Discover the Austral Islands: Rurutu, Tubuai and Raivavae

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive Tahiti

On arrival in Tahiti, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and check in for two nights. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing and resting after your long flight.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, transfer

Day 3: Tahiti

Today is your chance to explore Tahiti, an island that many people leave too quickly in their haste to reach the other islands. It’s a shame, as this lovely island has a stunning interior, as well as great surf and soft black sand beaches. We’ve included a 4WD excursion that will take you deep into the heart of the island, visiting ancient craters that will take you back in time.

The tour will take you along dirt roads and through shallow rivers to visit archaeological sites. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the lush mountains, stop to swim in waterfalls and hear stories from your local guide about Tahitian legends. Lunch isn’t included, but you’ll stop somewhere to eat, choose what you’d like and pay yourself.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, 4WD day tour of Tahiti            

Day 4: Fly to Tubuai

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport and take a short flight to the island of Tubuai. On arrival in Tubuai, you’ll be met at the airport and be taken to your guesthouse where you’ll check in for two nights.

Included: Flight, breakfast, dinner, transfers       

Day 5: Tubuai

Life is calm and quiet on Tubuai; a lush and fertile island tucked away from the spotlight. Just 1.5 hours from Tahiti by air, Tubuai sits inside a blue lagoon, with coffee and orange trees growing along its mountainsides. This island has many stories to tell, including the tale of the Bounty mutineers who tried to settle here before moving onwards to Pitcairn.

As well as learning the fascinating history of Tubuai, you can spend your here time kitesurfing, snorkelling in the lagoon and hiking through the green valleys. You’ll be staying in a family-run Tahitian guesthouse rather than a resort – it really is off-the-beaten-track living.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, breakfast & dinner           

Day 6: Fly to Rurutu

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport and fly to the neighbouring island of Rurutu. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your guesthouse.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, breakfast, flight, transfers        

Days 7 & 8: Rurutu 

Wild, rugged and staggeringly beautiful, Rurutu offers the wildlife experience of a lifetime. In July, the blazing red blooms of the atae tree trumpet the annual arrival of the humpback whales, who arrive here to breed in the warm waters. Every year between July and October, the whale-spotting is epic.

While you may not be able to stay in an overwater bungalow with 24-hour room service on Rurutu, you’ll have a unique chance to swim with wild humpback whales. There’s no lagoon here, so the deepwater offshore tempts the whales to come very near to the island. During the whale-watching season, you can even spend your evenings on the beach watching whales jump and splash in the peaceful ocean.

On Day 7, we’ve included a Whale Discovery Cruise. You’ll sail out on the boat looking for the humpbacks before slipping into the water and snorkelling alongside these gentle giants. Rurutu is one of the only places in the world you can do this, so enjoy every minute.

Please note that getting in the water with the whales is never guaranteed. The guide will assess the situation, ensuring the safety of both you and the animals.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, breakfast, dinner, whale discovery tour on 

Day 7.Day 9: Fly to Raivavae

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport and fly to the final Austral Island on your trip agenda - Raivavae. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your guesthouse.            

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, breakfast, dinner, transfers         

Day 10: Raivavae

Home to a jagged mountain with lush green hillsides, an unbelievably bright blue lagoon and white beaches to die for, Raivavae actually looks a lot like Bora Bora. The beaches on Raivavae are spectacular, but unlike Bora Bora, they are quiet. In fact, you’ll usually find yourselves alone on the powdery white sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.

There are motus (islets) dotted around the lagoon and the beautiful Motu Piscine (Swimming Pool Island), is a particularly special place. During your stay on Raivavae, take a walk or cycle along picturesque paths, where locals will greet you everywhere you go. Life is slow and peaceful here, and staying in a Tahitian guesthouse is like being welcomed into the family home. It’s a rustic, traditional and magical island.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, breakfast, dinner             

Day 11: Fly to Tahiti, ferry to Moorea

After breakfast, you’ll be met and taken to the airport for the flight to Tahiti. When you land, you’ll be driven straight to the pier, where you’ll catch the 30-minute ferry to Moorea. On arrival, you’ll check into your guesthouse for four nights.          

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, flight, breakfast, ferry, transfers 

Days 12 - 14: Moorea

With four nights to enjoy lush Moorea, you’ve got plenty of time to kick your shoes off and relax. Alternatively, if you're feeling energetic, you can get out and discover this beautiful island. Moorea is a green wonderland waiting to be explored. Take hikes along steep cliffs, swim in a bright blue lagoon where colourful fish and rays dance through the water and stretch out on unspoilt beaches that will blow you away.

After the remote and rustic beauty of the Austral Islands, Moorea will feel a little more built-up. The island is still relaxed but busy with visitors, making it a great place to come back to reality after your time off-grid. You’ll be staying at a Tahitian guesthouse with a lovely little pool, right next to a white sand beach. It’s the perfect spot to relax at the end of your holiday.

Included: Tahitian guesthouse, breakfast                      

Day 15: Depart Tahiti

Today, you’ll be driven back to the port for the 30-minute ferry journey to Tahiti, before being taken to the airport for your flight home.         

Included: Transfers, breakfast, ferry, international flight              

Day 17: Arrive UK