians. Tahiti
is many islands, actually several groups of volcanic
peaks and atolls spreading over thousands of miles of
ocean, each with its own unique flavor and charms, from
the broad lagoon of Rangiroa to the bustling marketplace
of Papaete. Today Tahiti and her islands are a remarkable
blend of new and old. Where tradition and modern comforts
meet. The people of these islands are a fusion of many
races and cultures yet define the Polynesian way of
life. The past is part of the present. Probably
one of the most usual tours on the island of Tahiti
is a two day trek into the island's interior. On your
hike you'll pass through lushly foliaged valleys, swim
in mountain pools and spend the evening in the small
and exclusive Relais de la Maroto which is noted for
their extensive collection of wines. Unless
you feel exceptionally fit the jagged mountain terrain
of Huahine is best explored by horseback. Scattered
throughout the island are sacred sites that mark some
of Polynesia's earliest habitation. On this full day
trip your guide will tell you of the island's history,
so in addition to panoramic views you'll gain a better
understanding of its people.
Tahiti is the birth place of surfing and there
are popular breaks at Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea. Other
islands, particularly Huahine and Moorea, offer surfers
clean consistent swell in warm uncrowded waters. The
October-to-March period brings swells from the north
and between April and September southerly winds bring
heavy swells up from the Antarctic region.
Polynesia
- Port City - Bora Bora
The main island, in the
center of the spectacular lagoon, is surrounded by offshore
motu islets and a ring of protective coral. Some of
the best snorkeling and diving spots can be found here.
Circle the island on a Polynesian outrigger canoe. Snorkel
along the coral garden and get acquainted with the friendly
fish. Participate in a shark feeding.
Polynesia - Port
City - Moorea
Called the garden island and described
by many as the most beautiful place on earth, this striking
island offers an unforgettable feast for the eyes. The
volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of
its spectacular bays, rise like a gigantic shark’s
teeth from the island’s verdant base and white
sand beaches border turquoise lagoons. Polynesia
- Port City - Nuku Hiva
The largest island in the
Marquises archipelago, its beauty is breathtaking. Visit
the spectacular waterfall in the Hakaui Valley and swim
in its refreshing pool. Discover old stone tikis and
sacred sites from the days of cannibal tribes. Polynesia
- Port City - Papeete
Ia Orana! Welcome! When you
visit Tahiti you’ll discover why it is called the
Polynesian paradise. With its spectacular waterfalls,
verdant rainforest, and mountainous peaks, its dramatic
beauty will enthrall you. Oceania
- The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are located
in the South Pacific, about 1875 miles (3015 km) north-east
of Auckland, 3100 miles (4985 km) north-east of Sydney,
and 3610 miles (5815 km) south-east of Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea. The Cooks' nearest neighbours are
Tahiti to the east and American Samoa to the west, each
roughly 1500km (930mi) away. About equal in total land
area to the Australian Capital Territory or the US state
of Rhode Island, the Cook Islands are spread across
some 2 million sq km (772,200 sq mi) of sea, an area
as large as Western Europe. Polynesia
- The Austral Archipelago
Due south of the Societies,
and strung along the Tropic of Capricorn, are the Austral
islands. The Australs are famous for their arts - elaborate
woodcarvings and enormous stone tikis - although the
missionaries succeeded in destroying the ancient techniques
and today there are almost no traditional artisans.
The Australs are quite varied, although they have none
of the fecund vegetation of the Societies to the north,
and feature limestone caverns, ruined temples (maraes)
and hilltop fortresses (pas) on the territory's southernmost
island, Rapa. Polynesia
- The Gambier Archipelago
Not many travellers
make it out to the remote Gambier islands, in the south-eastern
pocket of French Polynesia, and tourism has made virtually
no impact here. French Polynesia's first Catholic mission
was established here in 1834 and the entire population
was quickly converted. Father Honoré Laval, the leader
of the mission, quickly ensconced established himself
as a despotic ruler of the region. Polynesia
- The Marquesas
The Marquesian island of Hiva Oa
was once the administrative capital of the Marquesas
but now those duties are handled by Nuku Hiva to the
north. Hiva Oa still dominates the southern group of
the archipelago and is the island where both Paul Gauguin
and Belgian singer/poet Jacques Brel finally settled.
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